PRODUCTION OF HEXANITROSTILBENE (HNS)

摘要

A process for the manufacture of 2,2', 4,4', 6,6-hexanitrostilbene (HNS) from dipicrylethane (DPE) or trinitrotoluene (TNT) which consists of oxidizing DPE or TNE substrate in the presence of an aprotic solvent and a basic salt of a carboxylic acid. The acid preferably consists of an ammonium or an alkali metal salt of a monocarboxylic or a dicarboxylic acid. The reaction step consists of heating the substrate and salt dissolved in the solvent to between 15 DEG and 50 DEG C., and contacting the reaction mixture with dry air or oxygen for up to 2 hours. The HNS product is precipitated out by quenching the reaction mixture in acidified water, and is optionally purified by washing first in methanol and then in acetone.