Methylamine hydrochloride
[CAS# 593-51-1]

Identification

• Classification: Organic raw materials >> Amino compound >> Acyclic monoamines, polyamines and their derivatives and salts
• Name: Methylamine hydrochloride
• Synonyms: Methylammonium chloride
• Molecular Formula: CH₅N.HCl;CH₆ClN
• Molecular Weight: 67.52
• CAS Registry Number: 593-51-1
• EC Number: 209-795-0
• SMILES: CN.Cl

Properties

• Melting point: 229-233 °C (Expl.)
• Boiling point: 404.1-410.7 °C (Expl.)
• Water solubility: soluble (Expl.)

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Risk Statements: H302-H315-H319-H335
• Safety Statements: P261-P264-P270-P271-P280-P301+P312-P302+P352-P304+P340-P305+P351+P338-P330-P332+P313-P337+P313-P362-P403+P233-P405-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335

Discovery and Applications

Methylamine hydrochloride is a chemical compound with the molecular formula CH3NH2·HCl. It is the hydrochloride salt of methylamine, a simple amine consisting of a methyl group (CH3) attached to an amine group (NH2). This compound is primarily used in organic synthesis and in the production of various chemical products in the pharmaceutical and agricultural industries.

Methylamine itself was first synthesized in 1849 by the German chemist August Wilhelm von Hofmann, who is also credited with significant contributions to the development of organic chemistry, particularly in the study of amines. Hofmann's work laid the groundwork for the development of methylamine derivatives, which include methylamine hydrochloride. As a stable and easy-to-handle form of methylamine, methylamine hydrochloride became widely utilized in the chemical industry for a range of applications.

Methylamine hydrochloride is typically produced by reacting methylamine with hydrochloric acid, resulting in the formation of a crystalline solid. The reaction between methylamine and hydrochloric acid creates a stable salt, which can be stored and transported more easily than methylamine itself. The synthesis of methylamine involves several methods, including the reduction of nitro compounds, the reaction of formaldehyde with ammonia, or the reaction of methyl iodide with ammonia. Each of these methods leads to the formation of methylamine, which is subsequently converted into its hydrochloride salt.

One of the main applications of methylamine hydrochloride is in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals. It serves as an important intermediate in the production of a variety of bioactive compounds, including antihistamines, anesthetics, and other drugs. Methylamine derivatives are often used in the production of drugs because of their ability to modify the properties of the molecules, improving their bioactivity and efficacy. The compound also plays a significant role in the synthesis of methylated amines, which are valuable intermediates in the production of more complex pharmaceuticals.

In addition to its pharmaceutical applications, methylamine hydrochloride is widely used in the agricultural industry. It is a key intermediate in the synthesis of various agrochemicals, including herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides. Methylamine derivatives are employed in the production of chemicals designed to control pests and diseases that affect crops. These agrochemicals play an essential role in increasing agricultural productivity and protecting crops from harmful organisms.

Methylamine hydrochloride is also utilized in the synthesis of other chemical products, such as surfactants, solvents, and polymerization initiators. These compounds find applications in a wide range of industrial processes, from the production of cleaning agents to the formulation of coatings and adhesives. The ability of methylamine hydrochloride to act as a precursor to various chemicals makes it a valuable resource in the chemical manufacturing industry.

Another significant use of methylamine hydrochloride is in the production of pesticides. Methylamine derivatives are used in the synthesis of certain pesticides that are essential for pest control in agriculture. These pesticides help to protect crops from harmful insects, fungi, and weeds, contributing to higher crop yields and better food security. The compound’s versatility in the production of pesticides highlights its importance in both the agricultural and chemical industries.

In conclusion, methylamine hydrochloride is a versatile and essential chemical compound that plays a critical role in various industries. From its use in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals to its applications in the production of surfactants and pesticides, methylamine hydrochloride serves as a valuable intermediate in the creation of a wide range of chemical products. Its discovery and applications have significantly impacted both the chemical and agricultural industries, making it an important substance in modern industrial chemistry.

References

2024. Formation of atmospheric molecular clusters containing nitric acid with ammonia, methylamine, and dimethylamine. Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts, 26(11).
DOI: 10.1039/d4em00330f

2024. Synthesis of New 3-(Benzo[d]Oxazol-2-Yl)-3-(4-Fluorophenyl)Propanoic Acid Intermediate and its Derivatives as Antimicrobial Agent, Molecular Docking Studies. Chemistry Africa, 7(12).
DOI: 10.1007/s42250-024-01140-9

2024. Solvent-mediated analgesia via the suppression of water permeation through TRPV1 ion channels. Nature Biomedical Engineering, 8(12).
DOI: 10.1038/s41551-024-01288-2