4 , 10 - dinitro - 2 , 6 , 8 , 12 - tetraoxa - 4 , 10 - diazatetracyclododecane is synthesized by reacting a diacyl - 2 , 3 , 5 , 6 - tetraoxypiperazine or tetraoxadiazaisowurtzitane derivative , a strong acid , and a nitrate source , such that an exothermic reaction occurs which proceeds at a temperature above ambient temperature . the reaction product is precipitated by cooling . it may be purified by washing with methanol and / or sodium bicarbonate and by simmering in nitric acid .