RDX is a powerful explosive also known as cyclonite and hexogen. During World War II, RDX was widely used as the chief explosive charge in bombs. It is still an important military explosive, and also has wide use in detonators and fuses. RDX is made by the action of nitric acid on hexamethylene-tetramine, a product of formaldehyde and ammonia. Mixing RDX with liquid TNT forms an explosive called Composition B. This explosive is more powerful than TNT, and has replaced it in most artillery shells.
