Dimethylhydantoin

Dimethylhydantoin (CAS 77-71-4), commercially known as DMH or Dantoin DMH, is a cyclic urea derivative used across pharmaceutical, personal care, and specialty chemical manufacturing. It functions primarily as a building block for active intermediates. The compound acts as a buffering agent and a precursor in biocide synthesis. In personal care formulations, DMH is the backbone of DMDM hydantoin, a widely produced preservative system used in shampoos and skin care products.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers use it as an intermediate in synthesizing hydantoin-derived APIs, where its ring structure enables controlled chemical modification. This versatility makes it essential for various medical applications. In industrial water treatment and antimicrobial formulations, DMH serves as a precursor to halogenated hydantoins. These are chlorine- and bromine-releasing biocides used in cooling towers and pool sanitation systems.

Specialty chemical producers also use it as a pH buffer in reaction systems requiring stable mildly acidic conditions. This ensures consistent results during complex chemical manufacturing processes and industrial reactions. Dimethylhydantoin is supplied as a white crystalline powder. Technical grade is the standard commercial form, with pharmaceutical-grade material available for API synthesis and regulated applications requiring high purity.

Bulk quantities are typically offered in multi-kilogram bags or fiber drums. Smaller packaging is also available for laboratory and development use to meet the specific needs of research facilities and small-scale production.