Studies on thermal decomposition mechanism of CL-20 by pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS)

The thermal decomposition study of CL-20 (hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane) using pyrolysis GC/MS was carried out mainly by electron impact (EI) mode. Chemical ionization (CI) mode was used for further confirmation of identified species. Mass spectrum of CL-20 decomposition products predominantly revealed fragments with m/z 81 and 96 corresponding to C4H5N2+ and C4H4N2O+ ions, respectively. The total ion chromatogram (TIC) of CL-20 pyrolysis shows peak within first 2 min due to the presence of low molecular weight gases. Peaks corresponding to several other products were also observed including the atmospheric gases. Cyanogen formation (C2N2, m/z 52) observed to be enriched at the scan number 300-500. The low molecular mass range decomposition products formed by cleavage of C-N ring structure were found in majority. Additional structural information was sought by employing chemical ionization mode. The data generated during this study was instrumented in determining decomposition pathways of CL-20.