RDX was discovered in Germany by a German named Hans
Henning in 1899. He discovered RDX and used it for medicinal purposes. The
Explosive properties of RDX were not realized until a man named Herz discovered
it in 1920. purposes.
RDX is a very multi-purpose explosive. RDX is
known by different names in different countries. It is Royal Demolition
eXplosive in Great Britain, Research Department eXplosive in the USA and
Canada, hexogen in Germany, and T4 in Italy.. It is almost always
found in mixtures with other explosives, oils, or waxes. It is considered the
most powerful military explosive, and has a tremendous force shattering effect
from the sudden release of energy. The most common mixes with RDX are
Compositions A, B. and C, HBX, H-6, Cyclotol.
RDX is a synthetic substance, and is not found in
nature. RDX was not practical to produce in large qantities until about 1940,
when McGill University in Canada discovered a much cheaper and easier way to
mass produce it. The method the Military uses to produce RDX is classified.
However, several methods are outlined below.
DISCLAIMER: BEFORE YOU READ ON- you are responsible for what happens if
you use the data below. I have not tried these methods, and am not sure if they
work. I am not responsible for anything that happens to you if you use these
methods and blow yourself up, or cause and damage to yourself, other, or
property.
RDX is prepared by the nitration of hexamethylenetetramine (C6H12N4).
This can be achieved by directly treating hexamethylenetetramine with strong
nitric acid. WARNING- keep the reaction at a temperature of 20 - 50 °C, or the
compound could explode, causing massive pain and damage. Slowly add the
tetramine, and let the liquid stand. The precipitate (RDX) can be removed with
water.
Another source says that RDX is made by the mixing of formaldehyde and
amonia.