Contribution to the Synthesis of 4,10-Dinitro-2,6,8,12-tetraoxa-4,10-diazatetracyclo[5.5.0.05,903,11]dodecane (TEX)

The influence of the reaction conditions on 4,10-dinitro-2,6,8,12-tetraoxa- 4,10-diazatetracyclo[5.5.0.05,903,11]dodecane (TEX) yield was studied. TEX was prepared by the reaction of 1,4-diformyl-2,3,5,6-tetrahydroxypiperazine with glyoxal in nitric acid. The influence of the acidity of reaction mixture and ratios of starting materials on the yield of TEX was examined and synthesis was optimised. The highest yield (37%) was obtained at 1,4-diformyl-2,3,5,6-tetrahydroxypiperazine/nitric acid molar ratio 67 and sulfuric acid/nitric acid molar ratio around 0.15. Starting material 1,4-diformyl-2,3,5,6-tetrahydroxypiperazine was prepared from formamide and glyoxal using triethylamine or other tertiary amines to adjust suitable basicity. The best yield (84%) of 1,4-diformyl-2,3,5,6-tetrahydroxypiperazine was reached at molar ratio triethylamine/formamide equal to 0.1.