On the mechanism of autocatalytic thermal decomposition of some secondary nitramines

Abstract

Mechanism of autocatalytic action of picric acid during thermal decomposition of N,2,4,6-tetranitro-Nmethylaniline has been studied for the first time. The process occurs as nucleophilic substitution of N,2,4,6-tetranitroanilinium ion with picrate one to form N,2,4,6-tetranitroaniline and trinitroanisole. In contrast to the case of aromatic nitramines, thermal decomposition of secondary alkylnitramines is accompanied by acid-base catalysis.