Chemistry of aliphatic unconjugated nitramines. Part 6.—Solid state photolysis of RDX

Abstract

The secondary photochemical and “dark” reactions of polycrystalline RDX are described. The contribution of the latter is directly proportional to the amount of CO₂ product observed, while the former processes generated N₂O, HCN, NO, N₂, plus solid products. The ratio of N₂: (N₂O + NO) was 1 : 2, consistent with the selective nitramine group decomposition pathways previously postulated for the equatorial and axial nitramine groups of RDX.