Hexamine (Hexamethylenetetramine) – CAS No. 100-97-0
Product Overview
Hexamine, chemically known as C₆H₁₂N₄ with CAS Number 100-97-0, is a polycyclic organic compound valued for its role as a curing agent, fuel source, and urinary antiseptic in resins, explosives, and pharmaceuticals. This white, odorless crystalline powder offers excellent solubility in water (up to 100 g/100 mL at 20°C) and a neutral pH of 7.0-8.0 in 1% solution, facilitating controlled release of formaldehyde for preservation and cross-linking without disrupting pH balance. With a purity ≥99%, Hexamine decomposes thermally to generate ammonia and formaldehyde, enabling efficient hardening of phenolic and urea-formaldehyde resins while serving as a clean-burning solid fuel. Its cage-like structure ensures high stability and low volatility, making it suitable for demanding applications in adhesives, camping fuels, and antimicrobial formulations, with biodegradability supporting eco-friendly processes.
Key benefits of Hexamine include:
- Precise Curing: Accelerates resin polymerization at 80-120°C, enhancing bond strength and heat resistance.
- Clean Combustion: Burns without residue for reliable, portable fuel tablets.
- Antimicrobial Efficacy: Hydrolyzes in acidic conditions to inhibit bacteria in urinary tracts and preservatives.
- Thermal Durability: Stable up to 250°C, ideal for molding and extrusion.
- Regulatory Compliance: USP-grade available, GRAS for select uses.
Hexamine is produced via the condensation of formaldehyde and ammonia, yielding a high-purity product compliant with industrial and pharmaceutical standards.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Value/Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | C₆H₁₂N₄ |
| CAS Number | 100-97-0 |
| Molecular Weight | 140.19 g/mol |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Purity | ≥99% |
| Melting Point | 263°C |
| Decomposition Temp | 280°C |
| Solubility in Water | 100 g/100 mL at 20°C |
| Density | 1.331 g/cm³ |
| pH (1% Solution) | 7.0-8.0 |
| Loss on Drying | ≤0.5% |
| Storage | Cool, dry place; avoid moisture |
These specifications ensure Hexamine’s reliability in curing, fuel, and preservation applications.
Applications
Resins and Adhesives
- Phenolic and Urea Resins: Incorporated at 8-15% as a hardener for plywood, laminates, and foundry molds, promoting rapid cross-linking and durability.
- Adhesive Formulations: 5-10% in hot-melt glues for wood and particleboard, improving moisture resistance.
Fuel and Explosives
- Solid Fuel Tablets: Compressed at 95-100% for camping stoves, offering high energy density and smoke-free burning.
- Explosive Initiators: Precursor in RDX production through nitration, supporting controlled detonation.
Pharmaceuticals and Preservation
- Urinary Antiseptics: Active in tablets (1 g/dose) for UTI prevention, releasing formaldehyde in acidic urine.
- Preservatives: 0.2-0.5% in cosmetics and textiles to inhibit microbial growth without discoloration.
Why Choose Our Hexamine?
Our Hexamine is crystallized from ultra-pure sources with formaldehyde <0.1% and heavy metals <5 ppm, guaranteeing flawless curing and fuel performance without off-odors. Resin fabricators achieve 20% shorter cure cycles and 10% stronger bonds. Available in powder, prills, and pharma grades, packaged in 25kg bags or 500kg drums, with Kosher, Halal, and USP certifications for versatile global use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Hexamine?
Hexamine, or Hexamethylenetetramine, is a heterocyclic compound with formula C₆H₁₂N₄ and CAS 100-97-0, used as a curing agent and fuel. It’s a white powder that decomposes to formaldehyde and ammonia for resins and antiseptics.
How is Hexamine used in resin curing?
Blend 10-12% into phenolic mixes and heat to 100°C; it generates in-situ formaldehyde for cross-linking, forming rigid, thermoset materials.
Is Hexamine safe for pharmaceutical applications?
Yes, it’s USP-compliant for oral use up to 1 g/dose, with low absorption and rapid metabolism to non-toxic products.
What is the shelf life of Hexamine?
In dry, sealed storage below 30°C, it retains >99% purity for 2-3 years, resistant to sublimation.
Can Hexamine be used in solid fuels?
Hexamine excels as a tablet fuel at 98% loading, burning cleanly at 500-600°C with minimal ash for portable heating.
Does Hexamine impact pH in formulations?
Its neutral pH (7-8) maintains system balance, but decomposition may slightly acidify—buffer for sensitive adhesives.
What packaging options are available for Hexamine?
We provide 25kg multi-wall bags, 50kg drums, and 1000kg supersacks, all desiccated for humidity protection.
For curing optimization, safety data, or custom forms, our technical team is here to help.
Contact Us
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