Pilot-Scale Electrochemical Synthesis of Potassium 2,2-Dinitroethanate

摘要

The purpose of this research is to develop environmentally sound electrochemical methods for the production of DoD materials. More particularly, this particular program will focus on the development and scale-up of electrochemical methods for the synthesis of potassium 2,2-dinitroethanate (KDNE) from nitroethane (NE). KDNE is a key ingredient in the production of 2,2- dinitropropanol (DNPOH), which is in turn an intermediate in the synthesis of several important DoD energetic materials. The production of DoD-related polynitroalkanes via electrochemical routes promises to drastically reduce the waste streams associated with the classical chemical production processes, thereby enabling the production of such energetic ingredients in a more efficient and environmentally-responsible fashion. This is consistent with the SERDP goal of reducing the environmental impact of DoD manufacturing requirements. The research described herein builds upon preliminary bench-scale results obtained at Idaho National Labs (INL) under the previous SERDP-funded Phase I program.