Chemical Name: Dimethylamine
CAS Number: 124-40-3
Molecular Formula: C2H7N
Common Uses: Intermediate in chemical synthesis, water treatment, rubber processing, and as a corrosion inhibitor.
Appearance: Colorless gas or aqueous solution, strong ammonia-like odor.
Odor Threshold: Distinctly identifiable even at low concentrations, which assists in leak detection.
Main Industry Handlers: Bulk industrial plants, specialty chemical manufacturers, water utilities, and rubber facilities.
Main Hazards: Flammable, toxic if inhaled in high concentration, corrosive to skin and eyes.
GHS Classification: Flammable gas, acute toxicity (inhalation), skin corrosion.
Signal Word: Danger.
Hazard Statements: Contact burns from concentrated liquid, vapor inhalation can cause respiratory tract irritation and, at higher exposures, nervous system effects.
Precautionary Notes: Immediate area evacuation in significant leak; avoid sources of ignition; employ proper ventilation.
Main Constituent: Dimethylamine – content typically above 99%.
Impurities: Trace water, minor amounts of higher methylamines possible, which occur from production or storage.
Stabilizers: Rarely added due to reactivity and regular consumption in industrial processes.
Inhalation: Move individual to fresh air; monitor for delayed respiratory symptoms; seek immediate healthcare for prolonged exposure.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse affected area thoroughly with water for at least fifteen minutes; treat burns as chemical injuries.
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with water, holding lids open; rapid response reduces risk of serious injury.
Ingestion: Seek medical attention; do not induce vomiting due to corrosiveness.
Guidance: Trained on-site responders must use supplied-air respiratory protection during rescue in case of major spill or high vapor concentration.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide.
Hazardous Combustion Products: Oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide form under fire conditions.
Protective Equipment: Firefighters demand full self-contained breathing apparatus due to toxic gas risk.
Explosion Hazards: Gas forms explosive mixtures with air between 2.8% and 14.5% by volume.
Special Procedures: Spray containers exposed to flames with water to minimize rupture risk as heating increases internal pressure.
Personal Precautions: Evacuate area for leaks; use chemical splash goggles and gloves; self-contained breathing apparatus if vapor present above recommended levels.
Containment: Stop leak if safe. For larger leaks, use water spray to knock down vapor and divert vapor cloud.
Cleanup Methods: For small releases, ventilate area, contain with inert absorbent, collect for disposal—avoid direct contact.
Environmental Considerations: Do not allow product to enter drains or surface water, as aquatic toxicity results.
Industry Practice: Standardized response plans and drills minimize harm from accidental releases in our facilities.
Handling: Transfer only with localized exhaust ventilation and closed systems; ground containers for static discharge.
Protective Measures: Workers wear chemical goggles, face shield, acid-resistant gloves.
Safe Storage: Store in well-ventilated, cool, dedicated spaces away from oxidizers and acids; pressure-relief valves required on all bulk tanks.
Industry Lessons: Segregation of storage areas for amines reduces incident rates; continuous monitoring of gas concentrations near transfer points is essential.
Control Parameters: Occupational exposure limits: ACGIH TLV 5 ppm, OSHA PEL 10 ppm averaged over 8 hours.
Engineering Controls: Automated systems limit manual interaction; fume hoods, gas detectors, and adequate general ventilation.
Personal Protection: Respiratory protection required for concentrations above limits; chemical-resistant gloves, full body protection during maintenance and emergency.
Monitoring: Continuous air monitoring devices in handling areas alert to accidental releases.
Appearance: Colorless gas or aqueous solution.
Odor: Strong, fishy ammonia.
Boiling Point: 7°C for anhydrous.
Melting Point: -93°C.
Vapor Pressure: High at room temperature.
Solubility: Highly soluble in water.
Flash Point: −18°C.
Other: Gas expands rapidly and can agitate pressurized environments; this requires careful engineering in plant design.
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal plant conditions; decomposes at elevated temperatures.
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids cause violent reaction, oxidizers can initiate fire or explosion.
Hazardous Reactions: Ammonia gas, methylamines, and nitrogen oxides release if subjected to unexpected heat or fire.
Avoid: Contact with copper, aluminum, or zinc surfaces due to corrosion.
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin, and eye contact are primary.
Acute Effects: Inhalation causes headache, dizziness, coughing, difficulty breathing; skin and eyes sustain burns.
Long-Term Exposure: Chronic respiratory irritation, sensitivity for some operators.
Industry Data: Regular health monitoring supports workforce safety; no evidence of carcinogenicity in current regulatory listings.
Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to fish and aquatic invertebrates even at low concentrations.
Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions.
Persistence: Unlikely persistence in soil or water; breakdown products include ammonia and nitrates.
Industry Concern: Direct discharge restrictions; our facilities employ containment and waste water treatment to reduce ecological risk.
Waste Disposal: Specialized incineration or chemical treatment at licensed facilities.
Container Disposal: All drums and tanks must be rendered gas-free and then recycled or disposed following site policy.
Regulatory Requirements: Compliance with regional hazardous waste rules; shipping residues as hazardous waste.
UN Number: 1032 for anhydrous, 1160 for aqueous solution.
Proper Shipping Name: Dimethylamine, compressed or Dimethylamine solution.
Transport Hazard Class: Class 2.1 (flammable gas) for anhydrous; Class 3 for solution.
Packing Group: Not assigned for gases.
Special Precautions: Bulk shipments demand well-maintained pressurized containers, trained hazmat drivers, and well-planned routes far from residential zones.
Compliance: OSHA and EU-REACH regulated; subject to national workplace safety oversight.
Label Elements: Required hazard pictograms and precautionary statements.
Industry Adaptation: Ongoing safety audits and regulatory updates define internal handling, labeling, and emergency procedures—holding regular workforce training workshops.
