Hexamethylenetetramine

Author:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer

All authors of this article

Last updated on: 29.10.2020

Dieser Artikel auf Deutsch

Synonym(s)

CAS number: 100-97-0; Formin; Hexamine; Methenamine; Urotropin

Requires free registration (medical professionals only)

Please login to access all articles, images, and functions.

Our content is available exclusively to medical professionals. If you have already registered, please login. If you haven't, you can register for free (medical professionals only).


Requires free registration (medical professionals only)

Please complete your registration to access all articles and images.

To gain access, you must complete your registration. You either haven't confirmed your e-mail address or we still need proof that you are a member of the medical profession.

Finish your registration now

DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

Synthetic preservative with antibacterial microbial activity. Hardly effective against yeasts and moulds.

From a food technology point of view, the substance is approved as a food additive (E 239) with restrictions in the EU. Splits off formaldehyde (formalin) (see also formaldehyde splitter). This process causes the antibacterial effectiveness. At the same time added enzymes are inactivated. The health evaluation of the modified protein is unclear.

The use of hexamethylenetetramine is limited to the Italian cheese type Provolone.

Further use as:

  • animal feed
  • Preservative in cosmetics
  • Curing agent for glue.

Hexamethylenetetramine is used medicinally for urinary tract infections.

Authors

Last updated on: 29.10.2020

Author: Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer