N-Methylmorpholine
A tertiary heterocyclic amine: N-methylmorpholine's methylated ring nitrogen makes it a non-nucleophilic tertiary base, the standard catalyst in polyurethane production and the direct precursor to the widely used oxidant NMO.
Chelora Chemicals supplies N-methylmorpholine to polyurethane and fine-chemical manufacturers worldwide, with full GHS documentation on every consignment.
Product identity
- CAS Number
- 109-02-4
- IUPAC name
- 4-Methylmorpholine
- Molecular formula
- C₅H₁₁NO
- Molecular weight
- 101.149 g/mol
- Boiling point
- 115–116 °C
- Melting point
- -66 °C
- UN Number
- UN 2535
- HS Code
- 2934 99*
* Confirm the current HS classification and import regulatory status for your destination with your own regulatory affairs team.
What N-Methylmorpholine is used for
N-Methylmorpholine (NMM) is a colourless liquid with a strong fish-like odour, built on morpholine's N,O-ring with a methyl group replacing the ring nitrogen's hydrogen. That substitution converts morpholine's secondary amine into a tertiary, non-nucleophilic base with its own distinct reactivity.
NMM's largest-volume use is as a base catalyst in polyurethane foam production and other polymer reactions, where its tertiary-amine basicity promotes the key reaction steps without itself reacting into the product. It is also the direct precursor to N-methylmorpholine N-oxide (NMO), a commercially important oxidant used in organic synthesis, including the Upjohn dihydroxylation of alkenes.
Where it sits among the heterocyclic amines
- Morpholine secondary amine, N-H ring. See that page.
- N-Methylmorpholine (this product) tertiary amine, N-methylated ring — catalysis and oxidant chemistry.
- Piperidine related saturated heterocycle, nitrogen-only ring. See that page.
Appearance and handling character
N-Methylmorpholine is flammable and corrosive — harmful if swallowed or in contact with skin, causes severe skin burns and eye damage, and is harmful if inhaled — a profile typical of volatile tertiary amine bases.
| Parameter | Typical value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Colourless liquid |
| Assay | 99.0% min |
| Water content | 0.3% max |
| Colour (Hazen) | 10 max |
Important: the figures above are indicative of commercial material and are offered for planning only. The batch certificate of analysis is the governing document.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Physical state | Colourless liquid; strong fish-like odour |
| Boiling point | 115–116 °C |
| Melting point | -66 °C |
| Density | 0.92 g/cm³ |
| Water solubility | Miscible |
| Amine class | Tertiary heterocyclic amine (N,O-ring) |
Physical constants compiled from public reference data for CAS 109-02-4 and rounded for readability. Treat them as orientation, not as a specification.
Where our customers put this amine to work
A tertiary ring base central to polyurethane catalysis and oxidant synthesis.
Polyurethane catalyst
NMM's largest-volume use — a base catalyst promoting polyurethane foam and polymer reactions.
- Technical grade specification
- Bulk & drum supply
- Technical desk review on request
NMO precursor
The direct precursor to N-methylmorpholine N-oxide, a widely used oxidant in organic synthesis.
- Technical-grade specification
- Documented batch traceability
- Contract & spot supply
Tertiary amine base
Used as a non-nucleophilic base in a range of organic reactions requiring mild, selective basicity.
- Packs from 25 kg drum / bulk
- Full analytical documentation available
- Retained sample held against the lot
Organic synthesis reagent
Supplied in research and process-development quantities for use as a general-purpose tertiary amine reagent.
- Technical grade specification
- Documented batch traceability
- Technical desk review on request
General specialty intermediate
Used wherever a tertiary, non-nucleophilic heterocyclic base is required as a reactive building block.
- Bulk tank or drum supply
- Full documentation supplied
- Technical desk review on request
Contract & scheduled supply
Polyurethane and fine-chemical plants running continuous consumption are supported with scheduled bulk delivery.
- Annual contracts with scheduled call-off
- Price held across the contract period
- Second source held in reserve
How we supply N-Methylmorpholine
Chelora Chemicals is a supplier and sourcing partner, not a manufacturer. NMM's role as a polyurethane catalyst means consistent assay and low-moisture specification matter as much as price — that shapes how we manage this line.
