One-Pot Synthesis of Hexaacetylhexaazaisowurtzitane (HAIW) a Precursor of 2,4,6,8,10,12-Hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazaisowurtzitane (HNIW-CL−20)

Abstract

We report the synthesis of 2,4,6,8,10,4,6,8,10,12hexaazaisowurtzitane (HNIW) by successive two step process. The hexaacetylhexaazaisowurtzitane (HAIW) is prepared from hexabenzylhexaazaisowurtzitane (HBIW) with acetic anhydride and iron (II) chloride under the basic condition.In the second step, the HAIW is converted quantitatively to HNIW by nitration of hexaacetylhexaazaisowurtzitane (HAIW). The yield of HAIW is 85 % at the optimized conditions. The potential method of synthesis of HAIW has potential applications in improving the production technologies of HNIW for its many advantages over batch reactions.