| Abstract | RDX, hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine, is one of the most widely used nitro-organic explosives that presently contaminate various terrestrial and aquatic systems. It is a highly oxidized molecule whose degradation is governed by the electronic structure and redox chemistry of its –CH2–N(NO2)– multifunctional group. In the present chapter, we discuss how the chemical reacts in various redox systems with particular emphasis on the initial steps involved in RDX decomposition. Three important redox reactions are analyzed and commented: 1) 1e–transfer to –N–NO2 leading to denitration, 2) 2e–transfer to –NO2 leading to the formation of the corresponding nitroso derivatives (MNX, DNX and TNX), and 3) H●-abstraction from one of the –CH2– groups by OH● and O2 ●ˉ. We will analyze and identify knowledge gaps in the transformation pathways of RDX to highlight future research needs. |
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