Preparation of HMX by Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid Catalyzed Nitrolysis of Hexamethylenetetramine in Fluorous Media

Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (CF3(CF2)7SO3H, PFOS) efficiently catalyzes the nitrolysis of hexamethylenetetramine in fluorous media, affording a good yield of the explosive HMX. The reaction can be carried out without acetic anhydride or acetic acid. The fluorous phase containing the catalyst could be easily separated and can be reused several times without significant loss of catalytic activity.