STUDIES ON THE FORMATION OF HEXAMINE FROM FORMALDEHYDE AND AMMONIUM SALTS IN AQUEOUS SOLUTION

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Abstract
It is shown that the reaction of formaldehyde with an ammonium salt to form hexamine is general. The rate of formation and the final yield of hexamine vary greatly with the different ammonium salts, being greater in the solutions of higher pH. When buffered at given pH, the various ammonium salts give approximately the same rates of formation and final yields of hexamine. Rate curves have been determined for the reaction of formaldehyde with ammonium nitrate in aqueous solutions buffered at pH 8.0, 6.0, and 4.0, at temperatures of 0°, 20°, and 40 °C. and over a range of initial mole ratios (formaldehyde: ammonium nitrate) of 0.75 to 3.0. For each set of conditions, three rate curves have been obtained on the basis of ammonia consumed, formaldehyde consumed, and material precipitated with mercuric chloride. In excess formaldehyde, it appears that a stable by-product is formed; its formation increases as the temperature is increased. In excess ammonium nitrate, by-product formation is decreased. A mechanism of hexamine formation is suggested in accordance with the data.

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