Hexamethyl

Hexamethyl is a term that can refer to several chemical compounds containing six methyl groups. The specific compound is usually clarified by the rest of the name, such as hexamethylbenzene or hexamethylenetetramine.

Hexamethylbenzene is an organic compound with the formula C12H18, or C6(CH3)6. It is a white crystalline solid and a derivative of benzene where all six hydrogen atoms are replaced by methyl groups. It is a relatively stable compound and is used in organic synthesis.

Hexamethylenetetramine, also known as methenamine or urotropine, has the chemical formula (CH2)6N4. It is a white crystalline solid with a cage-like structure. It is synthesized from formaldehyde and ammonia. Hexamethylenetetramine has various applications, including use as a precursor for explosives (like RDX), in the production of plastics and resins, and as a urinary tract antiseptic.

Other compounds with "hexamethyl" in their name exist, depending on the specific arrangement and bonding of the six methyl groups and the core molecular structure. The context in which the term is used is crucial for identifying the precise chemical substance being discussed.