Methylamine
Methylamine (CH3NH2, CAS 74-89-5) is the simplest primary amine. It is a colourless, flammable gas with a strong fishy, ammonia-like odour. Because it boils at about −6 °C, it is usually supplied as an aqueous solution, as a solution in an organic solvent, or as its hydrochloride salt. It is an important building block in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, solvents and surfactants.
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Methylamine
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What is methylamine and how is it supplied?
Methylamine is the simplest primary aliphatic amine, with the formula CH3NH2 (CAS 74-89-5). At room temperature it is a colourless gas and a weak base. It is readily soluble in water and in polar organic solvents. Few users handle it in gaseous or liquefied form, so commercial grades are commonly offered in these forms:
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- aqueous solutions, typically around 40% w/w
- solutions in methanol, ethanol or tetrahydrofuran (THF)
- the solid hydrochloride salt, methylamine hydrochloride (CAS 593-51-1)
Industrially, it is produced by reacting methanol with ammonia over a catalyst. This process also yields dimethylamine and trimethylamine, which are then separated.
What is methylamine used for?
Methylamine is a versatile intermediate in organic synthesis. Its principal uses include:
- production of the solvent N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP)
- synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients
- manufacture of agrochemicals, including routes via methyl isocyanate
- production of surfactants and rubber chemicals
In laboratories it is used to introduce N-methyl groups, for example in reductive amination.
What should buyers consider regarding safety and regulation?
Under GHS, methylamine gas is classified as extremely flammable. It is also irritating or corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract, and it is harmful if inhaled. Aqueous and solvent solutions carry their own flammability and corrosivity classifications, so always check the supplier's SDS for the specific grade.
Methylamine is a known precursor in illicit drug synthesis and is subject to precursor controls in some jurisdictions. In the United States, for example, it is a DEA List I chemical. Purchasers should expect end-use declarations and should confirm the applicable national requirements, REACH registration status and CoA specifications before ordering.
Related concepts
Methylamine belongs to the family of aliphatic amines, alongside dimethylamine, trimethylamine and ethylamine. Related topics include ammonia, reductive amination, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), amine hydrochloride salts and drug precursor regulation.
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