Synthesis and properties of a novel cage-like energetic compound 8,8,9,9-tetranitro-2,4,10-trioxaadamantan-6-yl nitrate

Oxaadamantane has emerged as a promising parent framework in recent years for designing and synthesizing advanced energetic materials. Herein, a novel cage-like energetic compound, ( endo )-8,8,9,9-tetranitro-2,4,10-trioxaadamantan-6-yl nitrate, was synthesized from inositol via eight linear steps. It exhibits a high single-crystal density ( ρ = 1.933 g·cm -3 ), acceptable thermal stability ( T d = 158 °C), reasonable oxygen balance (OB CO = 18.80%), outstanding detonation performance ( D = 8763 m·s -1 ; p = 35.49 GPa) and acceptable mechanical sensitivity ( IS = 10 J; FS = 192 N). Additionally, the lead plate test demonstrated that its detonation performance is comparable to that of RDX. These results imply that the as-prepared compound has the potential to be used as high energy density materials. ( endo )-8,8,9,9-Tetranitro-2,4,10-trioxaadamantan-6-yl nitrate, a new member of the polynitrooxaadamantane family, was synthesized from inositol via eight linear steps. • Oxaadamantane serves as an ideal parent framework for developing cage-like high-performance energetic materials. Herein, ( endo )-8,8,9,9-tetranitro-2,4,10-trioxaadamantan-6-yl nitrate ( 1 ) was synthesized from inositol via eight linear steps. • Compound 1 shows a high crystal density (1.933 g·cm -3 ), excellent detonation performances ( D = 8763 m·s -1 ; p = 35.49 GPa) and reasonable oxygen balances (OB CO = 18.80%). These results imply that oxaadamantane has the potential to be a prospective framework for developing high energy density materials. • Compared to previously reported trioxaadamantane-based energetic compounds, compound 1 exhibits superior oxygen balance and detonation performance.