TEX (explosive)

TEX
Names
Preferred IUPAC name
(2r,3aR,5S,6R,7aS,9r)-4,7-Dinitrohexahydro-2H-5,2,6-(epoxymethanetriyloxy)[1,3]dioxolo[4,5-b]pyrazine
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
  • C12C3N(C4C(N1[N+](=O)[O-])OC(O4)C(O2)O3)[N+](=O)[O-]
Properties
C6H6N4O8
Molar mass 262.134 g·mol−1
Appearance Colorless solid
Density 1.985 g/cm3
Explosive data
Shock sensitivity Low
Friction sensitivity Low
Detonation velocity 8500 m/s
RE factor 1.70
Hazards
252 °C (486 °F; 525 K)
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).

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.[1] 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.[2] 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.

  1. ^ A. T. Nielsen Polycyclic Amine Chemistry, in G. A. Olah, D. R. Squire, Chemistry of Energetic Materials (Eds.) Academic Press, 1991, p. 110-111
  2. ^ Koch, Ernst-Christian (2015). "TEX - 4,10-Dinitro-2,6,8,12-tetraoxa-4,10-diazatetracyclo[5.5.0.05,9.03,11]-dodecane - Review of a Promising High Density Insensitive Energetic Material". Propellants, Explosives, Pyrotechnics. 40 (3): 374–387. doi:10.1002/prep.201400195. ISSN 0721-3115.