Octanitrocubane, the first new nitrocarbon in 18 years, is introduced as a potential explosive of great power. Its synthesis and characterization are described.

Octanitrocubane, the first new nitrocarbon in 18 years, is introduced as a potential explosive of great power. Its synthesis and characterization are described.

The effects of pressure on the chemical reactivity, phase behaviour and thermal decomposition of energetic materials can be studied by a combination of measurement techniques in conjunction with a high pressure diamond anvil cell and the ruby fluorescence method of pressure measurement. These techniques include: (1) optical polarizing microscopy and (2) Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Recent results on the study of 1,4‐dinitrocubane and cubane will be presented.

With aims toward desensitizing RDX and TNT via molecular modification, mono‐ and trinitroso‐derivatives of RDX and 3‐amino‐TNT were synthesized and subjected to sensitivity tests. Impact and shock sensitivity data show these compounds to be markedly desensitized. Explosive yield measurements indicate that the changes in power output due to these molecular modifications are minor.

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