Studies on the formation of hexamine.

Rate curves have been determined for the reaction of ammonium nitrate with formaldehyde in glacial acetic acid solution at 25 °C., 35 °C., 45 °C., and 55 °C. over a range of Initial mole ratios (formaldehyde: ammonia) of 0.75:1 to 9.0:1. Data obtained at 25 °C. show a definite induction period in the formation of hexamine. The length of the induction period is not changed by increasing ammonium nitrate concentrations above the theoretical (1.5:1), but may be appreciably shortened by initial additions of excess formaldehyde or of sodium acetate. From 35 °C. upward, the induction period is not apparent. The order of the reaction with respect to formaldehyde has been determined from initial rate data, and an activation energy calculated. The reactions in general appear analogous to those found in slightly acid aqueous systems.