R-salt (TNX,

systematic name A systematic name is a name given in a systematic way to one unique group, organism, object or chemical substance, out of a specific population or collection. Systematic names are usually part of a nomenclature. A semisystematic name or semitrivi ...

hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitroso-1,3,5-triazine) is an explosive

organic compound Some chemical authorities define an organic compound as a chemical compound that contains a carbon–hydrogen or carbon–carbon bond; others consider an organic compound to be any chemical compound that contains carbon. For example, carbon-co ...

that has been used in

terrorist attacks The following is a list of terrorist incidents that were not carried out by a state or its forces (see state terrorism and state-sponsored terrorism). Assassinations are presented in List of assassinations and unsuccessful attempts at List o ...

. It is a

high explosive An explosive (or explosive material) is a reactive substance that contains a great amount of potential energy that can produce an explosion if released suddenly, usually accompanied by the production of light, heat, sound, and pressure. An exp ...

that is less sensitive than other compounds of similar availability. It has a similar structure to

RDX RDX (Research Department Explosive or Royal Demolition Explosive) or hexogen, among other names, is an organic compound with the formula (CH2N2O2)3. It is white, odorless, and tasteless, widely used as an explosive. Chemically, it is classified ...

but with

nitrosamine Nitrosamines (or more formally ''N''-nitrosamines) are organic compounds produced by industrial processes. The chemical structure is , where R is usually an alkyl group. Nitrosamines have a nitroso group () that are "probable human carcinogens", ...

groups replacing the

nitroamine In organic and inorganic chemistry, nitroamines or nitramides are chemical compounds with the general chemical structure . They consist of a nitro group () bonded to the nitrogen of an amine. The R groups can be any group, typically hydrogen (e ...

groups of RDX. It is also found as a decomposition product of RDX in the environment, such as after RDX detonation. This may be a potential environmental issue as a study concluded that TNX is toxic to earthworm ''

Eisenia fetida ''Eisenia fetida'', known under various common names such as manure worm, redworm, brandling worm, panfish worm, trout worm, tiger worm, red wiggler worm, etc., is a species of earthworm adapted to Decomposition, decaying organic material. These ...

''. R-salt is synthesized by

nitrosation Nitrosation and nitrosylation are two names for the process of converting organic compounds or metal complexes into nitroso derivatives, i.e., compounds containing the functionality. The synonymy arises because the R-NO functionality can be ...

hexamine Hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA), also known as 1,3,5,7-tetraazaadamantane, is a heterocyclic organic compound with diverse applications. It has the chemical formula (CH2)6N4 and is a white crystalline compound that is highly soluble in water and p ...

References

{{explosive-stub Explosive chemicals Nitrosamines Triazines