RDX is an explosive widely used in the world; it is also known as hexogen, cyclonite, cyclotri-methlyene trinitramine and T4. RDX stands for Royal Demolition eXplosive. Its structural formula is 1, 3, 5-trinitro-1, 3, 5-triazine (Ch2-N-NO2)3.

RDX was discovered in 1899 by a Hans Henning, though the explosive properties were only found in 1920.

There are many ways of producing RDX, the most common way is by reacting concentrated nitric acid with hexamine. Because of the many ways of producing RDX, there are many by products of producing it, most of which are hazardous.

(CH2)6N4 + 4HNO3 => (Ch2-N-NO2)3 + 3HCHO + NH4+ + NO3-

The military claims that RDX is one of the most important explosive they use. Reasons for this include the fact that it is very stable at room temperature unlike many others. Without a detonator, RDX would burn rather then explode.

RDX can be combined with other types of explosives or plastics to create different combinations. The use of plastic in explosives is to bind the contents together.

• Composition A is composed of RDX melted in with wax.
• Composition B is made by mixing RDX with TNT.
• Composition C is RDX blended with plastic.
• Military Dynamite is made is 75% RDX, 15% TNT and 10% plastic.
• C4 is made up of 91% RDX and 9% plastic. (this is the main explosive that            terrorist use).
• Torpex is made of 42% RDX, 40% TNT and 18% powdered aluminium.

RDX is mainly used as an explosive. Topex was used in World War II by both sides. It has also been used as a component in nuclear weapons. The head of nuclear explosives are rigged with RDX as a detonator. RDX has also been known to have been used in small amounts for fireworks and as a rat poison. When detonated, RDX produces a powerful charge, this allows RDX to be used in aerial bombs, mines and torpedoes.