Chemical name: Trimethylamine
CAS Number: 75-50-3
Appearance: Clear, colorless gas with strong ammonia-like odor
Odor threshold: Marked, easily detectable even below hazardous levels
Common applications: Raw material in pharmaceuticals, solvents, water treatment agents, animal feed additives
Chemical formula: C3H9N
Molecular weight: 59.11 g/mol
GHS Classification: Flammable gas; acute toxicity (inhalation, dermal); skin corrosion and irritation
Hazard pictograms: Flame, exclamation mark, corrosive
Potential health effects: Serious irritation of eyes and respiratory tract, possible pulmonary edema with heavy exposure, burns to skin
Environmental hazards: Volatile with high odor complaints at very low concentration, potential aquatic toxicity
Public concern: Strong odor creates risk of complaints or alarm even under controlled releases
Main component: Trimethylamine (C3H9N), >99% by mass for commercial grades
Stabilizers: Product stored under pressure and often stabilized using inert gas, no significant impurities in technical or high-purity grades
Inhalation: Move exposed individuals to fresh air immediately; oxygen or artificial respiration may be required if breathing is difficult; monitor for delayed respiratory symptoms
Skin contact: Remove contaminated clothing and rinse skin thoroughly using plenty of running water; chemical burns need thorough assessment by medical staff
Eye contact: Prompt, gentle yet copious water rinsing for at least 15 minutes; medical attention for any eye involvement, even if irritation appears mild
Ingestion: Unlikely in gas-handling, but do not induce vomiting; seek emergency medical attention if this occurs through handling errors
Suitable extinguishing media: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray to absorb vapors
Unsuitable media: Direct water jet may spread flames
Combustion hazards: Forms explosive mixtures with air; high vapor density leads to rapid flame propagation along ground
Protective equipment: Full protective clothing, self-contained breathing apparatus, positive pressure recommended
Fire-fighting advice: Move containers from fire area if safe, cool with water spray to prevent rupture
Personal precautions: Immediate evacuation of downwind area; use of positive pressure respirators by responders mandatory
Environmental precautions: Prevent gas or contaminated water from entering sewers, lakes, and streams
Containment procedures: Evacuate zone, ventilate area heavily; isolated open air dispersal is preferred where possible; water fog helps disperse the vapor cloud for small releases
Waste cleanup: Neutralize small releases with dilute acid under controlled conditions; ventilate heavily, monitor air quality
Handling: Manipulate only in tightly controlled systems with regular leak testing; avoid open transfers; ensure exhaust ventilation at all use points
Storage: Store in corrosion-resistant, pressure-tested cylinders or bulk vessels; keep valves shut when not withdrawing; location must be cool, dry, away from strong acids and ignition sources
Transfer: Use grounded, conductive lines to prevent static discharge; continually monitor temperature and pressure; training on emergency shutdown required for all handlers
Engineering controls: Local exhaust ventilation, leak detectors, continuous air monitoring
Administrative controls: Restricted access to trained personnel, routine health checks
Personal protective equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves, tight-fitting goggles, flame-resistant clothing; full-face respirators in non-routine operations
Exposure limits: OSHA TWA: 10 ppm; ACGIH STEL: 15 ppm
Monitoring: Frequent on-site ventilation checks and air monitoring in working areas stabilize workplace safety
Boiling point: 2.9°C
Melting point: -117°C
Vapor pressure: About 2000 mmHg at 20°C
Vapor density: 2.07 (air = 1)
Solubility: Highly soluble in water and alcohol
Flash point: -6°C (closed cup)
Explosion limit: Lower: 2.0% | Upper: 11.6% (by volume in air)
Auto-ignition temperature: 210°C
Chemical stability: Sheltered, cool storage preserves product integrity for years
Hazardous reactions: Vigorous exothermic reaction with strong oxidizers, acids; pressure build-up possible in sealed systems exposed to heat
Decomposition products: Produces ammonia, oxides of nitrogen, hydrocarbons upon combustion or strong acid reaction
Incompatibility: Avoid storage near acid tanks, strong oxidizers, halogenated hydrocarbons
Acute effects: Eyes suffer severe burns with even brief exposure; inhalation brings upper respiratory tract burns and risk for pulmonary edema above 100 ppm; frequent headaches and nausea at moderate exposure
Chronic risks: Regular contact prompts skin irritation, possible sensitization or chronic bronchitis
LD50 data: For rats (oral): approx. 600 mg/kg
Long-term experience: Operators may develop temporary loss of smell due to olfactory nerve fatigue; stricter access controls mitigate repeated exposures
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, NTP, or OSHA as carcinogen, but inhalation risk needs continuous attention
Aquatic toxicity: Harmful in large spills; concentrated vapor or liquid kills fish and aquatic insects
Biodegradability: Microbial action breaks down trimethylamine readily in soil and water; accumulates only with continuous input
Bioaccumulation: Unlikely due to rapid degradation by microorganisms
Community impact: Intense odor becomes public nuisance and attracts immediate response from local communities even with dilute releases
Preferred methods: On-site recovery and reuse in closed systems
Destruction: Neutralization followed by biological treatment at licensed facility;
Container handling: Return for refill, or triple-rinse and vent prior to scrapping
Legal compliance: State and national hazardous waste laws apply; mixing with other wastes creates dangerous off-gassing events
UN Number: 1083
Shipping class: Flammable gas
Packing group: Not usually assigned for gases
Labeling: Clearly marked with hazardous gas and flammability warnings
Transportation precautions: Use approved, pressure-tested cylinders; restrict loading with compatible substances only; drivers trained in emergency evacuation protocols
Accidents in transit: Most common risk involves release from faulty valves; prompt leak detection and rapid venting in isolated area reduce escalation
Major regulations: EPA hazardous air pollutant, included in several country-specific workplace exposure standards
Occupational health: Compliance with OSHA, ACGIH, and local chemical handling standards
Environmental restrictions: Controlled under water and air release limits; local air districts strictly monitor odor complaints and threshold exceedances
Worker training: Documented annual training on handling, emergency action, PPE, leak detection and first aid forms the core of compliance
