Solvate of 2,4,6,8,10,12-Hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-Hexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20) with both N O and Stable NO Free Radical.

A new solvate of a powerful explosive 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20) and liquid oxidizer N O has been synthesized. When stored at room temperature, the white crystals turn yellowish brown, which indicates partial dissociation of N O with the formation of a stable NO free radical, which is confirmed by ESR spectroscopy. The resulting solvate was analyzed by powder X-ray diffraction, IR-spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The vapor pressure of NO above the solvate crystals is similar to the pressure above common hydrates. The presence of the NO radical does not affect the thermal stability of CL-20. However, under closed conditions, NO increases the rate of the autocatalytic decomposition reaction. The kinetics of this reaction at the surface temperature determine the burning rate of the solvate. The novel solvate has a high density (1.98 g cm ), a high predicted detonation velocity and pressure, and sensitivity to impact slightly higher to that of ϵ-CL-20.