Methylamine

Methylamine is an organic compound with a formula of CH₃NH₂. This colorless gas is a derivative of ammonia, but with one H atom replaced by a methyl group. It is the simplest primary amine. It is sold as a solution in methanol, ethanol, THF, and water, or as the anhydrous gas in pressurized metal containers. Industrially, methylamine is transported in its anhydrous form in pressurized railcars and tank trailers. It has a strong odor similar to fish. Methylamine is used as a building block for the synthesis of many other commercially available compounds.

Production

Methylamine is prepared commercially by the reaction of ammonia with methanol in the presence of a silicoaluminate catalyst. Dimethylamine and trimethylamine are co-produced; the reaction kinetics and reactant ratios determine the ratio of the three products. The product most favored by the reaction kinetics is trimethylamine.

In the laboratory, methylamine hydrochloride is readily prepared by various methods. One method entails treating formaldehyde with ammonium chloride.

Applications

Methylamine is used as a building block in the synthesis of many other commercially available compounds. Hundreds of kilotons are produced annually. It is used in the production of the analgesic, phenacetin, and theophylline, a bronchodilator. Pesticides are also made from methylamine.

Safety

The LD50 (mouse, SC) is 2.5 g/kg.

See also

• Ammonia
• Methanol
• Dimethylamine
• Trimethylamine
• Phenacetin
• Theophylline

References

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