This invention relates to the field of novel explosives, compositions and munitions comprising the same, as well as methods of synthesis and their use. The invention particularly relates to the field of explosives which are switchable between two different liquid crystalline states, and which possesses a general formula below. ##STR00001## wherein M is a mesogenic core, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are independently selected terminal end groups attached to the mesogenic core, and wherein the mesogenic core contains sufficient (NO.sub.2).sub.x to provide an explosive output. The explosive compound may form part of an explosive composition, which may be used as a high explosive fill for any part of a munition. The explosive composition may contain other components such as non-explosive LC compounds, or binders, or further known explosive compounds. The explosive composition has one or more liquid crystalline states, which may possess differing sensitivities