Synthesis of HMX from DPT by green nitrolysis with dinitrogen pentoxide

In order to achieve a clean synthesis process of HMX, nitrolysis of DPT in two nitration systems was investigated. Nitrolysis of DPT in N₂O ₅/organic solvent systems was investigated to yield little HMX but mainly complex by-products with low melting point, indicating that the solutions of N₂O₅ in organic solvents was not suitable for this process. Nitrolysis in N₂O₅/HNO₃ system was investigated. The effect of reaction time, reaction temperature, amount of ammonium nitrate and ratio of raw materials on the yield of HMX were studied,finding that yield of HMX increases first and then decreases along with the increasing usage of N₂O₅ and N₂O ₅/HNO₃ system was suitable for the nitrolysis of DPT because it could give HMX in a high yield up to 58% and purity of 99% under optimized conditions: n (N₂O₅): n (DPT) = 2 : 1, n (HNO₃): n(DPT) = 36 : 1, react time 30 min and react temperature 25°.