CL-20 (hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane), synthesized in 1987, has a detonation velocity of approximately 9,380 m/s and is roughly 30-40% more powerful than TNT by energy density — among the most powerful conventional chemical explosives characterized, used in specialized aerospace and mining applications rather than most conventional munitions.
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CL-20 (hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane), synthesized in 1987, has a detonation velocity of approximately 9,380 m/s and is roughly 30-40% more powerful than TNT by energy density — among the most powerful conventional chemical explosives characterized, used in specialized aerospace and mining applications rather than most conventional munitions.
The highest detonation velocity of any conventional (non-nuclear) chemical explosive compound in common scientific characterization.
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Limits Registry. LR-MOST-POWERFUL-CHEMICAL-EXPLOSIVE. Most powerful conventional chemical explosive. 2026.