trimethylaminem

Trimethylamine, often abbreviated as TMA, is a chemical compound with the formula (CH₃)₃N. It is a tertiary amine, meaning the nitrogen atom is bonded to three methyl groups. TMA is a colorless gas at room temperature with a strong, unpleasant odor, often described as fishy or ammoniacal. This characteristic smell is responsible for the odor of decaying fish and is a common component of human and animal urine and feces.

Trimethylamine is highly soluble in water and in many organic solvents. It is a weak base and can form salts with acids. Industrially, TMA is produced through the reaction of ammonia with methanol over an aluminum oxide catalyst. It is also a byproduct of the metabolism of certain nitrogen-containing compounds, such as choline and carnitine, by bacteria in the gut.

TMA has various applications. It is used in the synthesis of choline chloride, an important animal feed additive. It also finds use as a precursor in the production of some pharmaceuticals and as a chemical reagent in organic synthesis. In analytical chemistry, it can be used as a reference standard. The pungent odor of TMA is a significant factor in its detection and can be an indicator of spoilage or certain biological processes.