Abstract: N,N-Bis(2-fluoro-2,2-dinitroethyl) amine is reacted with methyl, ethyl, or -propyl chlorothiolformate in the presence of titanium tetrachloride to give the intermediate S-methyl, S-ethyl or S-propyl N,N-bis(2-fluoro-2,2-dinitroethyl) thiocarbamate (II), ##STR1## The thiocarbamate (II) is then refluxed with sulfuryl chloride to yield N,N-bis(2-fluoro-2,2-dinitroethyl) carbamyl chloride (I), ##STR2## which is useful as an explosive and as an intermediate for the synthesis of energetic explosive or propellant compounds.

Abstract: A process for preparing the acid copper salt of 5-nitrotetrazole by slowly adding an aqueous solution of a strong inorganic acid (e.g., H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 or HNO.sub.3), 5-aminotetrazole, and a small amount of a water soluble cupric salt (e.g., CuSO.sub.4 .multidot.5H.sub.2 O) to an aqueous solution of a water soluble cupric salt (e.g., CuSO.sub.4 .multidot.5H.sub.2 O) and sodium nitrite in a 25 to 100 percent stoichiometric excess. The presence of the cupric salt in the initial 5-aminotetrazole, acid solution prevents the occurrence of minor explosions and the large excess of sodium nitrite produces an easily filtered product rather than a gel. The acid copper salt of nitrotetrazole is used in the preparation of mercuric 5-nitrotetrazole which is useful as a primary explosive in detonators.

Abstract: A method of removing tetranitromethane from waste gases (e.g., from trinitrotoluene plants) by scrubbing the waste gases with a mixture of 1 an alkali metal hydroxide, 2 water, and 3 a liquid alcohol. Most of the tetranitromethane is converted into a soluble alkali metal salt of trinitromethane.

Abstract: A method of removing tetranitromethane from waste gases (e.g., from trinitrotoluene plants) by scrubbing the waste gases with a solution of (1) water, (2) hydrogen peroxide, and (3) an alkali metal hydroxide or alkali metal carbonate. Tetranitromethane is converted into trinitromethane or a soluble alkali metal salt of trinitromethane.