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In industrial chemistry, polymer synthesis, and organic intermediate synthesis, Methanamine, N,N-dimethyl- (Trimethylamine / TMA), defined by the molecular formula C₃H₉N, is a reactive organic compound belonging to the class of aliphatic tertiary amines.
Methanamine, N,N-dimethyl- exists as a colorless, flammable gas with a strong fishy odor at low concentrations and an ammonia-like odor at higher concentrations at room temperature and pressure.
Methanamine, N,N-dimethyl- is primarily used in the chemical industry as a strategic reagent in the synthesis of choline, plant growth regulators, ion exchange resins, and various pharmaceutical intermediates.
CAS Registry Number: 75-50-3.
EC / EINECS Number: 200-875-0.
PubChem CID: 1146.
UN Dangerous Goods Number: UN 1083 (Class 2.1 Flammable Gas).
Molecular Weight: 59.11 g/mol.
Synonyms: Methanamine, N,N-dimethyl-, Dimethylamine, N,N-Dimethylamine, DMA, Dimethyl azane, Aminodimethyl, Dimethylamino hydride, Dimethyl amine, (CH₃)₂NH.
Basic Properties, Physicochemistry, and Identifiers
Density: Liquid density at 0 °C is 0.632 g/cm³; gas density (relative to air) is 2.0 (heavier than air).
Melting Point: -117.1 °C.
Boiling Point: 2.9 °C.
Flash Point: -7 °C (Closed cup).
Vapor Pressure: 212 kPa (2.12 bar) at 20 °C.
Solubility in Water: Highly soluble in water (approximately 890 g/L at 20 °C).
Solubility in Organic Solvents: Highly soluble in ethanol, ether, and benzene.
Thermal Decomposition: Methanamine, N,N-dimethyl- decomposes at high temperatures to form nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrogen cyanide (HCN).
Food Additive Status: Methanamine, N,N-dimethyl- is strictly unsuitable as a direct food additive or for human consumption (It has no E-number).
Production Processes and Chemical Synthesis
Methanamine, N,N-dimethyl- is produced on an industrial scale by the catalytic reaction of methanol (CH₃OH) and ammonia (NH₃) at high temperatures and pressures in the presence of zeolite or aluminum oxide catalysts.
The gas mixture leaving the reactor contains a mixture of monomethylamine, dimethylamine, and Methanamine, N,N-dimethyl-.
Methanamine, N,N-dimethyl- is separated and purified via selective extractive distillation and transferred to pressurized storage units.
Applications and Industrial Uses
The largest industrial application of Methanamine, N,N-dimethyl- is the synthesis of choline chloride, an essential nutritional additive for animal feed.
Methanamine, N,N-dimethyl- reacts to manufacture mepiquat chloride and chlormequat chloride, which are used as plant growth regulators in agriculture.
Methanamine, N,N-dimethyl- is used as a quaternizing agent in the manufacture of strong anion exchange resins for water treatment.
Methanamine, N,N-dimethyl- is used in the pharmaceutical industry as a synthesis intermediate for active ingredients and phase transfer catalysts.
Methanamine, N,N-dimethyl- serves as a neutralizing agent and additive in the synthesis of specialty chemicals and surfactants.
Safety, Toxicology, and Storage Standards
According to GHS standards, Methanamine, N,N-dimethyl- is classified as Extremely Flammable Gas (Category 1), Harmful if Inhaled (Category 4), Causes Severe Skin Burns and Eye Damage (Category 1B).
Methanamine, N,N-dimethyl- possesses moderate to high toxicity; when inhaled, Methanamine, N,N-dimethyl- causes severe irritation of the upper respiratory tract, coughing, and pulmonary edema at high dosages.
Both gas and liquid forms of Methanamine, N,N-dimethyl- cause severe eye irritation, skin chemical burns, and skin necrosis.
Methanamine, N,N-dimethyl- must be handled exclusively in explosion-proof facilities equipped with ATEX-certified electrical equipment.
Methanamine, N,N-dimethyl- reacts violently with strong acids, oxidizing agents, and halogens.
Methanamine, N,N-dimethyl- corrodes copper, aluminum, zinc, and their alloys in the presence of moisture.
Methanamine, N,N-dimethyl- must be stored in cool, dry, exceptionally ventilated areas, kept away from ignition sources, and maintained within specially approved steel pressure cylinders.