We place your order with whichever qualified producer best matches your required grade, your price point and your delivery window.
We keep a second qualified source on this line, so a single-plant disruption never becomes your production problem.
- Assay confirmed before we quote. Purity matters to downstream polyurethane catalysis and NMO synthesis.
- UN 2535 logistics managed end to end. Classification, labelling and carrier compliance confirmed before booking.
- Corrosive-hazard documentation filed correctly. Every shipment carries the correct hazard declarations.
- Scheduled call-off scheduling. We hold contracted tonnage and release it against your consumption calendar.
- Batch traceability to the producing plant. Full chain of custody documentation on request.
- Export machinery handled in-house. Classification, approved packing, labelling, freight booking and customs paperwork are ours to manage.
Packed the way your plant receives it
Drum, IBC or bulk tank — tell us your preferred format and we will quote and classify to it.
200 L / 55 USG
Standard steel drums rated for UN 2535-classified liquid storage and transport.
Intermediate bulk containers
For mid-volume orders where drum handling becomes a logistics burden.
Polyurethane-plant bulk volumes
Bulk liquid transport sized to continuous polyurethane or fine-chemical plant consumption.
Incoterms to suit you
Quoted on the Incoterm your purchasing team works to, with documentation filed before booking.
Trial / sample quantities
Small packs dispatched for process trials before a commercial order is placed.
Contracted call-off supply
We hold contracted tonnage and release it against your consumption calendar.
Flammable, corrosive, and harmful if inhaled
N-Methylmorpholine's combination of flammability and corrosivity makes PPE and ventilation the central handling concerns. The summary below is orientation only — the safety data sheet supplied with your specific batch is the authoritative document.
Classified hazards
H225Highly flammable liquid and vapour.H302Harmful if swallowed.H312Harmful in contact with skin.H314Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.H332Harmful if inhaled.
Always read the SDS issued with your specific batch. Eliminate ignition sources; handle with chemical-resistant gloves, splash goggles and adequate ventilation.
Storage
Store in tightly closed containers away from heat, sparks and open flame, in a well-ventilated area rated for highly flammable liquids.
Handling
Use with local exhaust ventilation and bond/ground equipment during transfer to control static discharge. Minimise skin and eye contact with appropriate PPE.
Transport
Shipped as UN 2535 in accordance with its flammable/corrosive classification. We confirm and document packing group and exact classification for your specific shipment and destination.
Every batch, documented
We verify documentation before dispatch so there are no surprises at your incoming-goods bench.
Specification agreed
Assay confirmed against your process requirement before order placement.
Producer batch testing
The producing plant tests each batch against the agreed specification before release.
Documentation review
COA, SDS and transport paperwork checked by our desk before the shipment is booked.
Traceable dispatch
Each shipment is traceable to its producing batch, with full chain-of-custody records on request.
How N-methylmorpholine is made
N-Methylmorpholine is produced industrially by the N-methylation of morpholine, typically using a methylating agent under controlled conditions, followed by purification and fractional distillation.
We do not publish operating process parameters here; this is background only. Full technical and safety documentation accompanies every shipment, and any process-specific detail you need is best confirmed directly with our technical desk.
| Chemical family | Tertiary heterocyclic amine |
|---|---|
| Ring structure | Six-membered, N-methylated, one ring oxygen |
| Reactivity | Non-nucleophilic tertiary base; forms salts and the N-oxide NMO |
| Related compounds | Morpholine (parent secondary amine), Piperidine (related heterocycle) |
Explore the wider amine range
N-Methylmorpholine, answered
What is N-Methylmorpholine used for?
How does N-Methylmorpholine differ from morpholine?
Is N-Methylmorpholine hazardous?
What grade do you supply?
What packing do you offer?
Do you manufacture this yourself?
- Need a related amine? See our Morpholine and Piperidine pages.
Get a quote on N-Methylmorpholine today
Send us your required grade, pack size and delivery window. We will come back with a firm quote, lead time and full documentation.