What is Hexamine?
C6H12N4 is a heterocyclic organic compound with a chemical name Hexamine. It is also called Methenamine or Hexamethylenetetramine or Urotropin.
It acts as an anti-infective agent which is most commonly used to treat urinary tract infections. Its anti-infective action is derived from the slow release of formaldehyde (CH2O) by hydrolysis at acidic pH of 0.2 molars. Methenamine is an odourless colourless lustrous crystal or white crystalline powder which is hygroscopic.
Table of Contents
- Properties of Hexamine
- Hexamine Structure
- Hexamine Uses
- Health Hazards
- Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Properties of Hexamine – C6H12N4
| C6H12N4 | Hexamine |
| Molecular weight of C6H12N4 | 140.186 g/mol |
| Density of Hexamine | 1.33 g/cm3 |
| Melting point of Hexamine | 280 °C |
| Boiling point of Hexamine | Sublimes |
Hexamine Structure – C6H12N4
A structure representing Hexamine
Hexamine Uses (C6H12N4)
- Hexamine is used in the production of liquid or powdery preparations of phenolic resins.
- Used as binders in clutch and brake linings.
- Used in the form of spray and cream to treat concomitant odour and excessive sweating.
- Used in Grocott’s methenamine silver stain.
- Used as a solid fuel.
- Used as a food preservative.
- Used as a primary ingredient in making RDX.
- Used to prevent vulcanized rubber.
- Used as a corrosion inhibitor for steel.
Health Hazards
Some symptoms include irritation in the eyes, mucous membranes, upper respiratory tract, and skin. It can also cause kidney irritation and skin rash. Inhaling this compound causes shortness of breath and coughing. When it comes in contact with the skin it causes redness, rashes, burns, and pain. When comes in contact with eyes causes redness, blurred vision, and pain. Swallowing this compound results in urinary tract irritation, and digestive disturbances.
Hexamethylenetetramine can be harmful by ingestion, skin absorption, and inhalation. It is an irritation in the upper respiratory tract, eyes, skin, and mucous membranes.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
List 3 different uses of hexamine
Hexamine is used in adhesives. It is also used as a sealing compound and as a cross-linking agent during the vulcanization of rubber.
Comment on the appearance and odour of hexamine
Under ambient conditions, hexamine is a white crystalline solid which emanates a fishy, ammonia-like smell.
List 3 named reactions that use hexamine as a chemical reagent
The Duff reaction, the Delepine reaction, and the Sommelet reaction involve the use of hexamine as a chemical reagent.
What is hexamine made from?
Hexamine, also called hexamethylenetetramine or methenamine (INN), is a heterocyclic organic compound that can be prepared by the reaction of formaldehyde and ammonia. It is crystalline and white in appearance.
Is hexamine toxic?
Hexamine is prepared by the reaction of formaldehyde and ammonia. In an acidic environment hexamine is converted to toxic formaldehyde, which the main hazard for toxicity is by ingestion.
Learn more about the Structure, physical and chemical properties of C6H12N4 from the experts at BYJU’S.
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