What does formaldehyde react with to form urotropin?

Urotropin, also known as hexamethylenetetramine, is formed through the reaction of formaldehyde with ammonia. This reaction involves the condensation of formaldehyde and ammonia in an alkaline environment, resulting in the creation of a cyclic compound. The structural transformation includes the combination of multiple formaldehyde molecules that interact with ammonia, leading to the formation of urotropin, which has significant applications in pharmaceuticals and industrial chemistry.

This process highlights the chemical properties and reactivity of formaldehyde, demonstrating its ability to engage in reactions with nitrogen-containing compounds such as ammonia. The formation of urotropin is a classic example of how aldehydes like formaldehyde can participate in amine reactions, producing notable products that are utilized in various fields.