Methylamine

Legality: DEA Listed Chemicals

Production of this substance may be illegal in some jurisdictions under certain circumstances.

21CFR1310.02 a & b

In 1995/6, two lists were created "List I" and "List II", for which commercial manufacturers and distributors must register, and for which possession with the intent to manufacture illegal substances (such as methamphetamine, ecstasy, etc) is illegal. On these a few dozen "precursor" compounds commonly used in the manufacture of illegal drugs.

Bottom line: Do not produce this chemical without checking to make sure that you may do so legally.

 

 

Methylamine
DEA LIST I/II SUBSTANCE

Chemical formula	CH5N
OTP appearance	colorless fishy-smelling gas
Molar Mass(g/mol)	31.06
Density(g/cc)	0.656
Melting Point(°C)	−93.10
Boiling Point(°C)	-6.6
Solubility in water(g/L)	1008
Immediate Danger to Life and Health	100ppm
NFPA 704	4 3 0

Uses

Justification Questioned

Production

Synthesis

Ammonium chloride

1. Combine formaldehyde and ammonium chloride producing methylamine hydrochloride, water, and carbon dioxide

   3 CH₂O + 2 NH₄Cl

   {

   →

   3h, 104°C}

   2 CH₆NCl + CO₂ + H₂O // if temp > 110°C then trimethylamine is also produced) if 115°C then dimethylamine becomes the primary product)

2. Add sodium hydroxide producing methylamine and salt

   CH₆NCl + NaOH → CH₅N + NaCl + H₂O

Ammonia

• Reflux methanol in a concentrated ammonia solution

See Also

• Dimethylamine