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UPSC Prelims 2025 GS Paper 1, question 46

Topic: Science and technology

Q46

What is the common characteristic of the chemical substances generally known as CL-20, HMX and LLM-105, which are sometimes talked about in media?

  1. (a) These are alternatives to hydro-fluorocarbon refrigerants
  2. (b) These are explosives in military weaponsCorrect answer
  3. (c) These are high-energy fuels for cruise missiles
  4. (d) These are fuels for rocket propulsion

Solution.

Answer: (b) These are explosives in military weapons

  1. CL-20 (Hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane), HMX (Octogen / High Melting Explosive), and LLM-105 (2,6-diamino-3,5-dinitropyrazine-1-oxide) are high-energy-density energetic materials (high explosives) used in military warheads, artillery shells, and insensitive munitions.
  2. CL-20 and HMX are among the most powerful conventional military nitramine explosives.