Hexamethylenetetramine

Product Description

Hexamethylenetetramine
CAS number [100-97-0]
 
Hexamethylenetetramine, commonly called hexamine and methenamine, is a heterocyclic organic compound with formula (CH2)6N4.
 
Hexamine is a white crystalline solid, highly soluble in water and many organic solvents. Reminiscent of adamantane and other symmetrical organic compounds, hexamine sublimes cleanly in a vacuum at 280 °C.
 
Hexamine is used mainly in the plastics industry, as a solid fuel and in some drugs. The term methenamine (an International Nonproprietary Name) is more common in its medicinal uses, and hexamine is more common in commercial uses.
 
Methenamine hippurate, a salt formed by the combination of hippuric acid and hexamine, is used to treat urinary tract infections. Since it is activated by the acids in urine, it is suitable only for infections of the lower urinary tract. It is also be used in the treatment of obstructive post-renal disease, in combination with urine alkanization.