TH-dimer, also called tetrahydromethylcyclopentadiene dimer[1] or RJ-4, is a liquid rocket propellant used in missiles and jet engines. For example, TH-dimer is used in the turbofan engine of the Tomahawk cruise missile. It is also a component of the jet fuel JP-9.

TH-dimer
Names
Other names
Tetrahydromethylcyclopentadiene dimer; Tetrahydrodimethyldicyclopentadiene; THDMDCP; RJ-4; RJ4
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
ChemSpider
EC Number
  • 250-218-7
  • InChI=1S/C12H20/c1-7-8(2)12-6-11(7)9-4-3-5-10(9)12/h7-12H,3-6H2,1-2H3
    Key: XGTOHMPHWPGRTK-UHFFFAOYSA-N
  • CC1C(C2CC1C3C2CCC3)C
Properties
C12H20
Molar mass 164.292 g·mol−1
Density 0.915 g/cm3
Hazards
Flash point 60 °C (140 °F; 333 K)
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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The fuel is non-volatile, so it is safe to use on ships or submarines. It has a high flash point minimum of 60 °C (140 °F).[2]

Chemically, TH-dimer is a mixture of isomeric saturated hydrocarbons derived from hydrogenation of the dimer of methylcyclopentadiene.[3]

References

edit
  1. ^ Naval Submarine Base New London
  2. ^ "Modern US Military Turbine Missile Fuel Specifications". Archived from the original on 2012-02-05. Retrieved 2006-09-12.
  3. ^ US 4177217, Janoski, Edward J.; Mitchell, Richard E.; Schneider, Abraham, "Continuous conversion of dimethyldicyclopentadiene to endo-dimethyldicyclopentadiene, a missile fuel", issued 1979