Characterization of the Hexanitrate Esters of Sugar Alcohols

Authors

Lindsay McLennan, University of Rhode Island
Audreyana Brown-Nash, University of Rhode Island
Taylor Busby, University of Rhode Island
Jeffrey Canaria, University of Rhode Island
Athina Kominia, University of Rhode Island
James L. Smith, University of Rhode Island
Jimmie C. Oxley, University of Rhode Island
Faina Dubnikov, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Ronnie Kosloff, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Yehuda Zeiri, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

Document Type

Article

Date of Original Version

4-1-2021

Abstract

The hexanitrates of the six-carbon sugars mannitol and sorbitol were prepared and studied to gain insight in their relative stabilities. Synthesis and characterization of these materials resulted in the identification of two new crystalline polymorphs, one for each hexanitrate. Mannitol hexanitrate (MHN) exposed to elevated temperatures exhibited a different structure when measured by x-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy; however, no differences were observed in the thermal behavior. Sorbitol hexanitrate (SHN) has two distinct crystalline polymorphs that result in different melting behavior and differences in Raman and XRD. Thermal stability of these hexanitrates was also examined; despite being isomers, SHN and MHN differ in their long-term thermal stability.

Publication Title, e.g., Journal

Propellants, Explosives, Pyrotechnics

Volume

46

Issue

4

Citation/Publisher Attribution

McLennan, Lindsay, Audreyana Brown-Nash, Taylor Busby, Jeffrey Canaria, Athina Kominia, James L. Smith, Jimmie C. Oxley, Faina Dubnikov, Ronnie Kosloff, and Yehuda Zeiri. "Characterization of the Hexanitrate Esters of Sugar Alcohols." Propellants, Explosives, Pyrotechnics 46, 4 (2021): 579-592. doi: 10.1002/prep.202000197.