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Title: Feasibility study of production methods for the preparation of bis(2-fluoro-2,2-dinitroethyl) formal. Indian Head Technical Report 270

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5641934

The reported preparation methods for the synthesis of bis(2-fluoro-2,2-dinitroethyl) formal have been investigated with respect to process safety, product quality, and economics for large-scale production. Two methods were found to be feasible: (1) A procedure developed by Aerojet-General Corporation which utilizes nitromethane as a starting material; (2) A procedure developed by the Naval Ordnance Laboratory which utilizes trinitromethane as a starting material. The production cost of bis(2-fluoro-2,2-dinitroethyl) formal from nitromethane has been estimated to be $61.00, $10.00, and $5.10 for a monthly production of 170, 5000, and 85,000 pounds, respectively. The trinitromethane method costs an estimated $57.00, $9.34, and $1.90 for a monthly production of 170, 5000, and 85,000 pounds, respectively. Commercially available equipment can be used for either process. A third potentially interesting method for the synthesis of bis(2-fluoro-2,2-dinitroethyl) formal has been discovered at the Naval ordnance Station, Indian Head, during this investigation utilizing tetranitromethane and nitromethane as starting materials. Studies in semicontinuous systems have indicated the feasibility of a continuous fluorination process for the preparation of fluorotrinitromethane and 2-fluoro-2,2-dinitroethanol.

Research Organization:
Naval Ordnance Station, Indian Head, MD (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-48
OSTI ID:
5641934
Report Number(s):
UCRL-13353
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English