Analysis of 2,2',4,4',6,6'-Hexanitrostilbene (HNS) by High Performance Liquid Chromatography.

Abstract : A high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for the determination of HNS is described. A reverse-phase micro column was used with a methanol/distilled water mobile phase in a ratio of 2:3 by volume. This method is capable of separating all known by-product impurities resulting from the preparation of HNS by the 'Shipp Process'. Assays of HNS and 2,2',4,4',6,6'-Hexanitrobibenzyl (HNBiB), the major impurity, can be obtained in less than 40 minutes. Accurate analyses (+ or - 2%) of HNS and all known by-products can be made in about 90 minutes. (Author)