The formula of methylamine in chemistry is considered almost primitive. However, for mere mortals, the name of this compound alone is frightening, not to mention the fact that nothing is known about the structure or formula. Many do not know about the specific smell of this compound or its surprisingly wide range of applications in various industries. This is quite obvious, because it is impossible to know everything, and this is a fact. But isn't it exciting to discover something previously unknown?
What is methylamine?
Methylamine is an organic compound with the formula CH3NH2. It is one of the derivatives of ammonia, belongs to aliphatic organic substances. It is classified as an extremely flammable compound, since this gas mixes easily with air, forming explosive mixtures. The structure of this substance is shown in the figure below.
From the name it is obvious that this substance belongs to such a class of organic compounds as amines (namely, primary amines), and it is its simplest representative.
Under normal conditions, methylamine is a gas (as previously mentioned), colorless, but with a distinct ammonia odor.
Inhalation of this substance is fraught with severe irritation of the skin, eyes, upper respiratory tract. Can have a negative effect on the kidneys and liver of the body. And its inhalation leads to excitation and subsequent depression of the central nervous system. Possible death due to respiratory arrest.
Methods for the synthesis of methylamine
One of the industrial methods for producing methylamine relies on the reaction of methanol with ammonia. The conditions for this chemical interaction are high temperature (370-430 °C), as well as a pressure of 20-30 bar.
The reaction is carried out in the gas phase, but on a heterogeneous catalyst based on zeolite.
When mixed with methylamine, side substances such as dimethylamine and trimethylamine are formed. Therefore, this method of preparation requires purification of methylamine (for example, by repeated distillation).
Another way to obtain methylamine is to carry out the reaction of formalin with ammonium chloride when heated. But this is not the last possible synthesis of this amine!
Also known is a method for producing methylamine by rearranging acetamide according to Hoffmann. The figure below shows the equation for this reaction.
Chemical properties of methylamine
How to get acquainted with a new chemical compound? First you need to find out what its name is, the features of the structure. Then importantto understand how it can be obtained, so the methods for obtaining methylamine were first described. And now we need to study its chemical properties.
This organic compound has all the typical properties of primary amines, as it is the standard representative of this class.
The combustion of methylamine corresponds to the equation: 4CH3NH2+9O2=4CO 2+10H2O+2N2
If water or mineral acid acts as a substance that reacts with methylamine, then methylammonium hydroxide or a crystalline s alt is formed, respectively.
The reaction data are shown in the figure below.
If we compare methylamine with aniline or ammonia, we can conclude that methylamine exhibits stronger basic properties. This is due to the fact that the nitrogen atom in the composition of methylamine molecules is more electronegative.
If NaOCl acts as a substance that reacts with methylamine, then chlorination occurs - the replacement of a hydrogen atom in the amino group by a chlorine atom. Like other primary amines, methylamine forms an alcohol when reacted with nitrous acid (HNO2).
Methylamine use and storage conditions
CH3NH2 has a very wide range of applications. It is used for the synthesis of dyes, pharmaceuticals (e.g. neophylline, theophylline, promedol), pesticides, herbicides, insecticides (sevin, shradan), fungicides,land sterilizers in rural industry, and also applied in veterinary medicine.
Methylamine is also used in the manufacture of strong explosives (such as, for example, tetryl), various photo materials (methol), solvents (for example, DMF, dimethylacetamide), vulcanization accelerators, corrosion inhibitors, tannins, rocket fuels (N, N-dimethylhydrazine).
Methylamine also occurs naturally as a minor excretion in bony fish.
This compound is most commonly used as a 40% solution in water, methanol, ethanol or tetrahydrofuran.
In order to use methylamine in production or in the process of making something, you need to store it properly.
Optimal storage conditions: in liquefied form in a volume of 10-250 m3, in cylindrical tanks placed horizontally at room temperature, but away from sunlight, in places where inaccessible to children and animals.
Of course, when working with methylamine, as with any other chemical, you must use special clothing, gloves and goggles for personal protection. Particular attention should be paid to the protection of the mucous membranes and respiratory organs.
