Research progress in study of isowurtzitane derivatives

Hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (HNIW or CL-20) is presently the most powerful energetic compound in the world. The synthesis of CL-20 or cage molecules has attracted considerable interest of experts in the area of high-energy materials over the last two decades, and more than 100 isowurtzitane derivatives were synthesized. In this paper, the synthesis, application and reactivity of these compounds are summarized systematically according to different substituents on the cage and types of reactions. The developing tends of isowurtzitane derivatives are also presented.