Abstract: An improved process for synthesizing 4-amino-1,2,4-triazole. Hydrazine hydrate solution is mixed into ethyl formate, ethanol, and an acidic ion exchange resin in a condenser. The solution is held at 75 degrees Celsius until no more liquid exits the condenser. The solution is then heated to between 130 and 133 degrees Celsius and kept at this temperature long enough to remove water and ethanol and to complete the synthesis. The solution is then cooled to 60 degrees Celsius and filtered to remove the ion-exchange resin. The filtered liquid is then cooled to ambient temperature.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of ultra-fine-particle hexanitrostilbene (HNS). Hexanitrostilbene is mixed in n-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) and the solution is steam heated for approximately one hour. The solution is rapidly mixed with cold water by means of drawing it through an aspirator through which water is flowing. The produced slurry is captured in a receiver and then filtered through a 0.45-micron filter. The recovered HNS product is then freeze dried.

Abstract: High explosives and related energetic materials are treated via a DMSO/base hydrolysis method which renders them non-explosive and/or non-energetic. For example, high explosives such as 1,3,5,7-tetraaza-1,3,5,7-tetranitrocyclooctane (HMX), 1,3,5-triaza-1,3,5-trinitrocyclohexane (RDX), 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), or mixtures thereof, may be dissolved in a polar, aprotic solvent and subsequently hydrolyzed by adding the explosive-containing solution to concentrated aqueous base. Major hydrolysis products typically include nitrite, formate, and nitrous oxide.