Abstract: This invention relates to the field of novel explosives, compositions and munitions comprising the same, as well as methods of synthesis and their use. The invention particularly relates to the field of explosives which are switchable between two different liquid crystalline states, and which possesses a general formula below. wherein M is a mesogenic core, R1 and R2 are independently selected terminal end groups attached to the mesogenic core, and wherein the mesogenic core contains sufficient (NO2)x to provide an explosive output. The explosive compound may form part of an explosive composition, which may be used as a high explosive fill for any part of a munition. The explosive composition may contain other components such as non-explosive LC compounds, or binders, or further known explosive compounds.

Abstract: 1,2 and 1,3-dinitrate esters are prepared from polyols containing 1,2- or 1,3-diol fragments using an alkyl or aryl boronic acid to form a cyclic boronate ester derivative which is then reacted with dinitrogen pentoxide to directly generate the dinitrate ester. In the cyclic ester from the 1,2- or 1,3-hydroxyl groups are protected and other reactions may then be carried out on other parts of the molecule of which the fragment form a part, leaving the dinitrate ester to be produced subsequently in the final step. High yields are obtained at both stages.