Methylamine
The simplest primary amine, and one of the most useful C1 building blocks in organic synthesis — which is exactly why it is also a DEA List I controlled precursor chemical. We supply it to verified industrial customers only, with the end-use checks that status requires handled up front, not as an afterthought.
Chelora Chemicals supplies methylamine, as gas, liquid or aqueous solution, to pharmaceutical, agrochemical and surfactant manufacturers worldwide, subject to end-use verification and full regulatory documentation on every consignment.
Product identity
- CAS Number
- 74-89-5
- IUPAC name
- Methanamine
- Molecular formula
- CH₃NH₂
- Molecular weight
- 31.06 g/mol
- EC / EINECS
- 200-820-0
- Precursor status
- DEA List I · controlled*
- SMILES
- CN
- HS Code
- 2921 11*
* Confirm the current precursor-control and export classification for your destination with your own compliance team — supply is subject to our end-use verification regardless.
What Methylamine is used for
Methylamine is the simplest primary alkylamine — a single methyl group on a nitrogen atom — supplied as an anhydrous gas, a pressurised liquid, or an aqueous or alcoholic solution depending on your process. That structural simplicity makes it one of the most broadly useful C1 building blocks in industrial organic synthesis, and also the reason it sits on controlled-precursor lists worldwide: the same reactivity that makes it valuable to legitimate chemistry can, in the wrong hands, be diverted toward illicit drug manufacture.
We treat that duality directly rather than glossing over it. Methylamine's legitimate industrial market is large and well-established — pharmaceutical intermediates, agrochemical manufacture, surfactants and solvents — and we supply into that market only, under verified end-use and standard know-your-customer documentation.
Why this molecule is controlled
- DEA List I status (United States). Listed because of its documented use in the illicit synthesis of certain controlled substances, independent of its much larger legitimate industrial use.
- Equivalent precursor-control regimes elsewhere. Many countries outside the US apply comparable reporting, licensing or quantity-threshold controls to this chemical.
- Controlled status is about the molecule, not the buyer. Every legitimate industrial buyer goes through the same verification — this is not a judgment about any individual customer.
We supply across a range of amine and controlled intermediates — see our wider product range for related chemistries.
Appearance and handling character
As a gas it is colourless with a strong, fish-like ammoniacal odour; aqueous solutions share that odour at lower intensity. All forms are flammable, and the gas and concentrated liquid forms carry additional corrosivity and inhalation-hazard classifications. This is a chemical that demands real respect in handling, independent of its regulatory status.
| Parameter | Typical value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Colourless liquid, ammoniacal odour |
| Assay (methylamine content) | 40.0 ± 1.0% |
| Density (20 °C) | 0.896 – 0.900 g/mL |
| Dimethylamine impurity | 1.0% max |
| Non-volatile residue | 0.1% max |
Important: the figures above are indicative of a common commercial form and are offered for planning only. The batch certificate of analysis is the governing document. Gas and neat-liquid forms carry entirely separate specifications — tell us your required form.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Physical state (anhydrous) | Gas at ambient; liquid under its own vapour pressure |
| Boiling point | -6.3 °C |
| Melting point | -93.5 °C |
| Water solubility | Fully miscible |
| Flash point | Flammable — varies by form and concentration |
| Basicity | Strong base; corrosive to skin and eyes in concentrated form |
Physical constants compiled from public reference data for CAS 74-89-5 and rounded for readability. Treat them as orientation, not as a specification.
Where our verified customers put this molecule to work
Every application below is a real, large, well-documented industrial market — and every enquiry against it still goes through our end-use verification.
Pharmaceutical intermediates
A C1-amine building block used across a wide range of active-pharmaceutical-ingredient synthesis routes.
- End-use declaration required
- Pharma-grade specification available
- Technical desk review of your application
Agrochemical manufacture
A key intermediate for carbamate insecticides such as methomyl, and for a range of other crop-protection actives.
- Technical-grade specification
- End-use and distribution-chain verification
- Contracted tonnage available
Surfactants & solvents
Used in the manufacture of specialty surfactants, solvents and intermediates for industrial-cleaning and process chemistry.
