THE ACTION OF PYRIDINE ON DULCITOL HEXANITRATE

Abstract

A pyridine solution of dulcitol hexanitrate evolved gas and became highly colored when warmed to 50 °C.; dilution with water caused the precipitation of 67% of the theoretical amount of a dulcitol pentanitrate. The product was characterized as D,L-galactitol-1,2,4,5,6-pentanitrate by methylation to a monomethyl dulcitol pentanitrate, denitration of the latter, and periodate oxidation of the monomethyl dulcitol obtained. The hexitol derivatives were all obtained in a pure crystalline form. The significance of the data now available on the selective partial denitration by pyridine of hexitol hexanitrates is briefly discussed.