Abstract:
A method for destroying organic explosives, such as RDX and HMX, by hydroolysis comprises contacting liquors containing waste explosive, produced in the manufacture and processing of the explosives, with hydrogen in the presence of a heterogeneous hydrogenation catalyst, such as nickel-on-kieselguhr, for a sufficient period to destroy the explosives. The method is simple and economic and destroys the explosives, which are considered to be toxic, hazardous and non-biodegradable in soil and hence are not amenable to landfill or discharge into rivers etc., thereby eliminating or reducing the attendant pollution problems to acceptable levels.
Abstract:
Poly(vinylazide) having less then 1.5 percent chlorine. The product, i.e.,oly(vinylazide) being the reaction product of poly(vinylchloride) and sodium or lithium azide by heating the gel product for an extended period of time in the presence of the azide reactant.
Abstract:
1,3,5,7-Tetranitroxyadamantane is a novel propellant having desirably low pact sensitivity. It can be prepared by reacting 1,3,5,7-tetrahydroxyadamantane or 1,3,5,7-tetraacetoxyadamantane with mixed conc. nitric and sulfuric acids.
Abstract:
The invention provides a novel explosive compound 1,3,5,7-tetranitroadamane, which possesses high explosive energy combined with excellent impact and thermal stability. The novel compound can be prepared by oxidation of 1,3,5,7-tetraaminoadamantane with permanganate.
Abstract:
2,2',4,4',6,6'-hexanitrostilbene, a thermally stable explosive material, isrepared by reacting 2,2',4,4',6,6'-hexanitrobibenzyl with a quinone in a suitable reaction solvent such as hexamethyl phosphoric triamide, dimethyl sulfoxide and N-methyl-pyrrolidinone. The use of organic bases to promote the reaction and to allow the use of normally inoperative reaction solvents is also disclosed.
Abstract:
2,2',4,4',6,6'-Hexanitrostilbene is produced by reacting 2,2',4,4',6,6'-hnitrobibenzyl with copper sulfate in hexamethylphosphoric triamide as a reaction solvent. The HNS product can be thus produced in greater than 80% yields.
Abstract:
There is disclosed a process for converting 2,2', 4,4', 6,6'-hexanitrobibyl (HNBB) to 2,2', 4,4', 6,6'-hexanitrostilbene (HNS) in high yields by reacting HNBB with a halogenating agent in the presence of a base in an organic solvent or a liquid suspending agent. A preferred halogenating agent is bromine; a preferred base is pyridine; a preferred solvent is dimethylformamide; and a preferred liquid suspending agent is toluene or chlorobenzene.
Abstract:
Crude TNT is purified by heating with an aqueous mixture of magnesium sulfite and magnesium bisulfite, whereby TNT is recovered in high yield and purity. The spent aqueous solution can be furnaced to recover magnesium oxide, which can be recycled to the process.
Abstract:
Unsymmetrical TNT isomers are removed from solid or molten crude TNT by treatment with aqueous ammonium sulfite. The yield of purified TNT is significantly greater by treatment with aqueous ammonium sulfite than with conventional sodium sulfite ("sellite") at acceptable levels of isomer removal. By use of ammonium bisulfite together with ammonium sulfite or operation in a closed system to avoid loss of ammonia, high yields of TNT with essentially complete removal of TNT isomers can be obtained at low sulfite levels.