Mao-Xi Zhang

Hepta- and Octanitrocubanes

Four of the eight nitro groups of octanitrocubane 1 are introduced by functional group modification, three more by the astonishingly rapid, low-temperature N(2)O(4) nitration of sequentially formed polynitrocubyl anions, and the eighth and last by nitrosation of the heptanitrocubyl anion followed by ozonation.

Polynitrocubanes: Advanced High-Density, High-Energy Materials**

More powerful and less shock-sensitive explosives are continually being sought for both military and commercial use. Here the qualities a potential candidate must possess to make a good explosive are detailed, and the synthesis of octanitrocubane—a very promising candidate—is described. The physical properties of the nitrocubanes synthesized are also summarized and a proposal for the future is made.

Octanitrocubane: A New Nitrocarbon

Octanitrocubane, the first new nitrocarbon in 18 years, is introduced as a potential explosive of great power. Its synthesis and characterization are described.