In a 1 L three-necked flask, 162 g of formaldehyde aqueous solution was added. After cooling to 0–5 °C, 545 g of dimethylamine aqueous solution was slowly added dropwise. The mixture was allowed to warm naturally to room temperature (28 °C) and stirred for 8 hours. After cooling the reaction solution to 0–5 °C, 250 g of potassium hydroxide solid was slowly added. The organic phase was separated and dried with 50 g of sodium hydroxide. After filtration, the organic phase was distilled under normal pressure to obtain 172 g of N,N,N',N'-TETRAMETHYLDIAMINOMETHANE, with a yield of 84% and an HPLC purity of 99%.
N,N,N',N'-Tetramethylmethylenediamine is a reagent used as a convenient source of the Mannich intermediate.
Poison by intraperitoneal route. Flammable liquid and very dangerous fire hazard when exposed to powerful oxidizers, heat or open flame. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of NOx. See also AMINES.
N,N,N',N'-TETRAMETHYLDIAMINOMETHANE is dried over potassium hydroxide pellets and distilled.
N,N,N',N'-Tetramethylmethylenediamine is highly flammable. Potent lachrymator. Emits toxic fumes under fire conditions. Handle with gloves in a well-ventilated fume hood. Incompatible with acids, acid chlorides, strong oxidizing agents, and carbon dioxide.
