Branch chained polynitrodiols

Abstract

Energetic branched polynitrodiols of the formula ##STR1## wherein Z is --C(NO 2 ) 3 , --CF(NO 2 ) 2 , --C(NO 2 ).su CH 3 , or --N(NO 2 )CH 3 , and a method of preparation. These diols are useful as components of energetic binders for plastic-bonded explosives.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A diol of the formula ##STR11## wherein Z is selected from the group consisting of --C(NO 2 ) 3 , --CF(NO 2 ) 2 , --C(NO 2 ) 2  CH 3 , and --N(NO 2 )CH 3 . 
     
     
       2. The diol of claim 1 which is 2-(trinitromethyl)-1,4-butanediol. 
     
     
       3. The diol of claim 1 which is 2-(fluorodinitromethyl)-1,4-butanediol. 
     
     
       4. The diol of claim 1 which is 2-(1,1-dinitroethyl)-1,4-butanediol. 
     
     
       5. The diol of claim 1 which is 2-(methylnitraza)-1,4-butanediol. 
     
     
       6. A lactone of the formula ##STR12## wherein Z is selected from the group consisting of --C(NO 2 ) 3  --CF(NO 2 ) 2 , --C(NO 2 ) 2  CH 3 , and --N(NO 2 )CH 3 . 
     
     
       7. The lactone of claim 6 wherein Z is --C(NO 2 ) 3 . 
     
     
       8. The lactone of claim 6 wherein Z is --CF(NO 2 ) 2 . 
     
     
       9. The lactone of claim 6 wherein Z is --C(NO 2 ) 2  CH 3 . 
     
     
       10. The lactone of claim 6 wherein Z is --N(NO 2 )CH 3 . 
     
     
       11. A process for preparing a branched polynitrodiol comprising the following steps in order: (1) reacting one mole of a compound of the formula Z--H with one mole of gamma-crotonolactone to produce a lactone of the formula ##STR13## (2) reducing the lactone produced in step (1) with borane-tetrahydrofuran to produce the desired branched polynitrodiol of the formula ##STR14## (3) isolating the product branched polynitrodiol; wherein Z is selected from the group consisting of --C(NO 2 ) 3 , --CF(NO 2 ) 2 , --C(NO 2 ) 2  CH 3 , and --N(NO 2 )CH 3 .