HMTD (Hexamethylene Triperoxide Diamine)
Definition
A peroxide explosive analogue of TATP, synthesised from hexamine (hexamethylenetetramine), hydrogen peroxide, and citric acid. Similar sensitivity profile. Detected by LC-MS/MS as [M+NH4]+ at m/z 226. Used in detonator formulations in some European attack cases.
- Chemical formula
- C6H12N2O6
- Type
- Primary explosive organic peroxide
- Primary use
- Initiator in IEDs, often paired with TATP as main charge
- Key detection methods
- LC-MS positive mode at m/z 209 ([M+H]+); LC-MS/MS at m/z 226 ([M+NH4]+)
Common questions
What is HMTD and how is it made?+
HMTD (hexamethylene triperoxide diamine) is an improvised organic peroxide explosive synthesized from hexamine and hydrogen peroxide, sometimes with citric acid added. It is a primary explosive, meaning it detonates easily and is typically used as an initiator rather than a main charge in improvised explosive devices.
How sensitive is HMTD compared to other explosives?+
HMTD is more friction-sensitive than TATP (another improvised peroxide explosive). It is extremely sensitive overall, making it hazardous to handle. It is often used in combination with TATP as the initiating component in IEDs.
How do forensic labs detect HMTD?+
HMTD is identified using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). In positive mode, it appears at m/z 209 ([M+H]+), while LC-MS/MS detects it as [M+NH4]+ at m/z 226. These detection methods help link residues to HMTD-based devices.
Related terms
- ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil)
- A low-sensitivity bulk explosive mixture of prilled ammonium nitrate (94 per cent by weight) and fuel oil (6 per cent). The primary...
- TATP (Triacetone Triperoxide)
- A cyclic peroxide explosive (C9H18O6) synthesised from acetone, hydrogen peroxide, and an acid catalyst. Sensitive to friction, heat, shock, and prolonged storage....
- EU Regulation 2019/1148
- The European Union regulation on the marketing and use of explosive precursors, restricting public access to hydrogen peroxide above 12%, nitric acid...
- Urea Nitrate
- An ionic explosive salt formed by neutralisation of urea with nitric acid. Detonation velocity approximately 3,400 m/s. Used in the 1993 World...
- Ammonium Adduct [M + NH4]+
- The dominant ionisation form of TATP in positive-mode ESI LC-MS when ammonium acetate or formate is present in the mobile phase. TATP...
- Ammonium Nitrate Security Program (ANSP)
- A US DHS/CISA program mandated by the 2008 Farm Bill requiring registration of ammonium nitrate facilities and verification of purchaser identity. A...
- Blast Seat
- The origin point of an explosion, characterised by a crater (in contact detonations), radiating damage patterns, and the highest concentration of explosive...
- Chapman-Jouguet Pressure
- The detonation pressure at the reaction zone/product interface in a steadily propagating detonation. For ANFO at operational density, approximately 5 GPa (versus...
- Commercial Pyrotechnic Powder
- Low explosives (black powder and flash powder) extracted from commercially available fireworks. Used in the Boston Marathon bombing devices. Not subject to...
- Critical Diameter
- The minimum charge diameter below which a detonation wave cannot sustain itself, because energy losses to the sides of the charge exceed...
- DADP (Diacetone Diperoxide)
- A six-membered ring peroxide co-product of TATP synthesis. Less stable than TATP. Detected alongside TATP in post-blast samples where the synthesis conditions...
- Daubert Standard
- The US federal evidentiary standard (Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, 1993) requiring that expert testimony be based on scientifically valid methods with...
Explained in these topics
- Homemade Explosives: TATP, HMTD, Urea Nitrate and Precursor ControlA primary explosive organic peroxide (C6H12N2O6) synthesised from hexamine and hydrogen peroxide. Used as an initiator in combination with TATP main charges; d...
- Improvised Explosives: TATP, ANFO, Urea Nitrate and Modern IEDsA peroxide explosive analogue of TATP, synthesised from hexamine (hexamethylenetetramine), hydrogen peroxide, and citric acid. Similar sensitivity profile. Det...
- Major Bombing Casework: Oklahoma, Mumbai, 7/7, Boston, ManchesterA peroxide-based primary explosive synthesised from hexamine and hydrogen peroxide. Used as an initiator component alongside TATP in 7/7 and Manchester Arena d...
- Specific Explosives: TNT, RDX, PETN, HMX, ANFO, TATP, Urea NitrateAn improvised organic peroxide explosive synthesised from hexamethylenetetramine and hydrogen peroxide. More friction-sensitive than TATP; used as an initiatin...