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Hexamethylene tetramine, also known as hexamine or methenamine, is a heterocyclic organic compound formed from ammonia and formaldehyde.
It is a white crystalline powder with high thermal stability and versatile chemical functionality, making it widely used in various industrial and pharmaceutical applications.
Hexamethylene tetramine is valued for its role as a curing agent, stabilizer, corrosion inhibitor, and antimicrobial agent across multiple sectors.
CAS Number: 100-97-0
EC Number: 202-905-8
Molecular Formula: C₆H₁₂N₄
Molecular Weight: 140.19 g/mol
Synonyms: Hexamethylene Tetramine, Hexamine, Methenamine, Urotropin, 1,3,5,7-Tetraazaadamantane, Aminoform, Formin, Aminoformaldehyde, Hexamethylenamine, Methenamine Hippurate (pharmaceutical derivative)
APPLICATIONS
Hexamethylene tetramine is widely used in the production of phenolic resins and molded plastics as a curing agent.
Hexamethylene tetramine is employed in the manufacture of adhesives and binders for brake and clutch linings.
Hexamethylene tetramine is utilized in rubber vulcanization as a hardening and accelerating agent.
Hexamethylene tetramine is applied as a corrosion inhibitor in boiler water treatments and industrial systems.
Hexamethylene tetramine is used in explosives manufacturing, particularly as a stabilizer in RDX and other high-energy materials.
Hexamethylene tetramine is included in metal foundry binders and refractory materials to enhance curing and strength.
Hexamethylene tetramine is incorporated in disinfectants and antiseptic formulations for its antimicrobial activity.
Hexamethylene tetramine is used in urinary tract infection (UTI) treatments in pharmaceutical formulations under the name methenamine.
Hexamethylene tetramine is found in veterinary medicines for its antibacterial properties.
Hexamethylene tetramine is applied in fuel tablet production (solid fuel blocks) as a clean-burning energy source.
Hexamethylene tetramine is utilized in analytical chemistry as a titration reagent and buffer component.
Hexamethylene tetramine is used in paper and textile processing as a chemical intermediate and finishing agent.
Hexamethylene tetramine is included in coatings and flame-retardant formulations to improve thermal and chemical resistance.
Hexamethylene tetramine is used in the production of insect repellents and fumigants.
Hexamethylene tetramine is compatible with resins, acids, and other compounds requiring slow-release nitrogen-based reactivity.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is used in the manufacture of resins, particularly in the production of phenolic resins for the automotive and construction industries, providing enhanced thermal stability and resistance to wear.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is employed as a crosslinking agent in the production of synthetic rubber, where it helps improve the material's strength, flexibility, and durability.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is used in the production of hardeners for epoxy resins, which are widely utilized in coatings, adhesives, and composite materials for improved mechanical strength and chemical resistance.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is used as a catalyst in the synthesis of various chemicals, including nylon and other polyamides, where it helps initiate polymerization and control the reaction process.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is used in the formulation of formaldehyde-based disinfectants and cleaning agents, where it contributes to the sterilizing properties of the product.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is employed in the production of fuels, where it acts as a stabilizer in the formulation of gasoline and other petroleum products to improve performance and longevity.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is used in the preparation of water treatment chemicals, particularly in the removal of heavy metals from wastewater, where it acts as a chelating agent to bind and remove toxic substances.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is used in the formulation of flame retardants, particularly in the textile and plastics industries, where it improves the fire resistance of materials and products.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is used in the production of plasticizers, where it helps to enhance the flexibility and workability of plastics, particularly in the manufacture of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is employed in the manufacture of concrete additives, where it helps accelerate the curing process, improving the setting time and strength of concrete.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is used in the production of lubricants for industrial applications, where it helps improve the lubricant's performance by increasing its resistance to heat and oxidation.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is used in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the preparation of certain antibiotics and other medicinal compounds, where it acts as an intermediate in chemical reactions.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is employed in the preparation of high-performance coatings for metal surfaces, providing enhanced protection against corrosion, heat, and wear.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is used in the production of fireproofing materials, where it helps enhance the fire resistance of insulation and construction materials.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is applied in the manufacture of waterproofing agents for fabrics, leather, and other materials, where it helps provide resistance to water and moisture penetration.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is used in the formulation of adhesives, where it helps improve the bonding strength and durability of the final product, particularly in construction and automotive applications.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is employed in the production of certain specialty chemicals for the textile industry, where it helps improve the quality and longevity of dyed fabrics and fibers.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is used in the preparation of chemicals for the paper and pulp industry, where it acts as a stabilizer and improves the efficiency of the papermaking process.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is used in the production of fire-resistant foams, where it contributes to the flame retardant properties of the foam, making it ideal for use in construction and industrial applications.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is used in the formulation of water-based adhesives for packaging, where it helps improve the adhesive's strength and resistance to water and moisture.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is employed in the production of certain agricultural chemicals, including herbicides and pesticides, where it helps improve the stability and effectiveness of the active ingredients.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is used in the formulation of high-temperature adhesives, where it helps enhance the adhesive’s thermal stability, making it suitable for applications involving extreme heat.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is used in the formulation of thermosetting polymers, where it acts as a hardening agent, providing improved mechanical properties and thermal resistance.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is employed in the production of biodegradable plastics, where it helps enhance the material’s mechanical properties and degradation rate under environmental conditions.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is used in the preparation of fuel additives, where it improves combustion efficiency and reduces engine wear by stabilizing fuel properties.
