Abstract: The present invention relates to improved emulsion explosive compositions and their manufacture. More particularly, the invention relates to the provision of improved emulsion explosive compositions having reduced tackiness which permits them to be handled without difficulty and increased rigidity which enables them to maintain desired column height. The improved compositions also evince enhanced detonation sensitivity, improved shelf life over long periods of storage and greater resistance to shock or shear desensitisation though the precise reasons for these improvements are not always clear.

Abstract: A process for the production of (1R,Cis)-4-acetyl-6, 6-dimethyl-3-oxabicyclo-(3.1.0.)-hex-2-one of the formula: ##STR1## which involves reacting (1R,Cis)-4,7,7-trimethyl-3-oxabicyclo-(4.1.0.)-hept-4-en-2-one of the formula: ##STR2## with bromine at a temperature of from 0.degree. C. to 25.degree. C. and treating the brominated reaction mixture at ambient temperature with water, an aqueous solvent solution or an aqueous base solution.