Methylamine powder, typically found as methylamine hydrochloride (
), is a white, crystalline, highly hygroscopic, and water-soluble salt. It serves as a crucial building block in pharmaceutical, pesticide, and dye synthesis. It is commonly produced by reacting ammonia with methanol or via formaldehyde/ammonium chloride, and it acts as a strong nucleophile in organic chemistry.
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Key Properties and Information:
- Appearance: White to slightly yellow crystalline powder.
- CAS Number: 593-51-1.
- Melting Point: 231–233°C (decomposes).
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water; slightly soluble in ethanol.
- Safety: Harmful if swallowed and causes serious eye irritation. It is a hazardous substance.
- Storage: Needs to be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area in a tightly closed container due to its hygroscopic nature (absorbs moisture from the air). ChemicalBook +2
Common Uses:
- Chemical Synthesis: Intermediate for manufacturing various pharmaceuticals, insecticides, and surfactants.
- Laboratory/Industry: Used as a precursor to other chemicals such as . ScienceDirect.com +1
Note: Methylamine hydrochloride is the stable salt form, often preferred over the gaseous freebase (
)
