Process for making 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazatetracyclo[5.5.0.05,903,11]-dodecane

1. Field of the Invention In this process 2,6,8,12-tetraacetyl-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazatetracyclo-[5.5.0.00]-dodecane ("TADH") is subjected to nitrolysis in the presence of a mixed acid to form HNIW. The mixed acid comprises at least one nitronium ion source (preferably nitric acid) and at least one strong acid (preferably sulfuric acid) capable of generating a nitronium ion from the source. The ratio of nitronium ion source to strong acid and the amount of TADH used are selected so that, in the event that the nitrolysis reaction is carried out at 85° C., 99% nitramine conversion will occur within ten minutes.