The theory of cyclonite formation by methods 4 and

Examination of the mechanism of cyclonite formation has clarified the conditions under which various products similar in structure to cyclonite are formed. These products always accompany cyclonite prepared by method 5 and often that prepared by method 4. 

In method 5, as in method 1, nitrolysis of hexamethylenetetramine occurs, the alcohol groups so produced being esterified with acetic anhydride and not with nitric anhydride as in method 1. The most important by-product formed to the extent of nearly 10% by method 5 is octogen (XI). It is produced as outlined above, as a result of hexamine nitrolysis (p. 90). 

In the presence of acetic anhydride hexamethylenetetramine dinitrate may be transformed into the product (XIX), and then into (XX). These are the analogues of substances (V) and (VI). 

The nitrolysis of the bond / in substance (XX) results in the formation of products (XXI) l-acetoxymethyl-3,5-dinitro-l,3,5-triazacyclohexane and (XXII) bis(acetoxy-methyl)-nitramine 

Substance (XXI) may subsequently undergo nitrolysis at K to form the nitramine ester l,7-diacetoxy-2,4,6-trinitro-2,4,6-triazaheptane (XXIII) (a chain compound BSX , m.p. 154-155°C)  

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