- Bulk tonnage supply available
- Multiple physical forms on request
- Technical documentation supplied
Photographic & rubber chemicals
An intermediate in some photographic-chemical and rubber-vulcanisation-accelerator synthesis.
- Technical-grade specification
- End-use declaration required
- Small volumes considered case by case
Analytical & research use
Reference-grade quantities for method development and process research, subject to the same verification process.
- Institutional end-use verification required
- Full analytical documentation available
- No walk-up small-pack availability
Contract & scheduled supply
Established customers running continuous consumption are supported with contracted, scheduled call-off tonnage.
- Annual contracts with verified renewal
- Price held across the contract period
- Second source held in reserve
How we supply Methylamine
Chelora Chemicals is a supplier and sourcing partner, not a manufacturer. On a List I precursor chemical, that distinction matters more than usual: we own the compliance relationship with every customer directly, rather than leaving verification to whichever plant happens to be shipping.
We place your order with whichever qualified producer best matches your specification and form, once your end use has been verified — not before.
We keep a second qualified source on this line, so a single-plant disruption never becomes a verified customer's production problem.
- End-use verification before any quote. We confirm your business, your application, and your distribution chain before pricing — not after.
- Standard KYC documentation. Business registration, application detail and, where applicable, relevant licences are requested as a matter of course.
- Form confirmed before we quote. Gas, liquid or aqueous solution each carry different transport classification, and we match before pricing.
- Regulatory reporting handled on our side. Where a destination requires precursor-import reporting or licensing, we work that process alongside you.
- No speculative or small-pack retail sale. Quantities and counterparties are matched to a verified, ongoing industrial need.
- Export machinery handled in-house. Classification, approved packing, labelling, freight booking and customs paperwork are ours to manage.
Packed to match how your process receives it
Gas, liquid and aqueous solution each need their own packing, transport classification and handling procedure. Verification comes first; packing is matched once your form and use are confirmed.
Anhydrous gas
Compressed-gas cylinders for processes that consume methylamine directly in gaseous form.
Pressurised liquid
For bulk consumption of the liquefied anhydrous form under its own vapour pressure.
Aqueous or alcoholic solution
Commonly 40% aqueous, in UN-approved drums or intermediate bulk containers for standard industrial handling.
Incoterms to suit you
Quoted on the Incoterm your purchasing team works to, with dangerous-goods documentation filed before the booking is made.
No walk-up sample packs
Given the controlled status of this material, even small quantities are supplied only against completed end-use verification.
Contracted call-off supply
We hold contracted tonnage for verified, ongoing customers and release it against your production calendar.
Flammable, corrosive, and genuinely demands respect
Methylamine's hazard profile depends heavily on physical form. The summary below is orientation only — the safety data sheet supplied with your specific form is the authoritative document.
Classified hazards (form-dependent)
H220Extremely flammable gas (anhydrous gas form).H225Highly flammable liquid and vapour (liquid/concentrated aqueous forms).H302Harmful if swallowed.H314Causes severe skin burns and eye damage (concentrated forms).H331Toxic if inhaled.H335May cause respiratory irritation.
Exact classification depends on the physical form and concentration supplied. Always read the SDS issued with your specific batch and form.
Spill & emergency orientation
Plan your response before the shipment arrives. Sections 4, 5 and 6 of the SDS are the authoritative instructions and should be posted at the point of use.
- Eliminate all ignition sources immediately. All forms are flammable; gas leaks are also an explosion hazard in confined spaces.
- Ventilate before re-entry. Vapour is heavier than air in some conditions and can accumulate in low points.
- Contain liquid spills; do not flush to drain. Collect and neutralise per the SDS rather than diluting with water alone.
- Full chemical-resistant PPE for any direct contact. Concentrated forms are corrosive to skin and eyes.
- Treat any inhalation exposure as a medical emergency. Move to fresh air immediately and seek medical attention.
Storage
- Dedicated, well-ventilated, flame-free storage. Segregated from oxidisers, acids and ignition sources, with appropriate fire suppression on hand.
