What molecule am I?
N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) is a highly toxic, potentially carcinogenic liquid. It is synthesized by the reaction of dimethylamine or one of its salts with sodium or potassium nitrite.
NDMA has several industrial uses; the most common is as a precursor to the rocket fuel 1,1-dimethylhydrazine (1,1-DMH). It is found in the waste products of some industrial syntheses, including that of 1,1-DMH; in cured meat and fish; and in chlorinated nitrogen-rich wastewater.
NDMA鈥檚 high solubility in water and other solvents has led to its use in intentional poisonings that date back to 1973. In the most recent occurrence (2018), a graduate student at Queen鈥檚 University (Kingston, ON) dissolved NDMA in ethanol and
The victim experienced several unpleasant symptoms (e.g., diarrhea and vomiting); but unlike most NDMA victims, he survived. He says that he will always live in fear of developing cancer from the poisoning.
N-Nitrosodimethylamine聽hazard information
| GHS classification*: flammable liquids, category 4 | |
| H227鈥擟ombustible liquid | |
| GHS classification*: acute toxicity, oral, category 2 | |
| H300鈥擣atal if swallowed |  |
| GHS classification: acute toxicity, inhalation, category 1 | |
| H330鈥擣atal if inhaled | |
| GHS classification: carcinogenicity, category 1B | |
| H350鈥擬ay cause cancer |  |
| GHS classification: specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure, category 1 | |
| H372鈥擟auses damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure | |
| GHS classification: hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard, category 2 | |
| H401鈥擳oxic to aquatic life | |
| GHS classification: hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard, category 2 | |
| H411鈥擳oxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects |  |
*Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals.聽
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fast facts
| CAS Reg. No. | 62-75-9 |
| Empirical formula | C2H6N2O |
| Molar mass | 74.08 g/mol |
| Appearance | Yellow oily liquid |
| Boiling point | 153 潞C |
| Water solubility | 290 g/L |
MOTW update: September 21, 2020
N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA)聽is used to make rocket fuel; but, because it is extremely toxic, it is notorious for its use in some fatal poisonings. NDMA and other nitrosamines have been found as impurities in several prescription drugs. Earlier this month, the US Food and Drug Administration issued guidelines on acceptable limits of six nitrosamine impurities. The .
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