HEXAHYDRO-1,3,5-TRINITRO-1,3,5-TRIAZINE

Description

Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-s-triazine is a whitecrystalline compound; Boiling point=.260℃; Freezing/Melting point=203-204℃; Exothermicdecomposition=100℃; Hazard Identification (based onNFPA-704 M Rating System): Health 2, Flammability(explosive), Reactivity (see incompatibilities). Insoluble inwater

Chemical properties

Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-S-triazine is a white crystalline compound.

The Uses of HEXAHYDRO-1,3,5-TRINITRO-1,3,5-TRIAZINE

Cyclonite is a high explosive and principal constituent of plastic bombs. It is preparedby treating hexamethylenetetramine with nitric acid,ammoniumnitrate,andaceticanhydride: It is also used as a rat poison.

The Uses of HEXAHYDRO-1,3,5-TRINITRO-1,3,5-TRIAZINE

High explosive; rodenticide.RDX is a convulsant.

Definition

ChEBI: An N-nitro compound that is 1,3,5-triazinane in which all three of the hydrogens attached to the nitrogens have been replaced by nitro groups. It is widely used in both industrial and military explosives.

Definition

Cyclonite: A highly explosive nitrocompound, (CH₂N.NO₂)₃. It has acyclic structure with a six-memberedring of alternating CH₂ groups andnitrogen atoms, with each nitrogenbeing attached to a NO₂ group. It ismade by nitrating hexamine,C6H12N4, which is obtained from ammoniaand methanal. Cyclonite is avery powerful explosive used mainlyfor military purposes. It is also calledRDX. The abbreviation is for ‘ResearchDepartment composition X’,used at the Chemical Research andDevelopment Department, Woolwich.

General Description

Cyclotrimethylene trinitramine is an explosive. The explosion can be initiated by a sudden shock, high temperature or a combination of the two. The primary hazard is from blast effect and not from flying projectiles and fragments. Under prolonged exposure to heat or fire they can explode.

Air & Water Reactions

Insoluble in water.

Reactivity Profile

CYCLOTRIMETHYLENE TRINITRAMINE is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, combustible materials and heat. Detonates on contact with mercury fulminate . Danger of explosion when dry. The self heating and explosive decomposition of the explosive and aqueous alkali (calcium hydroxide) has been studied, [Chem Abs., 1988, 109, 112968].

Health Hazard

Cyclonite is a highly toxic substance. Repeated exposure can cause nausea, vomiting, and convulsions.
LD50 value, oral (rats): 100 mg/kg.

Fire Hazard

MAY EXPLODE AND THROW FRAGMENTS 1600 meters (1 MILE) OR MORE IF FIRE REACHES CARGO.

Safety Profile

Poison by ingestion, intraperitoneal, and intravenous routes. An experimental teratogen. Other experimental reproductive effects. A corrosive irritant to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Cases of epileptifonn convulsions have been reported from exposure. It is one of the most powerful high explosives in use today. Has more shattering power than TNT and is often mixed with TNT as a bursting charge for aerial bombs, mines, and torpedoes. It is easily initiated by mercury fulrmnate, which may be used as a booster. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of NOx. See also MINES, NITRATES, and EXPLOSIVES, HIGH.

Potential Exposure

A potential danger to those involved in the manufacture of this material and its handling in munitions and solid-propellant manufacture. It is also used as a rat poison; a powerful military explosive; a base charge for detonators; and in plastic explosives.

First aid

If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove anycontact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least15 min, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts theskin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediatelywith soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. Ifthis chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR ifheart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medicalfacility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medcal attention. Give large quantities of water and inducevomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit.

Storage

Explosive. Color Code—Red Stripe: FlammabilityHazard: Store separately from all other flammable materals. Prior to working with this chemical you should betrained on its proper handling and storage. Detached storagein a secure area is recommended. Store in tightly closedcontainers in a cool well-ventilated area away from otherexplosives, combustibles, or strong oxidizers (such as chlorine, bromine, and fluorine). Also keep cyclonite away fromshock and heat sources. Use only nonsparking tools andequipment, especially when opening and closing containersof this chemical. Sources of ignition, such as smoking andopen flames, are prohibited where this chemical is used,handled, or stored in a manner that could create a potentialfire or explosion hazard. Wherever this chemical is used,handled, manufactured, or stored, use explosion-proof electrical equipment and fittings.

Shipping

UN0483 Cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine, desensi- tized or Cyclonite, desensitized or Hexogen, desensitized or RDX, desensitized, Hazard Class: 1D; Labels: 1D- Explosive (with a mass explosion hazard); D-Substances or articles which may mass detonate (with blast and/or frag- ment hazard) when exposed to fire. UN0072 Cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine, wetted or Cyclonite, wetted or Hexogen, wetted or RDX, wetted with not ,15% water by mass, Hazard Class: 1D; Labels: 1D-Explosive (with a mass explosion hazard); D-Substances or articles which may mass detonate (with blast and/or fragment hazard) when exposed to fire.

Purification Methods

RDX crystallises from acetone. [Bachmann & Sheehan J Am Chem Soc 71 1842 1949, Beilstein 26 II 5, 26 III/IV 22.] EXPLOSIVE.

Incompatibilities

Heat, physical damage, shock, and deto- nators. Detonates on contact with mercury fulminate. Keep away from other explosives, combustibles, oxidizers (such as chlorates, nitrates, perchlorates, permanganates, perox- ides; bromine, chlorine, and fluorine); reducing agents; and aqueous alkaline solutions.

Waste Disposal

Pour over soda ash, neutralize and flush to sewer with water. Also HMX may be recov- ered from solid propellant waste.