Synthesis of HMTD
HMTD, an acronym for hexamethylenetriperoxidediamine, is a somewhat unstable primary explosive compound. Its extreme sensitivity to heat, shock, and friction make HMTD a poor choice for the lesser skilled citizen chemist. This preparation uses hydrogen peroxide at 30% concentration, although it is possible to use the more common 3% concentration by adding ten times as much. HMTD has been used in detonators. As a detonator, HMTD is safer and more powerful than mercury fulminate, or acetone peroxide. HMTD is stable when compared to other primary explosives, and it is one of the safest explosive peroxides. Do not confuse the statement “one of the safest explosive peroxides” to mean HMTD is a “safe” explosive. It is not safe, all primary explosives are unstable and dangerous, especially explosive peroxides. HMTD should be kept cool and dry as it may evaporate or decompose, it should also be kept away from metals as it will corrode them. HMTD will detonate if struck, but will only burn if heated.
| C6H12N2O6 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| m.p. | dec. 75 °C | mass | 208.17 g/mol | v.det. | 4511 m/s |
| b.p. | --- °C | den. | 0.88 g/mL | CAS# | 283-66-9 |
- hexamethylenetriperoxidediamine
- 3,4,8,9,12,13-hexaoxa-1,6-diazabicyclo[4.4.4]tetradecane
Dissolve 14 g of methenamine in 50 mL of 30% hydrogen peroxide in a 200-mL beaker while stirring vigorously with a magnetic stirrer or with a stirring rod. You must also cool this solution by placing the beaker in a salt-ice bath. While stirring, slowly add 21 g of powdered citric acid in small portions to the beaker making sure the temperature stays at or below 0 °C at all times. After adding the citric acid, keep stirring for 3 hours and continue to hold the temperature at 0 °C. Next, remove the beaker from the cooling bath and let it stand at room temperature for 2 hours, discontinue stirring as well. Finally, pour the solution over a filter to collect the crystals of HMTD, wash them thoroughly with water, and rinse with methyl or ethyl alcohol so they can dry faster at room temperature. Dry by setting in a cool place. HMTD does not store well, so deal with it immediately. You will need a graduated cylinder for measuring liquids, and a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
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