High-pressure matrix isolation of heterogeneous condensed phase chemical reactions under extreme conditions

A new technique which combines high-pressure and thermal-shock conditions with low-temperature matrix isolation in a gem anvil cell is presented. This serves to partially quench or arrest the reaction sequence of an energetic material. New chemical species are observed which indicate that intermediates are trapped in addition to final products. This combination of high pressure and low temperature helps elucidate the complicated reaction pathways in the deflagration to detonation regime. We have applied this technique to hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (HNIW, chemical name: 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazatetracyclo[5.5.0.05,9.03,11]dodecane). Products are identified using infrared spectroscopy and comparisons are made to previously reported data taken under thermal, ambient pressure conditions.