Methods of producing 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene

Methods of producing 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene (TATB), from alkoxy derivatives of phloroglucinol, such as 5-methoxyresorcinol, 3,5-dimethoxyphenol, or 1,3,5-trimethoxybenzene, are disclosed. The alkoxy derivatives may be exposed to and directly nitrated with a reaction mixture comprising a sulfuric acid solution and at least one nitrate salt. The nitrated alkoxy derivative of phloroglucinol may be alkoxylated and, thereafter, aminated to produce the TATB.