The paper presents a set of some literature data and the authors' own experimental results of stability, sensitivity and explosion parameters of energetic Mannich N-bases, 3,7-dinitro-1,3,5,7-tetraazabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane (DPT), 3,7-dinitroso-1,3,5,7-tetraazabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane (DNPT) and hexamethylenetetramine dinitrate (HEXADI). Both their chemical and thermal reactivities are discussed. The results of small-scale cook-off test, determination of initiation ability, detonation velocity, impact sensitivity and performance show that the lowest process safety risks are connected with HEXADI. (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.