E239 - Hexamethylene tetramine

Functions: Preservative

Hexamethylenetetramine or methenamine, also known as urotropin, is a heterocyclic organic compound with the formula -CH2-6N4. This white crystalline compound is highly soluble in water and polar organic solvents. It has a cage-like structure similar to adamantane. It is useful in the synthesis of other chemical compounds, e.g., plastics, pharmaceuticals, rubber additives. It sublimes in vacuum at 280 °C. - Wikipedia

EFSA evaluation: Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of hexamethylene tetramine -E 239- as a food additive (2014-06-05)