What is trimethylamine (TMA) and what is it used for?
Trimethylamine (TMA, CAS 75-50-3) is a high-reactivity tertiary amine feedstock. It is used mainly as a building block for choline salts and for quaternary-ammonium surfactants and biocidal intermediates, as a natural-gas odorant, and as a flotation collector in mineral processing.
- ▸ Quaternary ammonium synthesis: Precursor to quat surfactants and biocidal intermediates
- ▸ Choline production: Raw material for choline salts
- ▸ Gas odorization: Warning agent added to natural gas
- ▸ Mineral flotation: Collector/flotation agent in ore processing
- ▸ Disinfectant manufacture: Intermediate in disinfectant production
A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.
Request SDS →
Transport classification per the UN Model Regulations / 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table. Confirm against the grade-specific SDS (Section 14) before shipping.
Trimethylamine (CAS 75-50-3) is the simplest tertiary aliphatic amine, supplied as a compressed gas or as anhydrous/aqueous solutions. It serves primarily as a building block in organic synthesis – notably for choline salts and quaternary ammonium compounds – and as an odorant warning agent for natural gas. Additional documented roles include use as a flotation agent and in the manufacture of disinfectants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is trimethylamine used for?
Trimethylamine (TMA, CAS 75-50-3) is the simplest tertiary aliphatic amine and is used primarily as a building block in organic synthesis. Major applications include the production of choline salts and quaternary ammonium compounds (quat surfactants and biocidal intermediates), use as a flotation collector in ore processing, and as a warning odorant in natural gas.
What is the chemical formula of trimethylamine?
Its molecular formula is C3H9N, structure (CH3)3N. It is supplied either as a compressed liquefied gas (anhydrous) or as aqueous solutions, depending on the application and handling requirements.
How is trimethylamine supplied and shipped in bulk?
Anhydrous trimethylamine is a liquefied compressed gas and ships under UN 1083 (Trimethylamine, anhydrous); aqueous solutions are handled separately. Bulk supply is in pressurized cylinders, ISO containers, or as drummed/totes of aqueous solution. Review the SDS for the as-supplied form before specifying packaging.
What is the CAS number for trimethylamine?
The CAS number is 75-50-3. The IUPAC name is N,N-dimethylmethanamine, and it is commonly abbreviated TMA.
What is the HS code for trimethylamine?
Trimethylamine and its salts are classified under HS 2921.11 (mono-, di- or trimethylamine and their salts). Confirm the exact subheading with your broker based on whether the shipment is anhydrous or an aqueous solution.