An efficient method to synthesize HMX by nitrolysis of DPT with N2O5 and a novel ionic liquid

A novel polyethylene glycol (PEG)-200-based dicationic acidic ionic liquid (PEG200-DAIL) was used to synthesize HMX from DPT by nitrolysis with N2O5. It was found that either N2O5 or PEG200-DAIL could improve the yield. Furthermore, the combined use of PEG200-DAIL and N2O5 could increase the yield of HMX to 64% with the used quantity of HNO3 decreased dramatically.