Trimethylamine can be prepared by the action of formaldehyde on ammonium chloride under pressure;1 by the action of formaldehyde and formic acid on
ammonia,2 a method which has been checked by one of the editors and is highly recommended; from paraformaldehyde and ammonium chloride;3 and from
methyl alcohol, ammonia, and a catalyst.4 The numerous commercial processes which lead to mixtures of methylamines have not been reviewed since they
are not convenient for the laboratory.
I'm interested in the "by the action of formaldehyde and formic acid on ammonia" one. Has anyone had experience with this one? If you have pub access
feel free to share the knowledge.Lambda-Eyde - 9-7-2011 at 13:35
So the formaldehyde also acts as a reducing agent and is itself oxidized to formic acid and then to carbon dioxide. I bet a solution of ammonium
chloride, acetaldehyde (or paraldehyde) and formic acid would work to form triethylamine. I could be wrong of course. trimethylamine sounds kind of
unpleasant
You are wrong.
The reaction of formaldehyde to form amines under these conditions is unique among the aldehydes.
