PowerLabs Mannitol
Hexanitrate

Introduction:

Mannitol Haxanitrate or Nitromannitol, Nitromannite,
Nitranitol, Mannitrin, is a secondary explosive formed by the nitration of
Mannitol (Manna Sugar, mannite), a simple sugar. The product finds
medicinal usage as a vasodilator, and also commercial usage as an
explosive in blasting caps. Its sensitivity is considerably, particularly
at high temperatures (>75C) where it is even more sensitive than
nitroglycerine.

Materials:

Reactants:

Materials:

Mannitol
(C6H14O6(s))

2 Glass Beakers

98% Sulfuric Acid
(H2SO4(aq))

Stirring Rod

70% Nitric Acid
(HNO3(aq))

Thermometer

Water (H2O(l))

Ice Bath

Ethanol (C2H6O(aq))

Procedures:

There are two procedures I am familiar with for
producing Mannitol Hexanitrate. The first one, obtained from the Internet,
called for adding the mannitol to Nitric Acid first, and then adding
Sulfuric Acid. I did not particularly like this method because the energy
of dehydration for the water that comes with using dilute
HNO3 will
very quickly heat the mixture, likely leading to nitration runaway. This
method was not very successful. The following method was then
attempted:

A nitrating mixture such as is commonly used
for the nitration of Cellulose, Glycerin, starch, etc was prepared with
the proportions (by volume) 35%
HNO3  / 65% H2SO4. This mixture was cooled to 0C in an ice water bath and
mannitol was slowly added whilst the mixture was stirred and the
temperature kept below 15C. After the addition of 1g/mannitol per 10mL
acids was completed the mixture was stirred and the temperature was
allowed to return to ambient.

The mixture is then added to twice its volume in ice cold water,
filtered, and the product is first neutralized with sodium bicarbonate
solution, and then purified by running cold water and Ethanol through it.
A final filtration removes a collection of small white
particles.

Results:

The product consisted in small white particles with a
melting point in the 106 - 108 range. Deflagration from flame occurs at a
slightly higher rate than nitrostarch.

Relevant
Links:

NitroCellulose:
Uses the same nitrating method described above.
Nitro
Starch: Also uses the same nitrating method described
above.

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Last updated 30/01/04

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