What is RDX?

RDX (also known as Research Department Explosive, Royal Demolition Explosive, hexogen, cyclonite) is a high-explosive organic compound with formula C₃H₆N₆O₆. It is a white crystalline powder, and one of the most powerful military explosives used since World War II.

It belongs to the nitroamine family and is valued for high detonation velocity, reliability, and capacity to form plastic explosives (e.g., C-4). RDX is used in munitions, bombs, warheads, and demolition explosives. It is also used in some industrial blasting. Because it is hazardous and sensitive under certain conditions, it has stringent controls and safety handling procedures.