An alternate synthesis for cyclic 1, 3-dinitramines has been developed. The new method involves the trapping of an in situ generated cyclic aminal with nitrous acid to generate a cyclic 1, 3-dinitrosamine9 which is subsequently converted to the cyclic 1, 3-dinitramine by treatment with 100% nitric acid or solutions of N205 in 100% nitric acid. This alternate synthesis is superior for the synthesis of 5-and some 6-membered cyclic 1, 3-dinitramines ...