Abstract: A method of preparing dinitromethane salts usable as intermediate products add starting material for production of explosives and propellants. Substituted 1,2-diazoles, 1,2,4 -triazoles or 1,3-diazines, such as barbituric acid, are nitrated to obtain a gem-dinitro group on a carbon atom in the heterocyclic ring. The product is hydrolysed to split off dinitromethane which is neutralised with a neutralising agent to obtain a corresponding salt of dinitromethane.

Abstract: A new compound, 1,1-diamino-2,2-dinitroethylene suitable for use as an explosive, as well as an intermediate for preparing the compound consisting of a heterocyclic 5- or 6-ring of the general formula wherein n=at least 1. The compound is prepared by nitrating a heterocyclic 5- or 6-ring containing the structural element wherein Y is an alkoxy group, with a nitrating acid at a low temperature, preferably 0-30° C., and selecting the acidity of the nitrating acid for obtaining a substantial yield of a product containing the structural element and hydrolyzing said product in an aqueous medium for separating 1,1-diamino-2,2--dinitroethylene which is recovered as a precipitate.