Introduction: One Molecule, Many Industries
Few specialty chemicals span as many value chains as N-Methyl Aniline (NMA). In a refinery blending manifold it lifts the octane rating of gasoline. In a dye plant it becomes the backbone of brilliant azo and triphenylmethane colours. In an agrochemical reactor it is the entry point to modern insecticides and herbicides. In a pharmaceutical laboratory it is a building block for tailored active molecules.
PETRONAX supplies N-Methyl Aniline of consistently high purity to customers across North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia and the Asia-Pacific region. It sits alongside the rest of our refinery chemicals portfolio, and forms the chemical basis of our octane booster range. This article explains what NMA is, why product quality matters so much in each application, and how PETRONAX supports blenders, formulators and synthesis chemists worldwide.
What Is N-Methyl Aniline?
N-Methyl Aniline — also written as N-methylaniline, monomethylaniline (MMA), methylphenylamine or N-methylaminobenzene — is a secondary aromatic amine in which a single methyl group is attached to the nitrogen atom of the aniline molecule.
| Parameter | Typical value |
|---|---|
| Chemical name | N-Methyl Aniline |
| Synonyms | NMA, MMA, monomethylaniline, N-methylaminobenzene, methylphenylamine |
| CAS number | 100-61-8 |
| Molecular formula | C₇H₉N |
| Molecular weight | 107.15 g/mol |
| Appearance | Clear liquid, colourless to light yellow (darkens on air exposure) |
| Odour | Characteristic amine |
| Boiling point | ≈ 196–197 °C |
| Melting point | ≈ −57 °C |
| Density (20 °C) | ≈ 0.986–0.989 g/cm³ |
| Flash point | ≈ 79–80 °C (closed cup) |
| Solubility | Poorly soluble in water; miscible with alcohols, ethers and most organic solvents |
Values are indicative. Batch-specific figures are stated on the PETRONAX Certificate of Analysis (COA) issued with every consignment — see our technical datasheets and safety documentation. Independent physical and toxicological data for CAS 100-61-8 are published in the PubChem compound database maintained by the US National Library of Medicine.
That single methyl group on the nitrogen is what makes NMA so useful. It changes the electron density around the amine, alters basicity and steric access, and opens up reaction pathways that plain aniline simply cannot follow. The result is a molecule that behaves as a fuel performance additive, a coupling and latent solvent, and a highly reactive synthesis intermediate — all at once.
Application 1: Fuels and Petroleum Refining — NMA as an Octane Booster
The largest volume application for N-Methyl Aniline worldwide is as a non-metallic, ashless octane booster for gasoline.
Refiners and fuel blenders use NMA to raise the Research Octane Number (RON) of base gasoline streams, improve knock resistance and support cleaner, more efficient combustion in modern high-compression engines. RON is determined by the standardised laboratory engine method ASTM D2699, and it is against that figure that blend economics are calculated. NMA is the active chemistry behind the PETRONAX INTRON 1000 octane booster series. Its key commercial advantages include:
- High octane efficiency per unit volume. NMA delivers a significant RON uplift at low treat rates, which means less additive volume, less tankage and lower logistics cost per octane point gained.
- No metals, no ash. Unlike some traditional antiknock agents, NMA leaves no metallic residue that can foul spark plugs, damage catalytic converters or interfere with oxygen sensors.
- Blending flexibility. NMA is fully compatible with conventional gasoline hydrocarbons and can be co-blended with oxygenates and other performance additives.
- Cost efficiency. For many refiners, NMA is a more economical route to specification octane than deep reforming or high-severity isomerisation.
Typical treat rates are low and are always set by the blender in line with the finished-fuel specification and the regulations of the destination market. Permitted content of N-Methyl Aniline in motor gasoline varies significantly by jurisdiction — and in some markets it is restricted or not permitted at all. European users should check the substance record and any restrictions listed by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) as well as the applicable national fuel-quality rules. PETRONAX works with customers on documentation and compliance, but the final responsibility for meeting local fuel-quality legislation rests with the blender or importer. Our technical team is available to discuss blend design, compatibility testing and regional requirements — get in touch before contracting.
Application 2: Dyes and Pigments
N-Methyl Aniline is a classical intermediate in the colour industry. Its reactivity as a secondary amine makes it an efficient coupling component and precursor in the manufacture of:
- Azo dyes — the largest and most commercially important dye class
- Triphenylmethane dyes
- Cationic dyes such as cationic brilliant red and cationic pink grades
- Reactive dyes used on cellulosic fibres
- Specialty colourants for textiles, printing inks, leather, paper and coatings
Colour strength, shade reproducibility and batch-to-batch consistency in these products depend directly on the purity of the amine feedstock. Trace aniline, water or oxidation products in the intermediate translate into off-shade output and rejected batches downstream — which is precisely why dye manufacturers specify tight incoming NMA specifications. The same discipline governs our own petroleum dyes and markers.
Application 3: Agrochemicals and Crop Protection
NMA is a recognised intermediate in the synthesis of crop-protection actives. It is used in routes to insect growth regulators and selective herbicides — including well-known products such as buprofezin (insecticide) and mefenacet (herbicide) — as well as in a range of proprietary agrochemical intermediates.
Agrochemical synthesis is unforgiving of impurities: an unwanted side reaction at intermediate stage can carry through to the active ingredient and jeopardise registration. PETRONAX supplies material with the low residual-aniline and low-moisture profile that multi-step agrochemical synthesis demands.
