The full form of RDX is Royal Demolition eXplosive or Research Department eXplosive. It is an explosive that belongs to the class of explosives known as nitramines, which are made of organic nitrate. Additionally, it bears the labels “hexogen,” “cyclonite,” and “T4 RDX.” The molecular names are “Cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine” and “C3H6N6O6, respectively.”
RDX is a solid, crystalline substance that is hard, white, and insoluble in water. Its primary non-military use, percussion sensitive, is in blasting caps. Combining RDX with other chemicals can lessen its potency.
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RDX’s Brief History
- German inventor Georg Friedrich Henning created RDX, which he patented in 1898.
- However, this RDX was not utilised until the Second World War, when most belligerent nations did.
- The United States created a covert procedure.
- Large-scale, generally safe, and cost-effective production of RDX was carried out in the United States and Canada.
RDX Characteristics
- RDX occurs naturally as white, crystalline crystals.
- Firm and flavourless, RDX is a substance.
- Inorganic solvents and water do not dissolve RDX.
- RDX has a molecular mass of 222.12 g/mol.
- The melting point of RDX is 205.5oC, and its decomposition temperature is 213oC.