Fourier Transform Raman Spectroscopy of the Four Crystallographic Phases of α, β, γ and ε 2,4,6,8,10,12-Hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazatetracyclo[5.5.0.05,9.03,11]dodecane (HNIW, CL-20)

Fourier transform Raman Spectroscopy (Nd : YAG laser at 1064 nm) was used to characterize the four stable phases of 2,4,6,8,10,12‐Hexanitro‐2,4,6,8,10,12‐hexaazatetracyclo[5.5.0.05,9.03,11]dodecane (HNIW, CL‐20). Raman spectra are reported over the region from 0–4000 cm−1, relative to the laser line. A tentative assignment of the most predominant Raman peaks was made with the aid of QM calculations at the B3LYP/6‐31G(d) level. A method for detecting polymorphic impurities in ε‐CL‐20 was also developed. The detection level for polymorphic impurities was determined to be below 2%. A method for producing γ‐CL‐20 is also presented.