Process and intermediates for the production of BDNPA and BDNPF and other bis(dinitroalkyl)acetals and formals

Bis(dinitroalkyl)acetals and formals having the formula (1) particularly bis(2,2-dinitropropyl)acetal and bis(2,2-dinitropropyl)formal are produced by oxidative nitration of compounds having the formula (2): preferably via a sodium or other alkali metal, or alkaline earth metal, salt of compounds of Formula (2). Certain of the compounds of formula (1) are novel. All of the intermediates of formula (2) are novel and form another aspect of this invention, as does a process for their production by reacting an aldehyde with a nitroalkanol. The process can readily produce a mixture of the dinitro compounds known as BDNPA and BDNPF (also known as A/F) using the non-explosive intermediates, BNPA and BNPF, both of which are novel.