CONVERSION OF HEXAMINE DINITRATE INTO DINITRO PENTAMETHYLENE TETRAMINE: FOLLOW-UP AND KINETIC MODEL SELECTION

Abstract

Synthesis of cyclotetramethylene tetramine through the action of nitrating mixture formed of ammonium nitrate and fuming nitric acid on hexamine in presence of acetic acid, acetic anhydride and p-formaldehyde has been proven. The pathway is relatively long and hexamine dinitrate and dinitro pentamethylene tetramine (DPT) are two of the main intermediate compounds. The former was prepared, purified, and then characterized. Conversion of this compound into the latter has been followed up experimentally. Different kinetic models have been tested. The unreacted core model proved to be applicable and the surface reaction was found to be controlling.