Synthesis of RDX by nitrolysis of hexamethylenetetramine in fluorous media

Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PfOS) catalyses the highly efficient nitrolysis of hexamethylenetetramine using 95% nitric acid as nitrolysis agent in fluorous solvents (PFC), affording high yield of explosive RDX. The process produces much smaller amounts of waste acid and nitrate than in traditional process. The fluorous phase containing catalyst is easily separated and can be reused several times without a significant loss of yield of reaction.