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1,3,5-Trioxane

1,3,5-Trioxane is a stable cyclic trimer of formaldehyde with a chloroform-like odor. Being a trioxane, it has the molecular formula C₃H₆O₃ and consists of a six membered ring with three carbon atoms and three oxygen atoms.

Uses

In chemistry, it is used as a stable, easily handled source of anhydrous formaldehyde. In acidic solutions, it decomposes to generate three molecules of formaldehyde. It may also be used in polymerization to form acetal resins, such as polyoxymethylene plastic.

When combined with hexamine and compressed into solid bars, it is used by the military and outdoorsmen as a cooking fuel similar to Esbit.

1,3,5-Trioxane is a mortician's restorative chemical that repairs cells and maintains the corpse's contours after postmortem tissue constriction.^{[citation needed]}

Trioxane is also occasionally known by the synonym trioxin, sometimes mistaken for the fictional 2,4,5-trioxin.

Derivatives

The only possible mono-bromo derivative of trioxane is C₃H₅BrO₃.

See also

• Formaldehyde
• Paraformaldehyde
• Dioxane

References