DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME : Rotteneggs.com text files and message bases are for INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. DO NOT undertake any project based upon any information obtained from this or any other web site.We are not responsible for, nor do we assume any liability for, damages resulting from the use of any information on this site.
(25 votes) Published: Apr 21, 2003 12:00 a.m. In 2 Favorites Lists Viewed 2092 times
HMTD is a somewhat unstable primary explosive compound. Its extreme sensitivity to heat, shock, and friction make HMTD a poor choice for the lesser skilled home chemist.
HMTD is safer and more powerful than mercury fulminate or acetone peroxide. It is stable when compared to other primary explosives, and it is one of the safest explosive peroxides. HMTD should be kept cool and dry as it may evaporate or decompose, it should also be kept away from metals as it will corrode them. HMTD will detonate if struck, but will only burn if heated.
Things needed:
Hexamine, methanamine, or urotropine
citric acid (pure form, as pure as possible)
hydrogen peroxide (as pure as possible, try 6% hair bleach or 3% solution if necessary)
methyl / ethyl alcohol
water
200-mL beaker
graduated cylinder
stirrer / stirring rod
thermometer
Note: the peroxide used must equal thirty percent, so either repeat the peroxidation process five times if 6% is used, and ten times if 3% is used, or you can try to increase amounts by adding five to ten times as much hydrogen peroxide.
Dissolve 14 g of hexamine in 50 mL of hydrogen peroxide in a 200-mL beaker while stirring vigorously with a magnetic stirrer or with a stirring rod. You must also cool this solution by placing the beaker in a salt-ice bath. While stirring, slowly add 21 g of powdered citric acid in small portions to the beaker making sure the temperature stays at or below 0 C at all times. After adding the citric acid, keep stirring for 3 hours and continue to hold the temperature at 0 C. Next, remove the beaker from the cooling bath and let it stand at room temperature for 2 hours, discontinue stirring as well. Finally, pour the solution over a filter to collect the crystals of HMTD, wash them thoroughly with water, and rinse with methyl or ethyl alcohol so they can dry faster at room temperature. Set in a cool place while drying. HMTD does not store well, so use it immediately. Do not place in metal, as it will corrode the container quickly (within hours, maybe even minutes). You will need a graduated cylinder for measuring liquids, and a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
Edit Page
Message elvis
Add Comment
Add to Favorites
Email to Friend