UPSC Prelims 2007 Q103: Science & Technology – Chemistry
Which one of the following is another name of RDX?
- (a) Cyanohydrin
- (b) Dextran
- (c) Cyclohexane
- (d) Cyclonite
Answer: (d) Cyclonite
Explanation
RDX = Cyclonite
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Full name | Research Department eXplosive (British name) |
| Other names | Cyclonite, Hexogen, T4 |
| Chemical | Cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine, C₃H₆N₆O₆ |
| Type | High explosive, more powerful than TNT |
| Uses | Military explosives; base of plastic explosives like C-4 and Semtex |
Other options:
| Compound | What it is |
|---|---|
| Cyanohydrin | Organic compound with –OH and –CN groups |
| Dextran | Sugar polymer, used as a plasma volume expander |
| Cyclohexane | Simple solvent (C₆H₁₂) |
Answer: (d) Cyclonite.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Cyanohydrin is an organic chemical intermediate, not an explosive.
- (b) Incorrect. Dextran is a glucose polymer used in medicine.
- (c) Incorrect. Cyclohexane is a solvent — the name sounds like 'cyclonite', a deliberate trap.
- (d) CORRECT. RDX is also called cyclonite (or hexogen).
Key point
RDX = Cyclonite = Hexogen = cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine; core of C-4 and Semtex.
Remember
RDX is also called cyclonite.
Common mistakes
- Choosing cyclohexane because it sounds like cyclonite.
- Thinking RDX and TNT are the same — RDX is more powerful.
- Not knowing RDX expands to Research Department Explosive.
Exam tip
Cyclo-NITE → 'nitro' groups → explosive. Cyclo-HEXANE → plain hydrocarbon solvent.
Sources
- NCERT Class XII — Chemistry, Ch on Amines/Nitro compounds
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — RDX