DESCRIPTION
Hexamethylene tetramine is a white crystalline solid with a faint ammonia-like odor and excellent thermal stability.
It is a heterocyclic compound composed of a cage-like tetraazaadamantane structure, contributing to its rigidity and reactivity.
Hexamethylene tetramine is highly soluble in water and polar solvents, facilitating its use in a wide range of aqueous and organic systems.
Hexamethylene tetramine decomposes upon heating or in acidic environments, releasing formaldehyde and ammonia — a property used in controlled release applications.
It acts as a cross-linking agent in resin systems and enhances mechanical properties and resistance to thermal degradation.
Hexamethylene tetramine is stable under normal storage conditions and compatible with various industrial processing requirements.
Hexamethylene tetramine is often chosen for its dual functionality as both a nitrogen donor and formaldehyde-releasing agent in specialized reactions.
It contributes to improved shelf life, binding efficiency, and performance in adhesives, binders, and high-temperature curing systems.
Hexamethylene tetramine complies with industry and pharmaceutical-grade purity standards depending on its end-use.
Hexamethylene Tetramine, also known as hexamine, is an organic compound with the formula (CH₂)₆N₄, a white crystalline solid commonly used as a crosslinking agent and catalyst in industrial and chemical applications.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is a versatile chemical used in various industries, including the production of resins, plastics, pharmaceuticals, and fuel additives, due to its unique properties as a hardening agent and stabilizer.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is a highly reactive compound, which makes it useful in polymerization and crosslinking reactions, enhancing the strength, flexibility, and stability of materials in many industrial applications.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is soluble in water and alcohol, making it easy to incorporate into aqueous and organic formulations, especially in applications like water treatment and flame retardant systems.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is used in the production of formaldehyde-based products, as it is a key intermediate in the reaction process that forms resins and other chemical derivatives.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is a commonly used hardener in the production of epoxy resins, which are widely used in coatings, adhesives, and composite materials due to their strong adhesive properties and chemical resistance.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is a stable compound under normal conditions but can be hazardous under certain reactive conditions, requiring careful handling in industrial environments.
Hexamethylene Tetramine’s ability to act as a crosslinking agent makes it valuable in the production of thermosetting plastics and resins, providing materials with enhanced thermal and chemical resistance.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is a non-toxic compound when used in the proper concentrations, making it suitable for a wide range of applications in the pharmaceutical and food industries.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is essential in numerous industrial processes, contributing to the performance, durability, and safety of a wide range of products from automotive parts to construction materials.
PROPERTIES
Chemical Formula: C₆H₁₂N₄
Molecular Weight: 140.19 g/mol
Common Name: Hexamine / Methenamine
Appearance: White crystalline powder
Odor: Slight ammonia-like
Solubility: Soluble in water, ethanol, and other polar solvents
Melting Point: 280°C (sublimes without melting under normal pressure)
Density: Approx. 1.33 g/cm³
pH (in aqueous solution): ~8–10
Reactivity: Decomposes in acidic conditions; releases formaldehyde
Chemical Stability: Stable under dry, neutral conditions
Storage Temperature: Store in a dry place between 15–30°C
Shelf Life: Minimum 2 years in original packaging
FIRST AID
Inhalation:
Move exposed individual to fresh air.
Seek medical attention if coughing, dizziness, or respiratory discomfort occurs.
Skin Contact:
Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water.
Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
Seek medical attention in case of persistent irritation.
Eye Contact:
Flush eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes.
Seek immediate medical attention if irritation persists.
Ingestion:
Do not induce vomiting.
Rinse mouth with water.
Seek medical attention immediately.
Provide supportive care and monitor for gastrointestinal symptoms.
Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically.
Risk of formaldehyde-related toxicity upon decomposition.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling:
Wear gloves, protective clothing, and safety goggles when handling Hexamethylene tetramine.
Ensure proper ventilation in processing and packaging areas.
Avoid generating dust and contact with incompatible materials.
Spill and Leak Procedures:
Sweep or vacuum spilled material without raising dust.
Dispose of according to local environmental regulations.
Avoid discharge into drains or watercourses.
Storage:
Store Hexamethylene tetramine in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area.
Keep containers tightly sealed and labeled.
Avoid exposure to moisture, acids, and heat sources.
Handling Cautions:
Do not expose to strong acids or oxidizing agents.
Handle with care to prevent dust inhalation and contact with eyes or skin.
Ensure appropriate safety protocols for chemical storage and disposal.
