TRIMETHYLAMINE, ANHYDROUS

A colorless gas with a fishlike odor at low concentrations changing to ammonia-like odor at higher concentrations. Shipped as a liquid under its own vapor pressure. Contact with the unconfined liquid can cause frostbite from evaporative cooling or chemical type burns. The gasis corrosive and dissolves in water to form flammable, corrosive solutions. Gas is an asphyxiate by the displacement of air. Produces toxic oxides of nitrogen during combustion. Prolonged exposure to heat can cause the containers to rupture violently and rocket. Long-term inhalation of low concentrations or short -term inhalation of high concentrations has adverse health effects.

• Highly Flammable

Highly flammable and easily ignited. Water soluble.

FLAMMABLE. Flashback along vapor trail may occur. Vapor may explode if ignited in an enclosed area. Vapor is heavier than air and may travel a considerable distance to a source of ignition and flash back. (USCG, 1999)

VAPOR: POISONOUS IF INHALED. Irritating to eyes, nose, and throat. LIQUID: Will burn skin and eyes. Harmful if swallowed. (USCG, 1999)

TRIMETHYLAMINE neutralizes acids in exothermic reactions to form salts plus water. May be incompatible with isocyanates, halogenated organics, peroxides, phenols (acidic), epoxides, anhydrides, and acid halides. Flammable gaseous hydrogen may be generated in combination with strong reducing agents, such as hydrides. Contamination of an ethylene oxide tank with trimethylamine caused an explosion [BCISC Quart. Safety Summ., 1966, 37, 44].

• Amines

Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped. Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. (AAR, 2003)

Keep sparks, flames, and other sources of ignition away. Keep material out of water sources and sewers. Attempt to stop leak if without undue personnel hazard. Use water spray to knock-down vapors. Vapor knockdown water is corrosive or toxic and should be diked for containment. Land spill: Dig a pit, pond, lagoon, holding area to contain liquid or solid material. Dike surface flow using soil, sand bags, foamed polyurethane, or foamed concrete. Absorb bulk liquid with fly ash, cement powder, or commercial sorbents. Neutralize with sodium bisulfate (NaHSO4). Water spill: Use natural barriers or oil spill control booms to limit spill travel. Use surface active agent (e.g. detergent, soaps, alcohols), if approved by epa. Inject "universal" gelling agent to solidify encircled spill and increase effectiveness of booms. If dissolved, in region of 10 ppm or greater concentration, apply activated carbon at ten times the spilled amount. Add sodium bisulfate (NaHSO4). Use mechanical dredges or lifts to remove immobilized masses of pollutants and precipitates. (AAR, 2003)

Wear goggles and self-contained breathing apparatus. (USCG, 1999)

INHALATION: remove victim to fresh air and call a doctor; give artificial respiration and oxygen if needed.

EYES: flush with water for at least 15 minutes; consult an eye doctor.

SKIN: flush with water, wash with soap and water. (USCG, 1999)

• METHANAMINE, N,N-DIMETHYL-
• N,N-DIMETHYLMETHANAMINE
• N-TRIMETHYLAMINE
• TRIMETHYLAMINE
• TRIMETHYLAMINE, [ANHYDROUS]
• TRIMETILAMINA, ANHIDRA (DOT SPANISH)
• TRIMÉTHYLAMINE, ANHYDRE (DOT FRENCH)