CH32NH

CH32NH denotes N,N-dimethylamine, a secondary amine with the formula (CH3)2NH. It is a colorless, volatile liquid at room temperature with a characteristic fishy odor and is miscible with water and many organic solvents. Its molecular weight is 45.08 g/mol.

Chemically, dimethylamine is a weak base. In water its conjugate acid has a pKa around 10.6–10.7, and solutions are noticeably basic. It reacts with acids to form dimethylaminium salts and can act as a nucleophile in alkylations to give secondary and tertiary amines.

Industrially, it is a versatile chemical intermediate used in the manufacture of pesticides, surfactants, dyes, and pharmaceuticals, and it also serves as a solvent and reagent. Large-scale production is typically achieved by catalytic amination or methylation routes starting from ammonia and methanol derivatives, though routes vary by producer.

Safety and handling: dimethylamine is irritating to skin, eyes, and the respiratory tract and is flammable. It should be handled in well-ventilated areas with appropriate protective equipment, stored away from oxidizers and heat, and kept away from incompatible materials.

See also: other dialkylamines such as diethylamine; related small amines such as methylamine and trimethylamine.