Dissolve 14 g of methenamine in 50 mL of 30% hydrogen peroxide in a 200-mL beaker while stirring vigorously with a magnetic stirrer or with a stirring rod. You must also cool this solution by placing the beaker in a salt-ice bath. While stirring, slowly add 21 g of powdered citric acid in small portions to the beaker making sure the temperature stays at or below 0 °C at all times. After adding the citric acid, keep stirring for 3 hours and continue to hold the temperature at 0 °C. Next, remove the beaker from the cooling bath and let it stand at room temperature for 2 hours, discontinue stirring as well. Finally, pour the solution over a filter to collect the crystals of HMTD, wash them thoroughly with water, and rinse with methyl or ethyl alcohol so they can dry faster at room temperature. Dry by setting in a cool place. HMTD does not store well, so deal with it immediately. You will need a graduated cylinder for measuring liquids, and a thermometer to monitor the temperature.

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