N,N-Dimethyl Aniline
A high-purity tertiary aromatic amine supplied for triarylmethane dye manufacture, resin cure acceleration, and specialty synthesis.
What is N,N-Dimethyl Aniline?
N,N-Dimethyl Aniline — DMA — is a pale yellow oily liquid with two methyl groups on the nitrogen. It is a tertiary amine and solidifies just above 2°C, so it can set in a cold store.
It is the classical precursor to the triarylmethane dyes. Condensing three molecules of DMA around a central carbon gives crystal violet, and closely related routes give methyl violet and malachite green. It also serves as a peroxide cure accelerator and as an acid scavenger in synthesis.
At Chelora Chemicals, DMA is distilled to high assay and low colour, with residual aniline and monomethylaniline held to specification, since partially methylated material produces off-shade dye components.
- Appearance
- Pale yellow oily liquid
- Odour
- Characteristic amine odour
- Solubility
- Slightly soluble in water; soluble in organic solvents
- Function
- Dye intermediate / accelerator / acid scavenger
- Grade
- Technical
Formula diagram
Benzene ring with a 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 Chemicals' technical grade N,N-Dimethyl Aniline. Custom-grade and bulk specifications are available on request.
| Chemical name | N,N-Dimethyl Aniline |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | DMA, N,N-Dimethylaniline, Dimethylphenylamine |
| CAS number | 121-69-7 |
| Molecular formula | C8H11N |
| Molecular weight | 121.18 g/mol |
| Assay (purity) | ≥ 99.5% |
| Appearance | Pale yellow oily liquid |
| Density (20°C) | 0.952–0.960 g/cm³ |
| Boiling point | 194°C |
| Melting point | 2°C |
| Flash point | 63°C (closed cup) |
| Residual aniline | ≤ 0.2% |
| Water content | ≤ 0.2% |
| Packaging | 200 kg drums, 1000 kg IBC, ISO tank |
| Shelf life | 12 months in sealed original packaging |
Applications of N,N-Dimethyl Aniline
Triarylmethane dyes
The classical precursor to crystal violet, methyl violet, and malachite green.
Basic & cationic dyes
Feeds basic dye manufacture for paper, textiles, and inks.
Resin cure accelerator
Accelerates peroxide decomposition in acrylic and polyester resin systems.
Pharmaceutical intermediates
Used as a building block and as an acid scavenger in synthesis.
Vanillin & specialty synthesis
Applied in flavour, fragrance, and specialty chemical routes.
Solvent stabilisers
Used as a stabiliser in selected chlorinated solvent formulations.
Why choose Chelora Chemicals
Every batch of N,N-Dimethyl Aniline is manufactured, tested, and documented to a standard that formulators and process chemists can build on with confidence — from first sample to full production volume.
Consistent purity
Assay controlled at ≥99.5% with residual aniline, colour, and water verified before dispatch.
Full documentation
COA, SDS, and regulatory data supplied with every shipment.
Flexible volumes
From 200 kg drums to IBC and ISO tank quantities.
Technical support
Process, handling, and compliance guidance from our chemistry team.
Storage and guidelines
- 01Store in tightly sealed original containers under a dry, inert atmosphere where possible.
- 02Protect from freezing — the product solidifies near 2°C and needs gentle warming to re-liquefy.
- 03Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flame; the flash point is 63°C.
- 04Protect from air and light — the product darkens on oxidation.
- 05Segregate rigorously from organic peroxides, strong oxidising agents, and acids.
- 06Use compatible containers: lined steel, stainless steel, or HDPE, and bund bulk storage.
Handling precautions
DMA is toxic by inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption, is suspected of causing cancer, and causes damage to organs through prolonged exposure. It is for industrial use by trained personnel only.
It is readily absorbed through intact skin and causes methaemoglobin formation. Skin absorption can be the dominant exposure route, so glove selection with verified breakthrough data matters as much as ventilation.
Never store or mix directly with organic peroxides. The accelerating effect that makes this product useful in resin cure means direct contact with concentrated peroxide can be violent.
The product is combustible with a flash point of 63°C, lower than most amines in this range. Control ignition sources and earth equipment during transfer.
Refer to the full Safety Data Sheet for exposure limits, medical surveillance, incompatibilities, spill response, and first-aid measures before use.
Frequently asked questions
What is N,N-Dimethyl Aniline used for?
Its classical use is triarylmethane dye manufacture, including crystal violet and malachite green. It also accelerates peroxide-initiated resin cure and serves as an acid scavenger and specialty synthesis building block.
Is DMA the same as dimethylaniline or xylidine?
This is a genuine and well-documented naming trap. N,N-Dimethylaniline, CAS 121-69-7, carries both methyls on the nitrogen. Xylidine, CAS 1300-73-8, carries them on the ring and is a completely different product with different hazards. Both are sometimes labelled simply 'dimethylaniline'. Always order against the CAS number.
How is crystal violet made from it?
Three molecules of DMA are condensed around a central carbon and oxidised, giving the intensely coloured triarylmethane cation. Related conditions give methyl violet and malachite green.
How does it work as a cure accelerator?
Tertiary aromatic amines react with organic peroxides to generate free radicals at ambient temperature, allowing resins to cure without heat. DMA and DEA are both used this way.
Why must it never be mixed directly with peroxide?
The controlled reaction that cures a resin becomes violent when amine and concentrated peroxide meet neat. The two are always added separately to the resin and stored apart.
Why does it solidify in winter?
Its melting point is 2°C, so drums can set in an unheated store. Re-liquefy with gentle, controlled warming rather than direct flame or localised heat.
Why is residual aniline specified?
Aniline and monomethylaniline react differently in dye synthesis, producing off-shade components that are difficult to remove from the finished colour. Controlling them at the intermediate stage protects shade.
Is it soluble in water?
Only slightly, around 2%. It dissolves readily in alcohols, esters, ethers, and aromatic hydrocarbons.
What purity do you supply?
Standard technical grade is supplied at a minimum assay of 99.5% with residual aniline at or below 0.2% and water at or below 0.2%. Tighter specifications can be produced to order.
What packaging sizes are available?
200 kg drums, 1000 kg IBCs, and ISO tanks for bulk supply. Samples are available for shade and cure trials.
Is DMA hazardous?
Yes. It is toxic by several routes, readily skin-absorbed, suspected of causing cancer, harmful to organs on repeated exposure, and combustible at a relatively low flash point. Full controls apply.
Do you provide a Certificate of Analysis?
Yes. Every batch is dispatched with a Certificate of Analysis and Safety Data Sheet covering assay, residual aniline, density, colour, water content, and appearance.