HEXAMETHYLENE TETRAMINE

Hexamethylene Tetramine is a cyclic aminal formed from formaldehyde and ammonia and is widely used as a crosslinking agent, curing accelerator, chemical intermediate, and biocide-supporting ingredient in industrial formulations.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is commonly used in phenolic resin curing, rubber processing, foundry binders, and chemical synthesis where controlled release of reactive formaldehyde under heat or acidic conditions supports performance.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is valued for high purity availability, good storage stability in dry form, predictable curing behavior in resin systems, and broad utility as a nitrogen-containing intermediate.

CAS Number: 100-97-0
EC Number: 202-905-8
Molecular Formula: C6H12N4
Molecular Weight: 140.19 g/mol

Synonyms: Hexamethylene Tetramine, Hexamethylenetetramine, Hexamine, Methenamine, Urotropine, 1,3,5,7-Tetraazatricyclo[3.3.1.1]decane, HMTA, Hexamine Powder, Methenamine Base, Urotropin, Hexamethylene Tetramine Crystals, Hexamethylene Tetramine, Hexamethylenetetramine, Hexamethylene tetramine, Hexamethylene-tetramine, Hexamethylenetetramine (HMT), Hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA), Hexamine, Hexamethylenamine, Methenamine, Methenamine Base, Methenamine (INN), Methenamine (USAN), Urotropine, Urotropin, Urotropinum, Urotropina, Urotropine Powder, Urotropine Crystals, Hexamine Crystals, Hexamine Powder, Formaldehyde-Ammonia Condensate, Ammonia-Formaldehyde Condensate, Ammonium Formaldehyde Condensation Product, 1,3,5,7-Tetraazatricyclo[3.3.1.1^3,7]decane, 1,3,5,7-Tetraazatricyclo(decane), Tetraazaadamantane, Tetramine, Hexamethylene-, Hexamethylene tetramine reagent, Hexamethylene tetramine analytical grade, Hexamethylene tetramine laboratory grade, Hexamethylene tetramine technical grade, Hexamethylene tetramine industrial grade, Hexamethylene tetramine high purity, Hexamethylene tetramine 99%, Hexamethylene tetramine 98%, Hexamethylene Tetramine (CAS 100-97-0), CAS 100-97-0, Hexamethylenetetramine (CAS 100-97-0), Hexamethylene Tetramine (C6H12N4), C6H12N4, Hexamethylene Tetramine (EC 202-905-8), EC 202-905-8, Hexamethylenetetramine USP, Hexamethylenetetramine EP, Hexamethylenetetramine BP, Hexamethylenetetramine FCC, Hexamethylenetetramine ACS, Hexamethylenetetramine AR, Hexamethylenetetramine GR, Hexamethylenetetramine LR, Hexamethylenetetramine for synthesis, Hexamethylenetetramine for analysis, Hexamine Curing Agent, Hexamethylenetetramine Curing Agent, Phenolic Resin Curing Agent (Hexamine), Resin Hardener Hexamine, Rubber Vulcanization Accelerator (Hexamine), Foundry Binder Additive (Hexamine), Natrium-free Methenamine, Metenamina, Metenamine, Metenamina (Spanish), Metenamina (Italian), Hexamethylentetramin, Hexamethylentetramine, Hexaméthylènetétramine, Hexametilentetramina, Гексаметилентетрамин, Urotropin (Russian usage)

APPLICATIONS

Hexamethylene Tetramine is used in phenolic resin systems as a curing agent to crosslink novolac resins under heat.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is incorporated into phenolic molding compounds to improve cure speed and final strength.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is used in phenolic-bonded abrasives to develop hardness and heat resistance during curing.

Hexamethylene Tetramine is used in friction materials such as brake and clutch components to support phenolic binder curing.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is incorporated into brake pad formulations to improve heat stability and mechanical integrity.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is used in clutch facings to support consistent cure and durability.

Hexamethylene Tetramine is used in foundry binder systems to cure phenolic and furan-type resins in sand cores and molds.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is incorporated into no-bake and hot-box processes to improve core strength and handling.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is used in shell molding where controlled curing supports dimensional stability.

Hexamethylene Tetramine is used in rubber compounding as a curing accelerator and crosslinking contributor in compatible systems.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is incorporated into rubber adhesives and bonding systems to improve heat-activated curing.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is used in rubber-to-metal bonding formulations where strong adhesion and heat resistance are required.

Hexamethylene Tetramine is used as an intermediate in chemical synthesis for resins, additives, and specialty chemicals.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is incorporated into synthesis routes where a stable nitrogen-containing building block is required.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is used in laboratory chemistry as a reagent and formaldehyde donor under controlled conditions.

Hexamethylene Tetramine is used in corrosion inhibition concepts where reaction products help protect metal surfaces in compatible systems.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is incorporated into metalworking and water systems in selected formulations where nitrogen donors are useful.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is used in industrial cleaners and process aids where controlled reactivity supports performance.