- Pressure-rated containment for gas/liquid forms. Cylinders and ISO tanks require certified handling equipment and trained personnel.
- Access-controlled, security-monitored storage. Standard practice for any controlled precursor chemical, independent of the fire/chemical hazard.
- Temperature control for aqueous solutions. Keep below the flash point relevant to the concentration supplied.
Handling & PPE
- Closed-system transfer wherever possible. Minimises both flammable-vapour release and corrosive contact risk.
- Flame-proof electrical equipment in handling areas. Standard requirement for any flammable-gas or flammable-liquid operation.
- Full chemical-resistant gloves, goggles and face shield. For any operation involving direct contact with concentrated forms.
- Respiratory protection per your exposure assessment. Particularly for gas-handling and any operation that can generate vapour.
- Trained, authorised personnel only. Given both the hazard and the controlled-precursor status, access should be limited and logged.
Transport
Methylamine is a regulated dangerous good in every commercial form: UN 1061 (anhydrous gas, Class 2.1 flammable gas), UN 1235 (aqueous solution, Class 3 flammable liquid with Class 8 corrosive subsidiary risk), and UN 1993 (solution in other solvents) are the relevant entries depending on form and concentration. We classify your specific shipment, file the dangerous-goods declaration, and complete any precursor-chemical export/import reporting required for your route — speak to our compliance desk before you plan the shipment.
What travels with every consignment
On a controlled precursor chemical, the compliance file is as important as the certificate of analysis.
Certificate of Analysis
Batch-specific assay, impurity profile and physical properties for the form supplied.
GHS Safety Data Sheet
Full 16-section SDS covering hazards, exposure controls, handling, storage, spill response, toxicology and disposal, specific to the physical form supplied.
End-use & KYC declaration
Completed before any quote is finalised — business registration, application detail and distribution-chain confirmation.
Precursor-control export/import filing
Where your destination requires reporting or licensing for this List-I-equivalent chemical, we prepare and file it alongside the shipment.
Dangerous-goods declaration
Form-specific UN classification, packing certification and carrier documentation filed before booking.
Chain-of-custody records
Batch traceability maintained from the producing plant through to delivery, consistent with precursor-chemical recordkeeping expectations.
A C1 amine with two very different audiences
The chemistry below is general industrial background — standard commercial-amine production — not a process disclosure, and we do not provide any information relevant to illicit synthesis routes, which this page deliberately excludes.
Industrial production route
Commercially produced from methanol and ammonia over a catalyst at elevated temperature and pressure, alongside dimethylamine and trimethylamine as co-products.
Separation
The three methylamines are separated by distillation to the required purity and concentration.
Formulation to form
Packaged as anhydrous gas, pressurised liquid, or diluted to the required aqueous or alcoholic concentration.
Verified release
Shipped only against completed end-use verification and the documentation set out above.
Why verification is not optional on this product
Being direct about this is better than pretending the controlled status does not exist:
- Legitimate demand is large and real. Pharmaceutical, agrochemical and surfactant manufacturing consume this molecule at genuine industrial scale.
- Controlled status applies to the molecule, not the buyer. Every enquiry goes through the same process, regardless of how established the customer is.
- We decline enquiries that cannot demonstrate legitimate end use. This is a hard line, not a formality, and we will say so plainly if an enquiry does not clear it.
- Documentation protects everyone in the chain. A verified, well-documented purchase is also the easiest one to defend in any future audit or regulatory review.
If your enquiry is for a genuine industrial application, our technical desk will walk you through what we need and move quickly once it is in hand.
| Material | Position in the family |
|---|---|
| Methylamine CAS 74-89-5 — this product | C1 amine · DEA List I |
| Dimethylamine | C2 amine · related co-product |
| Trimethylamine | C3 amine · related co-product |
| Hydroxylamine sulfate CAS 10039-54-0 | Related N-chemistry intermediate |
We supply across a range of controlled and export-regulated intermediates — see the full product range. Send the CAS number and your intended use, and we will confirm what is possible.
What actually moves the price and the timeline
On this product, verification time is as real a planning factor as price.
