Synthesis of RDX by nitrolysis of hexamethylenetetramine in fluorous media.

Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (CF(3)(CF(2))(7)SO(3)H, PfOS) catalyses the highly efficient nitrolysis of hexamethylenetetramine in fluorous media, affording high yield of explosive RDX. The reaction can be carried out at room temperature in the absence of acetic anhydride and produces smaller amounts of waste acid and nitrate than in traditional process. The fluorous phase containing catalyst could be easily and efficiently recovered for reuse by simple phase separation.