N,N-Dimethylaniline
A high-purity tertiary aromatic amine, supplied as N,N-dimethylaniline (DMA) and used as the key precursor to the triarylmethane family of dyes.
What is N,N-Dimethylaniline?
N,N-Dimethylaniline, abbreviated DMA, is a colorless to pale yellow oily liquid built on a benzene ring carrying a tertiary amine at C-1, with two methyl groups on the nitrogen. It browns slowly on prolonged exposure to air and light.
DMA is one of the most important building blocks in dye chemistry: its electron-rich ring condenses with aromatic aldehydes such as benzaldehyde to form the central carbon of triarylmethane dyes, which on oxidation become the vividly coloured cations behind Malachite Green, Crystal Violet and Methyl Violet. The same reactivity underpins its use as a coupling agent in azo chemistry and as a building block in pharmaceutical and rubber-accelerator synthesis.
At Chelora Dyes, DMA is distilled and stabilised to a controlled colour and low moisture, so downstream condensation and coupling reactions run cleanly and give a consistent, reproducible result batch to batch.
- Appearance
- Colorless / pale yellow liquid
- Odour
- Amine-like, characteristic
- Solubility
- Alcohol, ether, dilute acid
- Function
- Coupling agent / precursor
- Grade
- Technical / dye grade
Benzene ring with a tertiary N,N-dimethylamino group
- Molecular formulaC8H11N
- Molecular weight121.18 g/mol
- IUPAC nameN,N-Dimethylaniline
- Functional groupsTertiary aromatic amine
- CAS number121-69-7
Technical product information
Standard specification for Chelora Dyes' technical grade N,N-Dimethylaniline. Custom-grade and bulk specifications are available on request.
| Chemical name | N,N-Dimethylaniline |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | DMA, N,N-Dimethylbenzenamine |
| CAS number | 121-69-7 |
| Molecular formula | C8H11N |
| Molecular weight | 121.18 g/mol |
| Assay (purity) | ≥ 99.0% |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
| Boiling point | 194°C |
| Density (20°C) | 0.956 g/mL |
| Moisture content | ≤ 0.2% |
| Colour (APHA) | ≤ 40 |
| Solubility | Slightly soluble in water; miscible with alcohol, ether, benzene and dilute acid |
| Packaging | 200 kg / 225 kg drums, 1000 L IBC totes, bulk flexitanks |
| Shelf life | 24 months in sealed original packaging |
Applications of N,N-Dimethylaniline
Triarylmethane dye synthesis
Condensed with aromatic aldehydes to build Malachite Green, Crystal Violet and Methyl Violet.
Azo dye coupling
Used as a coupling component in basic and solvent azo dye chemistry.
Pigment & ink intermediates
Feeds into intermediates used in solvent dye and printing ink formulation.
Pharmaceutical intermediates
Building block in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients and fine chemicals.
Rubber accelerator intermediates
Used as a synthesis building block for vulcanization accelerator chemistry.
Analytical reagents
Used as a reference amine and reagent in analytical and research-scale organic chemistry.
Why choose Chelora Dyes
Consistent purity
Assay controlled at ≥99% with moisture and colour verified before dispatch.
Full documentation
COA, SDS, and regulatory data supplied with every shipment.
Flexible volumes
From drums to IBC totes and bulk flexitanks.
Technical support
Process, coupling, and compliance guidance from our chemistry team.
Storage and guidelines
- Store in tightly sealed original drums or totes in a dry environment.
- Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Keep containers closed when not in use to limit air and moisture exposure.
- Segregate from strong oxidising agents and strong acids.
- Use compatible containers: steel or lined drums and totes.
- Re-seal containers promptly after use to preserve colour and assay specification.
Handling precautions
N,N-Dimethylaniline is a combustible liquid that is toxic if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin, and can cause irritation to skin and eyes.
Use chemically resistant gloves, eye protection, and adequate ventilation during transfer, charging, and any bulk handling operation.
Keep away from open flame and sources of ignition. The substance is also classified as hazardous to aquatic life, so avoid release to drains or watercourses.
Refer to the full Safety Data Sheet for exposure limits, spill containment, disposal, and first-aid measures before use.
Frequently asked questions
What is N,N-Dimethylaniline used for?
N,N-Dimethylaniline is a key precursor to triarylmethane dyes such as Malachite Green, Crystal Violet and Methyl Violet, and is also used as a coupling agent and building block in pharmaceutical and rubber-chemical synthesis.
Why is N,N-Dimethylaniline important for triarylmethane dyes?
Its electron-rich nitrogen readily condenses with aromatic aldehydes such as benzaldehyde to build the central triarylmethane carbon that gives these dyes their intense colour once oxidised to the cationic chromophore.
Is N,N-Dimethylaniline soluble in water?
It is only slightly soluble in water but miscible with common organic solvents such as alcohol, ether and benzene, and it dissolves readily in dilute mineral acids as its salt.
What purity do you supply?
Standard technical grade is supplied at a minimum assay of 99.0%, with moisture and colour held within tight limits. Redistilled, higher-purity grades can be manufactured to order for pharmaceutical applications.
How is N,N-Dimethylaniline packaged and shipped?
As a liquid, it is supplied in 200 kg / 225 kg net drums, with bulk supply available in 1000 L IBC totes or flexitanks.
How should it be stored, and for how long?
In tightly sealed original containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated store away from direct sunlight, heat and strong oxidisers, as the liquid darkens on prolonged exposure to light and air. Shelf life is 24 months from manufacture when storage conditions are maintained.
Is it hazardous to handle?
It is a combustible liquid that is toxic if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin, and it is classified as hazardous to aquatic life. Handle with PPE, adequate ventilation and away from ignition sources. Review the Safety Data Sheet before any handling operation.
Do you provide a Certificate of Analysis?
Yes. Each batch ships with a Certificate of Analysis and Safety Data Sheet covering assay, moisture, colour and density.
