Chemical Properties
purple to brown crystalline powder
Uses
N,N,N',N'-Tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine is a reducing co-substrate for heme peroxidases. It is used for detection of peroxidases on polyacrylamide gels.
Uses
In the form of the hydrochloride as a reagent in analytical chemistry.
Synthesis Reference(s)
The Journal of Organic Chemistry, 29, p. 488, 1964
DOI: 10.1021/jo01025a506
General Description
Leaflets or a drab green solid.
Air & Water Reactions
N,N,N',N'-Tetramethyl-1,4-phenylenediamine may be sensitive to air and heat. . Insoluble in water.
Reactivity Profile
N,N,N',N'-Tetramethyl-1,4-phenylenediamine can burn in air to give toxic NOx gases . Neutralizes acids in exothermic reactions to form salts plus water. May be incompatible with isocyanates, halogenated organics, peroxides, phenols (acidic), epoxides, anhydrides, and acid halides. Flammable gaseous hydrogen may be generated in combination with strong reducing agents, such as hydrides.
Health Hazard
ACUTE/CHRONIC HAZARDS: When heated to decomposition N,N,N',N'-Tetramethyl-1,4-phenylenediamine emits toxic fumes. It is an irritant.
Fire Hazard
N,N,N',N'-Tetramethyl-1,4-phenylenediamine is probably combustible.
Safety Profile
Poison by ingestion. Moderatelytoxic by inhalation. Mutation data reported. When heatedto decomposition it emits toxic fumes of NOx.
Purification Methods
Crystallise the amine from pet ether or water. It can be sublimed or dried carefully in a vacuum line, and stored in the dark under nitrogen. It has been recrystallised from its melt. [Beilstein 13 H 74, 13 I 22, 13 II 40, 13 III 111, IV 107.]
