Scale-Up Synthesis of Hexabenzylhexaazaisowurtzitane, an Intermediate in CL-20 Synthesis

After successful synthesis of hexabenzylhexaazaisowurtzitane (HBIW) on a laboratory scale (0.25 L reactor), it was performed on a multilaboratory scale (10 L reactor) and subsequently in an experimental installation in which a 300 L reactor was built. Seven syntheses were carried out in the unit on a pilot scale to produce 250 kg of HBIW. The pilot-scale syntheses ran with a yield comparable to those observed for the processes conducted on a large-laboratory scale. Some modifications were suggested that allowed for reduction of the HBIW weight unit by approximately 50%.