The Chemistry of Powder and Explosives - Sciencemadness Dot Org

396 NITROAMINES AND RELATED SUBSTANCES
explodes if heated to about 160°. Dimtrodimethylsulfamide has
been suggested as an addition to PETN for the preparation of a
fusible explosive which can be loaded by pouring
Cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (Cyclonite, Hexogen, T4).
The name of cyclonite, given to this explosive by Clarence J.
Bain because of its cyclic structure and cyclonic nature, is the
one by which it is generally known in the United States. The
Germans call it Hexogen, the Italians T4
' • •'"•'•' - " * : * ? #
• i!!L< ' 1
FIGURE 91 George C Hale Has studied cyclonite, ethylenedinitramine,
and many other explosives. Author of numerous inventions and publications
in the field of military powder and explosives Chief Chemist, Picatinny
Arsenal, 1921 1929, Chief of the Chemical Department, Picatinny
Arsenal, 192&—.
Cyclonite, prepared by the nitration of hexamethylenetetramme,
is derived ultimately from no other raw materials than
coke, air, and water. It has about the same power and bnsance
as PETN, and a velocity of detonation under the most favorable
conditions of about 8500 meters per second
Hexamethylenetetramme, C6Hi2N4, is obtained m the form of
colorless, odorless, and practically tasteless crystals by the evapo-
r