C7H17N

C7H17N is an organic compound with a chemical formula corresponding to a hydrocarbon and an amine group. It is a dimethylaminomethane or N,N-dimethyl methylamine, a type of tertiary amine.

The compound consists of a central nitrogen atom bonded to three carbon atoms, of which one is also bonded to two hydrogen atoms and the other is a methyl group, making it a tertiary amine.

C7H17N is a colorless, volatile liquid with a strong and pungent odor often compared to the smell of fish or ammonia. Due to its toxicity and ability to decompose in air to form amines and carboxylic acids, it is usually handled carefully in the laboratory.

It dissolves readily in a variety of organic solvents, including water, and can be neutralized or reacted with an acid to form a salt which often precipitates out of solution. C7H17N was one of the first identified compounds with high polarity since it does not typically dissolve well in non-polar solvents.

C7H17N is used in various industrial applications, including as a chemical intermediate in the synthesis of several drugs, amino acids, and other compounds. It is also studied for its biological effects, particularly in relation to aquatic life as it is found in certain fish and marine organisms. Research on C7H17N and similar chemicals like trimethylamine and amines has been conducted to gain greater understanding of its bioaccumulation in aquatic environments and toxicity effects.