FDNE

     FDNE, an acronym for 2-fluoro-2,2-dinitroethanol, is an energetic plasticizer or binder. While not an explosive itself, FDNE is one of several of a new class of materials designed to replace inert plasticizers with energetic ones. FDNE finds use in propellants, plastic explosives, and in gas generating systems like airbags. FDNE will add extra energy to any explosive or propellant, whereas the traditional binders are inert thus sapping explosive energy. FDNE is also an intermediate in the preparation of the energetic binder FEFO.

CHEMICALS	APPARATUS
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     Prepare a solution of 22 g of sodium p-toluene sulfonate in 450 mL of water cooled to 0 C. Prepare a second solution of 72.5 g of sodium hydroxide in 350 mL of water. Add 210 mL of 30% hydrogen peroxide to the sulfonate solution, and then add 5 mL of the hydroxide solution. Add 14.85 mL of 36% formaldehyde, and then add 250 g of fluorotrinitromethane while keeping the temperature of the mixture between -5 C and 0 C. The remaining hydroxide solution is then added over a 45 minute period while keeping the temperature of the mixture between -5 C and 0 C. The mixture is then stirred for 15 minutes at 0 C. Acidify the mixture by slowly adding 50 mL of ice cold 50% sulfuric acid. Add 200 g of sodium chloride to salt out the product and extract the mixture with five 300 mL portions of methylene chloride. The combined extract is dried of anhydrous magnesium sulfate and the solvent is removed under reduced pressure. Final yield of FDNE is 211 g or 92.6%.

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