me2n

Me2N is the shorthand notation for the dimethylamino substituent, (CH3)2N–, a common tertiary amine moiety in organic chemistry. When attached to a carbon framework, it is typically written as Me2N– and is a stable, basic, and nucleophilic functional group. The nitrogen is sp3-hybridized and bears a lone pair, giving the group pyramidal geometry in most contexts.

Basicity and reactivity are characteristic of tertiary amines. The Me2N group can be protonated to form the dimethylaminium cation (Me2NH2+); in water its conjugate acid has a pKa around 10.7, reflecting moderate basicity. As a nucleophile, the dimethylamino nitrogen readily participates in alkylation and related substitution reactions, enabling the formation of a wide range of N,N-dialkylamines. The group can also be quaternized by excess methylation to yield ammonium salts.

Occurrence and applications are broad. Me2N appears in many pharmaceuticals, dyes, ligands, and organic intermediates. It often serves as the basic amine component that modulates lipophilicity, solubility, and binding properties in drug design, as well as a reactive handle for further functionalization in synthetic chemistry.

Synthesis and installation are typically achieved by alkylation of secondary amines or via reductive amination methods, and Me2N-containing compounds can be prepared or transformed through standard amine chemistry, including oxidation, acylation, and salt formation. Safety considerations for tertiary amines include irritant exposure and the potential formation of hazardous ammonium salts upon strong methylation.