Amines
REACH
Trimethylamine
CAS Number
75-50-3
EC Number
200-875-0
FEMA Number
FEMA 3241
Abbreviation
TMA
What is Trimethylamine?
Trimethylamine (CAS 75-50-3), commonly abbreviated as TMA, is a tertiary amine supplied primarily in anhydrous form for industrial and specialty chemical applications. FEMA 3241.
Where is Trimethylamine used?
- Pharmaceutical synthesis: intermediate and reactant
- Food-grade flavoring: reference and active flavoring agent in seafood-type flavor systems
- Synthesis of choline salts and quaternary ammonium compounds
- Catalyst and intermediate in ion exchange resins and specialty chemicals
- Biocidal formulations: derivatives for microbial control
- Its strong fishy odor profile is both a target compound and a process marker.
Good to know: Its characteristic odor must be precisely controlled or replicated for consistency.
Commercial specifications
- Aqueous concentrations of 30 to 45 percent in water
- Pressurized cylinders for anhydrous supply; drum quantities for aqueous grades
Other Names (Synonyms)
trimethylamine anhydrous|NMe3|N(CH3)3|N,N,N-trimethylamine|N,N-dimethyl-methanamine|N-trimethylamine|TMA|Methanamine, N,N-dimethyl-
What are the physical properties of Trimethylamine?
Melting Point -117.1 °C
Boiling Point 2.8 °C
Density 0.627 g/cm³ @ Temp: 25 °C
Flash Point 38 °F
Appearance Trimethylamine is compressed gas or liquid. Flammable gas. Shipped as a compressed gas, it may be present in an aqueous solution. It has a strong, fishy, ammoniacal odor. The Odor Threshold is 0.00011-0.87 ppm. Warning: The Odor Threshold range is so broad that odor alone should not be used as a warning of potentially hazardous exposures.
Color Colorless
Odor smelling like rotting fish, rotting eggs, garbage, or urine.
Form Liquid
Water Solubility Soluble In Water, 8.9e+005 mg/L.
Vapor Pressure 430 mm Hg ( 25 °C)
Refractive Index n 20/D 1.357
pH a strong base (pH 9.8)
Log P 0.06
How is Trimethylamine classified and handled safely? Learn More
Danger
GHS02· Flammable GHS04· Compressed Gas GHS05· Corrosive GHS07· Irritant GHS08· Health Hazard
Hazard Statements
H220 Extremely flammable gas
H224 Extremely flammable liquid and vapor
H280 Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated
H302 Harmful if swallowed
Precautionary Statements
P203 Obtain, consult and follow expert instructions for use.
P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
P222 Do not allow contact with air.
P233 Keep container tightly closed.
Which trade and regulatory codes apply to Trimethylamine?
HS Code 29211100
UN Number 2924
ADR Class 3
Packing Group II
Storage Class 2A - Gases
WGK (Germany) 1