TEX

TEX (chemical name 4,10-dinitro-2,6,8,12-tetraoxa-4,10-diazatetracyclo[5.5.0.05,9.03,11]-dodecane) is a dense (ρ = 1.985 g cm−3) nitramine high explosive, that derives from the very powerful and sensitive high explosive CL-20. Though related to CL-20 in that is shares the same cage structure, TEX is more easily synthesized in good yield from inexpensive starting materials. Unlike CL-20, TEX is friction insensitive, bears a low impact sensitivity, and possesses a very low shock sensitivity and large critical diameter, making it an interesting explosive filler for insensitive munitions. Its systematic name, 4,10-dinitro-2,6,8,12-tetraoxa-4,10-diazatetracyclo[5.5.0.05,9.03,11]-dodecane derives from its tetracyclic structure. Synthesis and production Unlike CL-20, which requires a cumbersome and even costly procedure, TEX is obtained in moderate yield (40 wt.-%) in a one-pot synthesis from 1,4-diformyl-2,3,5,6-tetrahydroxypiperazine (DFTHP) and mixed acid (H2SO4/HNO3). The DFTHP undergoes proton-catalyzed hydrolysis and yields glyoxal which reacts as with an intermediate to give TEX. Performance Based on the Kamlet-Jacobs method, the formal idealistic detonation of TEX C6H6N4O8 → 3 H2O(g) + 2CO2 + CO + 3 C(gr) + 2 N2