Hexamethylene Tetramine is used in pharmaceuticals as Methenamine, which can release formaldehyde in acidic urine for antimicrobial effect in approved medical use.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is incorporated into urinary antiseptic formulations where controlled formaldehyde release supports activity.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is used in pharmaceutical manufacturing as a regulated active ingredient under strict quality standards.

Hexamethylene Tetramine is used in solid fuel tablets as a clean-burning fuel source in camping and emergency heating products.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is incorporated into fire-starting products where compact, stable fuel performance is required.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is used in portable heating applications where predictable burn behavior is desired.

Hexamethylene Tetramine is used in coating and adhesive systems where aminal chemistry supports crosslinking or performance enhancement.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is incorporated into wood and paper treatment research where controlled formaldehyde release is evaluated.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is used in laboratory testing to study formaldehyde-release curing mechanisms in polymer systems.

Hexamethylene Tetramine is used in textile and leather processing in selected systems where resin curing or antimicrobial support is required.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is incorporated into finishing formulations where crosslinking improves durability and crease resistance in compatible chemistries.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is used in specialty finishing operations where controlled curing improves performance.

Hexamethylene Tetramine is used in industrial production where stable storage and easy dosing of a curing agent improves process reliability.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is incorporated where controlled release of formaldehyde under heat supports curing and bonding.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is valued because Hexamethylene Tetramine provides versatile curing and intermediate functionality across multiple industries.

DESCRIPTION

Hexamethylene Tetramine is typically a white crystalline powder with a faint amine-like odor.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is formed by condensation of formaldehyde and ammonia, creating a stable cage-like molecule that can release formaldehyde under acidic or high-temperature conditions.
Hexamethylene Tetramine is widely used as a curing agent for phenolic resins because Hexamethylene Tetramine decomposes during heating to generate reactive species that crosslink resin chains.

Hexamethylene Tetramine is soluble in water and many polar solvents, enabling flexible handling in aqueous and solvent-based systems.
Hexamethylene Tetramine performance depends on temperature, pH, moisture content, and the resin or matrix chemistry in which Hexamethylene Tetramine is used.
Hexamethylene Tetramine should be handled to minimize dust exposure and to avoid contact with strong acids that can accelerate decomposition.

Hexamethylene Tetramine can be combustible as a dust and can contribute to fire risk under certain conditions, so good housekeeping and dust control are important.
Hexamethylene Tetramine should be stored in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place away from moisture and incompatible chemicals.
Hexamethylene Tetramine use should comply with applicable regulations and workplace safety requirements, especially in applications linked to formaldehyde release.

PROPERTIES

Chemical Formula: C6H12N4
Molecular Weight: 140.19 g/mol
Common Name: Hexamethylene Tetramine (Hexamine, Methenamine)
Chemical Type: Cyclic aminal (formaldehyde-ammonia condensation product)
Appearance: White crystalline powder
Odor: Faint amine-like odor
Solubility: Soluble in water; soluble in many polar solvents (grade dependent)
Melting Point: ~280°C (decomposes; typical)
Density: ~1.3 g/cm³ (typical; grade dependent)
Flash Point: Not applicable (solid; combustible dust risk)
Decomposition: Releases formaldehyde and ammonia under acidic conditions or high heat
Stability: Stable when dry; avoid strong acids, strong oxidizers, and moisture
Storage Temperature: 15–25°C, dry, tightly closed
Shelf Life: Typically 24–36 months in original sealed packaging (supplier dependent)

FIRST AID

Inhalation:
Move to fresh air if dust is inhaled.
Seek medical attention if coughing, wheezing, or respiratory irritation persists.
Avoid breathing dust during handling and charging.

Skin Contact:
Wash with soap and water after contact.
Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
Seek medical advice if irritation develops or persists.

Eye Contact:
Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes and continue rinsing.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, then continue rinsing.
Seek medical attention if irritation persists.

Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water and do not induce vomiting.
Seek medical attention if a significant amount is swallowed or discomfort occurs.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically and supportively.
Consider potential exposure to decomposition products if the material was heated or in acidic conditions.
Monitor respiratory status if dust exposure was significant.

HANDLING AND STORAGE

Handling:
Use appropriate PPE including gloves, safety goggles, and protective clothing.
Avoid generating dust during weighing, pouring, or conveying.
Keep away from strong acids and avoid unnecessary heating that can release formaldehyde.

Ventilation:
Use local exhaust or general ventilation where dust may be generated.
Maintain good airflow during charging and mixing operations.
Use closed handling systems when feasible for large-scale operations.

Storage:
Store in a cool, dry place in tightly closed, properly labeled containers.
Protect from moisture to prevent caking and to maintain consistent reactivity.
Keep away from strong acids, strong oxidizers, and sources of ignition.

Spill and Leak Procedures:
Avoid dust generation and collect spilled material using clean, dry tools.
Place collected material into suitable containers for disposal according to local regulations.
Clean residue with wet wiping or vacuum systems designed for fine powders.

Handling Precautions:
Maintain good housekeeping to reduce dust accumulation and potential combustible dust hazards.
Use clean, dedicated equipment to prevent contamination that could affect curing performance.
Rotate stock using FIFO practices and follow site-specific safety procedures for chemicals that may release formaldehyde during use.