HMX

Chemical properties

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

Chemical properties

HMX (high-melting explosive) is a completely N-nitrated, eight-membered heterocyclic ring compound analogous to RDX. HMX has a molecular weight of 296.16 and a melting point of 204°C. Virtually none of the toxicity information on HMX was published, but it was reviewed by the EPA.

The Uses of HMX

HMX has uses similar to RDX, that is, as a base charge for detonators and as an ingredient of bursting-charge and plastic explosives by the military.

The Uses of HMX

In solid propellants and explosives.

The Uses of HMX

To implode fissionable material in nuclear devices to achieve critical mass; as a component of plastic-bonded explosives and solid fuel rocket propellants and as burster charges in military munitions.

Definition

ChEBI: A tetrazocane that is 1,3,5,7-tetrazocane in which the hydrogen atom attached to each of the nitrogens is replaced by a nitro group.

General Description

A white crystalline solid. Melting point 281°C. Practically insoluble in water. Water slurry mitigates explosion hazard. Used in solid propellants and explosives. The primary hazard is the blast effect and not flying projectiles and fragments.

Air & Water Reactions

Insoluble in water.

Reactivity Profile

HMX is a high explosive. May begin a vigorous reaction that culminates in a detonation if mixed with reducing agents, including hydrides, sulfides and nitrides. May explode in the presence of a base such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide even in the presence of water. Presence of metal oxides increases thermal sensitivity. Wetting reduces sensitivity toward detonation.

Health Hazard

Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.

Fire Hazard

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

Safety Profile

A poison by ingestion and intravenous routes. An explosive. Decomposes violently at 279OC. When heated to decomposition it emits toxicfumes of NOx. See also 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.

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.

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.