Dimethylaniline

Agent Name
Dimethylaniline
Alternative Name
N,N-Dimethylaniline
CAS Number
121-69-7
Formula
C8-H11-N
Major Category
Nitrogen Compounds
Dimethylaniline formula graphical representation
Synonyms
(Dimethylamino)benzene; Aniline, N,N-dimethyl-; Benzenamine, N,N-dimethyl-; Dimethylaniline; Dimethylphenylamine; Dwumetyloanilina [Polish]; N,N-(Dimethylamino)benzene; N,N-Dimethylaniline; N,N-Dimethylbenzenamine; N,N-Dimethylbenzeneamine; N,N-Dimethylphenylamine; NL 63-10P; Versneller NL 63/10; [ChemIDplus] UN2253
Category
Amines, Aromatic
Description
Pale yellow, oily liquid with an amine-like odor; Note: A solid below 36 degrees F; [NIOSH]
Sources/Uses
Used in the synthesis of vanillin, methyl violet, and Michler's ketone; also used as a hardener for plastic resins and a acid scavenger in the manufacture of semisynthetic penicillins and cephalosporins; [ACGIH]
Comments
N,N-diethylaniline and N,N-dimethylaniline are potent methemoglobin-inducers with toxicity similar to aniline. [ILO Encyclo, Aromatic Amino Compounds] Listed in a table of "Industrial Chemicals for Which Methemoglobin Formation is the Principal Cause of Toxicity"; [ACGIH] A skin and eye irritant that can induce methemoglobinemia; Inhalation of high concentrations can cause CNS depression; [ICSC]
Biomedical References

Exposure Assessment

BEI
Methemoglobin in blood = 1.5% of hemoglobin during or at end of shift. [ACGIH]
Skin Designation (ACGIH)
Yes
TLV (ACGIH)
5 ppm
STEL (ACGIH)
10 ppm
PEL (OSHA)
5 ppm
MAK
5 ppm
IDLH (NIOSH)
100 ppm
Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs
N,N­Dimethylaniline has been reported to be quantitatively less toxic than aniline but produces a very similar effect -- notably, methemoglobinemia [Clayton and Clayton 1981].
Vapor Pressure
0.7 mm Hg
Odor Threshold Low
0.001 ppm
Odor Threshold High
0.2 ppm
Lethal Concentration
LCLo (rat) = 250 mg/m3/4H
Explanatory Notes
Odor threshold from AIHA; Flash point = 63 deg C; VP from HSDB;
NFPA
high ambient temp required

Adverse Effects

Methemoglobinemia
MetHgb is primary toxic effect
IARC Carcinogen
Not classifiable
ACGIH Carcinogen
Not Classifiable

Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

Activities

Activities with risk of exposure: