Hexanitrodiphenylamine


Hexanitrodiphenylamine, is an explosive chemical compound with the formula C12H5N7O12. HND was used extensively by the Japanese during World War II but was discontinued due to its toxicity.

Preparation

Dinitrodiphenylamine is treated with 98% nitric acid. The starting material, dinitrodiphenylamine, is obtained from the reaction of aniline, dinitrochlorobenzene, and soda ash.

Applications

HND is a booster-class explosive that was used in World War II by the Germans as a component of Hexanite and by the Japanese as a component of Kongo for use in bombs, sea mines and depth charges; Seigate for use in torpedo warheads and depth charges; and also in Otsu-B for use in torpedo warheads.
Its ammonium salt, also known as Aurantia or Imperial Yellow, was discovered in 1873 by Emil Kopp and used as a yellow colorant for leather, wool and silk in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Safety and toxicity

A most toxic and poisonous explosive, it attacks the skin, causing blisters which resemble burns. Dust from HND is injurious to the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, and lungs. Several nitroaromatic explosives, including HND, have been found to be mutagens.