Application 4: Pharmaceutical Intermediates
In pharmaceutical chemistry, N-methylated aromatic amines are valuable structural motifs. The N-methyl group is frequently used to modulate a molecule’s lipophilicity, metabolic stability, basicity and receptor binding. N-Methyl Aniline and its derivatives therefore appear as building blocks and intermediates in the synthesis of a range of active pharmaceutical ingredients and drug candidates.
PETRONAX serves this segment with consistent, well-characterised material and full analytical documentation to support customer qualification and change-control processes.
Application 5: Rubber Chemicals, Polymers and Resins
NMA contributes to the manufacture of:
- Rubber accelerators and antidegradants used in tyre and technical rubber goods production
- Polymer and resin intermediates, where the amine functionality supports controlled chain building and cure chemistry
- Antioxidants and stabilisers for elastomers and plastics
- Curing agents and hardener components for epoxy and specialty resin systems
Here NMA helps deliver end-product properties such as solubility, thermal stability, cure profile and long-term ageing resistance.
Application 6: Solvents, Corrosion Inhibitors and Specialty Chemicals
Beyond synthesis, N-Methyl Aniline is valued as a latent and coupling solvent in industrial formulations, helping to dissolve or stabilise components that are otherwise incompatible. It also finds use in:
- Corrosion inhibitor formulations for oilfield and metalworking applications — a field covered in depth by our corrosion inhibitor product line
- Photographic and imaging chemicals
- Acid-acceptor and reaction-medium roles in organic synthesis
- Laboratory and R&D reagent supply
- Fine chemicals and electronic-materials intermediates
Why Source N-Methyl Aniline from PETRONAX
Consistent high purity. PETRONAX NMA is produced under controlled process conditions with tight control of residual aniline, dimethylaniline, water content and colour. Every batch is analysed before release in our chemical research and QC facilities.
Full analytical documentation. Each shipment is accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis, Safety Data Sheet and the transport and regulatory documentation required for the destination market. Batch traceability is maintained from production through to delivery.
Grade flexibility. Material is available in the grades and concentrations required by fuel blenders, dye houses, agrochemical producers and fine-chemical synthesis customers — including customised specifications on request.
Reliable global logistics. PETRONAX ships in drums, IBCs, ISO tanks and bulk parcels, supported by established freight-forwarding relationships and experience with the export documentation, labelling and dangerous-goods requirements of multiple jurisdictions.
Technical partnership. Our team supports customers with specification alignment, compatibility questions, blend-design discussion and troubleshooting — not just order fulfilment.
Supply security. Long-term contracts, buffer inventory and multi-route logistics planning help protect customers from the volatility that has affected aromatic-amine supply chains in recent years.
Packaging, Storage and Handling
Packaging. Typically supplied in 200 L / 220 kg steel drums, 1,000 L IBCs, ISO tanks and bulk. Alternative packaging is available on request.
Storage. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat, sparks and open flame. Keep containers tightly closed to prevent air exposure, which causes gradual darkening. Segregate from strong oxidising agents, strong acids and foodstuffs.
Handling and safety. N-Methyl Aniline is a toxic substance. It is harmful by inhalation, ingestion and skin absorption, and can cause methaemoglobinaemia as well as damage to the liver, kidneys and central nervous system on repeated or significant exposure. It is also hazardous to aquatic life.
Handling requires:
- Appropriate personal protective equipment — chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection, protective clothing and, where required, respiratory protection
- Adequate local exhaust ventilation and engineering controls
- Compliance with applicable occupational exposure limits
- Trained personnel and established spill and emergency procedures
- Full compliance with national and regional chemical, transport and environmental regulations
Always read the current Safety Data Sheet in full before handling. The information above is a summary and does not replace the SDS, applicable regulations or your own risk assessment. Occupational exposure limits and recommended controls for N-methyl aniline are published in the NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. The current PETRONAX SDS is available from our downloads section.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CAS number of N-Methyl Aniline? CAS 100-61-8. It is also listed under the synonyms monomethylaniline (MMA), N-methylaminobenzene and methylphenylamine.
How much does NMA raise gasoline octane? The RON uplift depends on the base gasoline composition and the treat rate used. NMA is recognised for delivering a substantial octane gain at comparatively low blend ratios, but the achievable result should always be confirmed by blend testing on your specific streams.
Is N-Methyl Aniline permitted as a gasoline additive? This depends entirely on the destination market. Some jurisdictions permit NMA within defined limits, others restrict or prohibit it in motor fuels. Verify the current fuel-quality regulations in your market before blending or importing.
Why does NMA turn yellow or brown? Aromatic amines oxidise slowly on contact with air and light. Colour development is normal over time and is minimised by storing material in sealed containers, protected from heat and light.
What purity does PETRONAX supply? High-purity commercial grade with batch-specific values reported on the Certificate of Analysis. Custom specifications can be discussed for demanding synthesis applications.
What order sizes are available? From drum quantities for R&D and small-scale production up to ISO tank and bulk parcels for refinery and industrial-scale users. Smaller volumes can be ordered directly through the PETRONAX shop.
Contact PETRONAX
Whether you are a refiner looking to optimise your octane pool, a dye manufacturer protecting shade consistency, or a synthesis chemist qualifying a new intermediate supplier, PETRONAX is ready to support you with high-quality N-Methyl Aniline and dependable global delivery.
Request a quotation, download a technical datasheet, or contact the PETRONAX team for a technical consultation. We reply within 24 hours, provide technical information within 2 hours and can dispatch samples within 3 days.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for general information only. Product specifications, permitted applications and regulatory status vary by market and are subject to change. Nothing here constitutes a warranty of fitness for a particular purpose or a guarantee of regulatory compliance. Customers are responsible for verifying that their intended use complies with all applicable laws and for handling the product in accordance with the current Safety Data Sheet.