2,4 Dinitroanisole (DNAN)

Abstract

DNAN was historically used as an explosive in warheads containing Amatol 40 and is currently being investigated as a replacement for 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene (TNT) in melt-cast insensitive munitions (IM) formulations. Alternatives with suitable chemical and physical properties have been sought. 2,4-Dinitroanisole (DNAN) is a promising alternative that prima facie appears to possess adequate properties and, by virtue of reduced sensitivity, may enable the development of a new class of low sensitivity melt-cast formulations for use in Insensitive Munitions (IM). This chapter provides an overview of DNAN including its synthesis, characterization, and basic properties. In addition, the sensitivity and explosive properties of various DNAN-based formulations (containing RDX and/or NTO) are discussed.