monomethylamine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “monomethylamine” mean?
A simple organic compound with the formula CH3NH2, consisting of ammonia (NH3) in which one hydrogen atom is replaced by a methyl group (CH3-). It is the simplest primary amine after ammonia.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A simple organic compound with the formula CH3NH2, consisting of ammonia (NH3) in which one hydrogen atom is replaced by a methyl group (CH3-). It is the simplest primary amine after ammonia.
A colorless, flammable gas with a strong, fishy, ammonia-like odor. It is used as an intermediate in the industrial synthesis of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and surfactants, and as a precursor to other methylamines. It is hygroscopic and soluble in water, forming a moderately basic solution.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or spelling differences. The compound name is standardized by IUPAC nomenclature rules, which are followed internationally.
Connotations
None beyond the technical/scientific context.
Frequency
Equally rare in general discourse in both varieties, confined to highly technical fields like chemistry, chemical engineering, and industrial manufacturing.
Grammar
How to Use “monomethylamine” in a Sentence
[The reaction] requires monomethylamine.Monomethylamine is used [as a precursor/alkylating agent].[The process] yields monomethylamine.They synthesized [the compound] from monomethylamine.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “monomethylamine” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The compound can be monomethylaminated to increase its solubility.
American English
- The researcher sought to monomethylate the substrate using a new catalyst.
adjective
British English
- The monomethylamine solution was handled in a fume cupboard.
American English
- The monomethylamine derivative showed enhanced activity.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In procurement or supply chain discussions within the chemical industry: 'The quarterly contract for anhydrous monomethylamine has been renewed.'
Academic
In research papers and chemistry textbooks: 'The nucleophilic substitution proceeded via intermediate formation of a monomethylamine adduct.'
Everyday
Virtually never used. A possible context: a news report on an industrial accident: 'The leak involved a hazardous chemical called monomethylamine.'
Technical
In laboratory or plant procedures: 'The mixture was cooled to -20°C before adding the monomethylamine dropwise under an inert atmosphere.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “monomethylamine”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “monomethylamine”
- Mispronouncing it as 'mono-methy-lam-ine' (incorrect syllable stress). The primary stress is on the last syllable '...aMINE'.
- Confusing it with 'dimethylamine' or 'trimethylamine'.
- Using it in non-technical writing without definition.
- Misspelling as 'monomethyamine' (omitting 'l').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. It is a flammable gas and a severe irritant to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. It requires specialised handling and storage.
It is primarily an industrial intermediate used to manufacture pesticides (e.g., herbicides), pharmaceuticals, surfactants for soaps, and other chemicals.
The prefix 'mono-' means 'one', indicating that only one methyl group (CH3-) is attached to the nitrogen atom of the amine.
Directly, almost never. However, you might encounter products that were manufactured using it as a chemical building block, such as certain medicines or agricultural chemicals.
A simple organic compound with the formula CH3NH2, consisting of ammonia (NH3) in which one hydrogen atom is replaced by a methyl group (CH3-). It is the simplest primary amine after ammonia.
Monomethylamine is usually technical/scientific in register.
Monomethylamine: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɒnəʊˌmɛθɪləˈmiːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɑːnoʊˌmɛθɪləˈmiːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'mono' (one), 'methyl' (a CH3 group), and 'amine' (NH2 group). So, it's an ammonia molecule where one hydrogen is swapped for a single methyl group.
Conceptual Metaphor
A chemical building block or a precursor; a molecular 'scaffold' to which other groups can be attached.
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining structural feature of monomethylamine?