Methanol & ammonia feedstock
Production depends on these two bulk petrochemical feedstocks, so their cost cycles filter through over a quarter, not a day.
- We flag feedstock-driven moves in the quote
- Longer contracts smooth short-term swings
- Ask about indexed pricing on contracted volumes
Verification lead time
End-use and KYC checks take real time, and a new customer should plan for this before the first commercial shipment, not instead of planning for it.
- Start verification before you need the material
- Repeat orders move faster once a relationship exists
- We will tell you honestly how long it will take
Physical form
Gas, liquid and aqueous solution carry very different handling and transport costs for the same underlying molecule.
- Specify the form your process actually uses
- Aqueous solution is usually the lowest-friction form to ship
- We quote across forms for comparison
Dangerous-goods freight
Flammable-gas and flammable-liquid classification both add real freight cost and carrier restrictions compared with a non-hazardous product.
- Compare on landed cost, not ex-works
- Carrier availability varies by lane — ask early
- We quote FOB, CIF, CFR or DDP as you prefer
Source concentration & licensing
Production and export licensing for this controlled chemical are concentrated among a limited number of compliant producers.
- We hold a second qualified source on this line
- Qualify the alternate before you need it
- Ask us about dual-source contracts
Contract renewal cadence
Verified customers on contract avoid re-running full KYC from scratch each time, which is itself a real cost and time saving.
- Annual contracts simplify repeat verification
- We hold inventory and release on call-off
- Ask about scheduled despatch
| If your process uses… | Specify |
|---|---|
| Gas-phase reaction systems | Anhydrous gas, cylinder supply |
| Bulk continuous consumption | Pressurised liquid, ISO tank |
| Batch aqueous-phase synthesis | 40% aqueous solution, drums/IBC |
| Research-scale use | Institutional verification, small-volume solution |
| Unverified or undisclosed end use | Not supported — we will not quote |
Not sure which row you are in? Describe your process and application to our technical desk, and we will tell you plainly what we can and cannot support.
Support built around verification, not around it
What our technical desk will do
- Walk you through the verification process up front. So there are no surprises partway through an enquiry.
- Confirm the right physical form for your process. Before anything else is quoted.
- Be direct if an enquiry cannot be supported. We would rather say no clearly than string an enquiry along.
- Flag handling requirements specific to your form. Gas, liquid and aqueous solution each need different site preparation.
Regulatory & compliance notes
- DEA List I status applies in the United States. Equivalent precursor-control regimes apply in many other jurisdictions, and we check the one relevant to your destination.
- Import licensing and reporting obligations vary by country. We work this process alongside you rather than leaving it to your customs broker alone.
- Quantity thresholds can change the paperwork required. We confirm what applies to your specific order size and route.
- We retain the right to decline any enquiry. If end use or counterparty verification does not clear, we will not supply, regardless of order size.
None of the above is legal advice — your own compliance and regulatory affairs team owns the final position for your business. What we commit to is a transparent verification process, accurate product identity data, and complete documentation for every verified shipment.
From verified enquiry to delivered consignment
Submit your enquiry & KYC
Product and CAS 74-89-5, your business details, intended application, required form and quantity, and standard KYC documentation.
End-use verification
We confirm your legitimate industrial use and distribution chain before any pricing is issued. This step is not skipped or shortened.
Receive a firm quote
Once verified, pricing, lead time, packing and Incoterm are confirmed in writing, along with the regulatory filings required for your route.
Ship and track
Dangerous-goods classification confirmed, freight booked, precursor-control documentation filed, and the consignment tracked through transit and clearance.
Others in the Chelora range
What buyers ask us about Methylamine
Is methylamine a controlled substance?
What is methylamine used for?
What checks do you run before supplying it?
What forms do you supply?
Is methylamine hazardous to handle?
What is the minimum order quantity?
Do you manufacture this yourself?
Start a verified enquiry for Methylamine
Send your business details, intended application, required form and quantity, and destination. Our sourcing and compliance desk is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and will walk you through verification and, once cleared, pricing and lead time.