Hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane

2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazaisowurtzitane, also called HNIW, and CL-20, is a nitroamine explosive with the formula C₆H₆N₁₂O₁₂, developed by the China Lake facility, primarily to be used in propellants. It has a better oxidizer-to-fuel ratio than conventional HMX or RDX. It produces 20% more energy than traditional HMX based propellants, and is widely superior to conventional high-energy propellants and explosives.

While most development of CL-20 has been fielded by the Thiokol Corporation, the US Navy (through ONR) has also been interested in CL-20 for use in rocket propellants, such as for missiles, as it has lower observability characteristics (e.g., less visible smoke). [ [http://www.chemsoc.org/ExemplarChem/entries/2004/bristol_hook/applications/index.html#Explosives The Chemistry of Cubane ] ]

CL-20 has not yet been fielded in any production weapons system, but is presently undergoing testing for stability, production capabilities, and other weapons characteristics.

It is made from N,N-dimethylformamide, acetic anhydride, HBIW and white fuming nitric acid by combining these chemicals.

ee also

*Octanitrocubane
*Heptanitrocubane
*2,4,6-Tris(trinitromethyl)-1,3,5-triazine

References