Abstract
The thermal decomposition of RDX produces free radical intermediates which are detected by using ESR (electron spin resonance) spectroscopy. The assignment of certain ESR signals from thermally decomposed RDX and HMX to a nitroxyl radical (RNO·) has been discussed in earlier publications. Spectral data from isotopically labelled RDX (RDX-d6 and RDX-15NO2) supports a nitronylnitroxyl radical (R(N+−O)NO·) assignment to the ESR signals detected during liquefaction of RDX at 200°C.