Hydantoin

Hydantoin (CAS 461-72-3), also known as 2,4-imidazolidinedione, is a five-membered heterocyclic compound used primarily as a chemical intermediate and stabilizer across pharmaceutical and personal care manufacturing. Its core ring structure serves as the synthetic scaffold for a broad range of active ingredients, preservatives, and specialty chemicals. In pharmaceutical synthesis, it is a key precursor for producing amino acids.

The material is utilized via the Bucherer-Bergs reaction, as well as for anticonvulsant drug intermediates such as phenytoin. Personal care formulators use hydantoin-derived compounds as formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. These derivatives are common in shampoos, conditioners, and skin creams. It also functions as a buffering and stabilizing agent in formulations where controlled pH maintenance extends shelf life or protects sensitive actives.

Industrial chemical producers use it as a building block for specialty agrochemicals and hydantoin-based biocides. These are applied in water treatment and industrial disinfection processes across various sectors. The product is supplied as a white crystalline powder in technical and pharmaceutical-grade specifications. Pharmaceutical-grade material is available to USP and BP standards for regulated supply chains.

Packaging typically ranges from kilogram-scale laboratory quantities to multi-tonne bulk orders for industrial synthesis applications. This ensures flexibility for both research and large-scale manufacturing needs.