Abstract: Bis(dinitroalkyl)acetals and formals having the formula (1) particularly bis(2,2-dinitropropyl)acetal and bis(2,2-dinitropropyl)formal are produced by oxidative nitration of compounds having the formula (2): preferably via a sodium or other alkali metal, or alkaline earth metal, salt of compounds of Formula (2). Certain of the compounds of formula (1) are novel. All of the intermediates of formula (2) are novel and form another aspect of this invention, as does a process for their production by reacting an aldehyde with a nitroalkanol. The process can readily produce a mixture of the dinitro compounds known as BDNPA and BDNPF (also known as A/F) using the non-explosive intermediates, BNPA and BNPF, both of which are novel.

Abstract: Reactions of ring systems, such as aziridines, oxetanes and oxiranes with carboxylic acids, anhydrides, imides, lactones and carbonate esters are catalyzed by C3-C60, substituted or unsubstituted, straight or branched-chained, alkyl, aryl, or aralkyl carboxylate Cr+3 salts, preferably chromium +3 octoate. The catalysts also accelerate the reaction of hydroxy compounds with anhydrides, and of thiiranes with anhydrides. The catalysts selectively enhance the conversion of ring systems to form monomers, prepolymers, copolymers, functional end-group monomers, functional end-group prepolymers, and functional end-group polymers rather than forming homopolymers. By varying the catalyst concentration, molar ratios, and reaction temperatures, the reaction time required to form the desired product can be controlled.

Abstract: Methylazide-substituted 1,3-dioxolanes of the generic formula ##STR1## in which R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 are independently selected from H, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl and CH.sub.2 N.sub.3 are disclosed as energetic plasticizers for rocket and gun propellants and explosives formulations. Methods of preparation of these compounds are also disclosed, in which halogen-substituted vicinal diols are reacted with aldehydes or ketones to form the halo-analog of the product, which is then converted to the product by reaction with a metal azide.

Abstract: Hydroxy-terminated aliphatic polyethers having the formula ##STR1## in which R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, CH.sub.2 N.sub.3 and CHN.sub.3 CH.sub.2 N.sub.3, such that the total number of azide groups per monomer unit is two to four, and n is an integer from 2 to 40, display unique properties as energetic polymers. Co-polymers of the monomer units in the above formula with other, known azido-substituted monomer units further provide energy outputs at preselected levels based on the proportions of each type of monomer present.

Abstract: Novel multi-azido formals, acetals and ketals are disclosed, having the following generic formula ##STR1## in which R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5, R.sup.6, R.sup.7 and R.sup.8 are independently selected from H, CH.sub.3, and CH.sub.2 N.sub.3, and methods of preparation of these compounds.

Abstract: Solid energetic compositions such as rocket motor grains are desensitized and converted to a form suitable for incineration by size reducing the solids, combining them with water to form a slurry, and adding shredded paper or similar cellulosic material in an amount sufficient to absorb most if not all of the water. The result is a composition which is non-detonable, and yet capable of incineration in a clean manner to produce useful by-products.

Abstract: Tocopherols are isolated from vegetable oil distillates and other saponifiable substances in which tocopherols are naturally present, by saponification in an alcoholic medium, followed by metathesis with a zinc halide. The resulting zinc salts of fatty acids are readily precipitated out of solution without mechanical granulation or the addition of powdering agents, leaving the tocopherols in alcoholic solution from which they are readily recovered. The sterols and glycerol are also recoverable for use in other applications.

Abstract: Methylazide-substituted 1,3-dioxolanes of the generic formula ##STR1## in which R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 are independently selected from H, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl and CH.sub.2 N.sub.3 are disclosed as energetic plasticizers for rocket and gun propellants and explosives formulations. Methods of preparation of these compounds are also disclosed, in which halogen-substituted vicinal diols are reacted with aldehydes or ketones to form the halo-analog of the product, which is then converted to the product by reaction with a metal azide.

Abstract: Novel multi-azido formals, acetals and ketals are disclosed, having the following generic formula ##STR1## in which R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5, R.sup.6, R.sup.7 and R.sup.8 are independently selected from H, CH.sub.3, and CH.sub.2 N.sub.3, and methods of preparation of these compounds.

Abstract: Cyclic nitramines of the formula ##STR1## in which R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, NO and NO.sub.2, and acid salts of the compound in which R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are each H, are disclosed. These compounds are useful as components in energetic compositions, including rocket and gun propellants and explosives, and are of particular interest due to their combination of high energy output and insensitivity. Compounds in which R.sup.3 is H or NO are further useful as intermediates in the preparation of those in which R.sup.3 is NO.sub.2. Also disclosed is a method for producing such compounds involving the reaction between hexamethylenetetramine and nitroguanidine.

Abstract: Cyclic nitramines of the formula ##STR1## in which R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, NO and NO.sub.2, and acid salts of the compound in which R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are each H, are disclosed. These compounds are useful as components in energetic compositions, including rocket and gun propellants and explosives, and are of particular interest due to their combination of high energy output and insensitivity. Compounds in which R.sup.3 is H or NO are further useful as intermediates in the preparation of those in which R.sup.3 is NO.sub.2. Also disclosed is a method for producing such compounds involving the reaction between hexamethylenetetramine and nitroguanidine.