Chemical Properties
slightly beige to beige or pink crystalline mass
Uses
3,4-Dimethylaniline is used to study electron donor-acceptor interaction with DCNQ. It is also used as a fine chemical &organic intermediate.
Uses
3,4-Dimethylaniline (3,4-DMA) has been used to study the electron donor-acceptor (EDA) interaction between 2,3-dicyano-1,4-naphthoquinone (DCNQ) and 3,4-dimethylaniline, in chloroform and dichloromethane. It can also be used for reactions with MoO(X)2(dtc)2 (X = Cl or Br; dtc = diethyldithiocarbamate) in methanol to form ionic imido complexes of the type [MoNAr(dtc)3]2[Mo6O19] or MoNAr(dtc)3]4[Mo8O26].
Definition
ChEBI: A primary arylamine that is aniline in which the hydrogens at the 3- and 4-positions are replaced by methyl groups. A low-melting, crystalline solid, it is used in the production of vitamin B2, dyes, pesticides and other chemicals.
Synthesis Reference(s)
Journal of the American Chemical Society, 63, p. 2532, 1941
DOI: 10.1021/ja01854a509Organic Syntheses, Coll. Vol. 3, p. 307, 1955
General Description
Pale brown crystals or off-white solid.
Air & Water Reactions
3,4-Dimethylaniline may be sensitive to prolonged exposure to air. Insoluble in water.
Reactivity Profile
3,4-Dimethylaniline ignites on contact with fuming nitric acid . 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.
Fire Hazard
3,4-Dimethylaniline is combustible.
Safety Profile
Suspected carcinogen.
Poison by ingestion. Mutation data reported.
When heated to decomposition it emits
toxic fumes of NOx. See also other xylidine
entries.
Purification Methods
Crystallise it from ligroin and distil it under vacuum. [Beilstein 12 H 1103, 12 IV 2502.]
