1-Methylpyrrolidine looks simple on paper and in the lab. Chemically, it carries the formula C5H11N and finds a spot among many nitrogen-containing compounds used across chemical industries. This chemical appears as a colorless to pale yellow liquid under most conditions, not looking dangerous at first glance, but it’s good to remember that looks don’t reveal the whole story. Close work with it reveals a characteristic amine-like odor – strong but not enough to easily identify without experience. Its CAS number is 120-94-5. Trade often references its HS Code: 2933399090, a detail many overlook but one that matters when ordering, importing, or transporting the substance across borders.
1-Methylpyrrolidine carries a five-membered saturated ring, featuring four carbon atoms and one nitrogen atom, with a methyl group attached directly to the nitrogen. This layout gives the molecule certain stability, making it less reactive compared to some open-chain amines. The structure also means it stays liquid at standard temperature and pressure, maintaining this state well into ranges where water or other familiar chemicals might freeze or boil. A molecular weight of 85.15 g/mol means it handles easily in quantity, and most people working with it quickly learn to tell if something in the batch is off simply by handling or sight.
The bulk density of 1-Methylpyrrolidine typically stands around 0.86 g/cm3 at 20°C. Pour it in a beaker and the material runs easily, not clumping or sticking the way solids do. Unlike flakes or powders, this compound doesn’t produce dust. It spreads or splashes, with viscosity only slightly higher than water. This makes spills or mistakes potentially riskier, especially since it evaporates more quickly than more viscous amines or heavier organics. The boiling point sits near 92°C, so heating even modest amounts quickly brings vapor. In the lab, this means handling precautions should never be ignored, as fumes develop fast. Ignition is another real danger—1-Methylpyrrolidine flashes around 10°C, making any flame or spark in its vicinity a big gamble. This low flash point puts real emphasis on proper ventilation and grounding of all nearby equipment. Avoiding direct skin contact matters, too: this liquid can irritate and, with repeated exposure, even harm tissues, reminding anyone working with chemicals to avoid shortcuts in personal protective equipment.
1-Methylpyrrolidine doesn’t come as flakes, pearls, or powder. It rarely shows up as crystals and never as a solid at room temperature. Stored in sealed containers, it stays a clear liquid. Old bottles or poorly stored samples may show some yellowing but nothing like the phase change seen in other organic amines. Good labeling and a solid record-keeping system make handling easier, as mix-ups could introduce this liquid into processes needing a solid or less volatile material, leading to obvious safety problems and ruined batches.
Production often uses basic organic chemicals like 1,4-butanediol as a precursor. Large-scale manufacturers may run through tons per month, shipping tankers full to industrial users preparing specialty chemicals, pharmaceuticals, or other amine derivatives. The use of the correct raw materials goes hand-in-hand with thorough purification, as leftover reactants or impurities could throw off each batch’s boiling point, reactivity, or other key properties. Sourcing usually comes from established chemical suppliers, who keep detailed safety sheets and certification of analysis available. This documentation isn’t red tape—it gives everyone confidence that the chemical they’re unloading matches what’s actually on order.
The liquid plays a part in everything from pharma building blocks to specialty paint formulations. It acts as a corrosion inhibitor in some commercial products, finds use as a catalyst or intermediate in chemical syntheses, and on occasion helps out with polymer production. Despite this flexibility, the amine group’s presence means the compound’s reactivity limits its compatibility with certain materials. Chemists keep careful track of where it’s used and what leftovers could result, since this substance doesn’t simply “burn away clean” if things go wrong. Any staff involved in product formulation or process chemistry should understand clearly how this chemical acts, as mistakes may result in hazardous byproducts.
1-Methylpyrrolidine presents concrete safety challenges. Vapors irritate the eyes and respiratory tract almost instantly, so fume hoods become non-negotiable during transfers or reactions. Gloves and goggles are not optional. Inhaling higher concentrations brings on dizziness or headaches. Spills soak through regular clothes, and the amine nature means the liquid causes burns with continued skin contact. Fire safety drills often highlight the low flash point and the dangers of letting static or open flames anywhere near workbenches. Emergency kits should always include neutralizing agents, because water doesn’t carry away the chemical fast enough, and simply diluting can make a problem spread instead of disappear. OSHA and similar regulatory standards count this compound as hazardous, requiring chemical-specific labeling and documentation wherever it appears on site.
Disposal takes careful planning. Down the drain is out of the question. Municipalities set strict limits on amine discharge, and laboratories or factories coordinate with licensed chemical waste handlers to keep traces out of waterways. Those of us working in the field know that a single slip—storing a container without a tight cap, failing to update the material log—can mean bigger headaches down the line. Routine inspections and audits at sites using 1-Methylpyrrolidine reveal how well teams actually keep up with best practices. Environmental risks extend to soil contamination if product storage tanks leak, and remediation costs quickly pile up if spills escape containment. Keeping up-to-date material safety data sheets accessible to everyone dealing with shipments, transfers, or waste helps avoid surprises, since handling requirements and emergency procedures are spelled out clearly. Following these isn’t about bureaucracy; it’s about protecting people and the surroundings.
Instruction and experience go further than simple caution signs. Regular hands-on safety training changes the way people approach even routine tasks, and investing in closed-system transfer equipment reduces both spills and exposure. Designated work zones and upgraded ventilation create safer spaces. If companies keep seeing incidents with 1-Methylpyrrolidine, investigating substitute chemicals with similar properties but lower volatility or irritancy might be on the table. Research into less hazardous amines or defending all access points to storage areas can cut down future risks dramatically. Engaging all staff in a culture of accountability—where every bottle is tracked, and everyone expects rigorous oversight—not only brings better safety records, but also builds trust and reduces downtime. Rather than waiting for regulations to catch up, organizations who adapt and innovate in safe handling and alternative sourcing stand out as leaders in both safety and quality assurance.
