An Efficient Synthesis of 1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetraazacyclooctane (HMX) by Ultrasonic Irradiation in Ionic Liquid

New process to synthesize HMX from 3,7-dinitro-1,3,5,7- tetraazabicyclo[3,3,1]nonane (DPT) using ultrasound in ionic liquid was developed. The reaction has been carried out in ultrasonic bath and the effect of various parameters such as presence and absence of ultrasound, volume and type of solvent, temperature, concentration of nitrating agent has been investigated with the aim of obtaining the optimum conditions for the synthesis of HMX. It was observed that yield was significantly enhanced from 42.3% up to 87.4% through the ultrasonically promoted nitrolysis of DPT to HMX at ambient condition.