Octanitrocubane

Make a 3D molecular model of the high explosive Octanitrocubane from Genuine Molymod Model Parts by Indigo. The model clearly shows the cubane core structure which consists of an eight-carbon cubane (C8) a perfect cubic geometry. Each carbon has a substituted nitro (-NO2) group, making it a fully nitrated cubane. Its highly strained carbon-carbon bonds are at 90° angles, deviating from the typical 109.5° of the standard VSEPR geometry.

The calculated detonation velocity is over 10,000 m/s, which exceeds common military explosives HMX and RDX. Its detonation pressure is among the highest recorded for non-nuclear explosives. Unlike nitroglycerin, octanitrocubane is chemically stable and less sensitive to shock or heat and safer to handle.

See our 3D Molecular Model builder for the various options on how to build this structure.

A molecular model of Octanitrocubane in the Molymod Hybrid Dome style uses the atoms & bonds in the parts list below. Our free 3D Molecular Model Builder shows other styles & allows for image rotation as an assembly guide.