2,6-Dimethylmorpholine lands squarely in the family of morpholine derivatives, recognized for its ring structure featuring nitrogen and oxygen atoms spaced by carbon atoms. With its two methyl groups sitting at positions 2 and 6, this chemical brings unique properties to the table, often showing up in specialized synthesis labs, plastics manufacturing, and pharmaceutical research. The morpholine skeleton gives a certain stability and polarity, which means reactivity is not off the charts, but the substance can achieve precise chemical transformations. The melting point, boiling point, and synthetic role make it stand out compared to unsubstituted morpholine, while the methyl substitutions fork the pathway for further chemical modification or use as an intermediate.
Across various production and storage settings, 2,6-Dimethylmorpholine appears as a crystalline solid at room temperature. Its typical forms include powder, flakes, crystalline pearls, or dense solid particles, each batch often reflecting minor differences depending on storage moisture, solvent residue, or synthesis method. The pure compound emerges as colorless to faintly pale, and in the right lighting looks nearly transparent when presented in larger crystals. With a molecular weight of roughly 115.18 g/mol, its density hovers near 0.95-1.01 g/cm³, depending on impurities and particle compaction. Where bulk handling is needed, companies move toward packed flakes or granular forms, which tend to resist caking and support accurate weighing in industrial batching.
The molecular formula for 2,6-Dimethylmorpholine is C6H13NO. Structurally, it holds a six-membered saturated ring, with nitrogen at position one, oxygen at position four, and methyl groups anchoring to the carbon atoms right next to the nitrogen. This setup means the electron distribution in the molecule gets shaped by both the ring strain and electron-donating methyls, making reactions at the methyl positions uncommon but not impossible. The tetrahedral geometry around carbon and the nearly planar morpholine ring paint a reliable roadmap for downstream chemistry or solubility prediction.
A few data points always turn up on a 2,6-Dimethylmorpholine specification sheet. Purity, topping 98% in most cases, gets checked by gas chromatography or NMR. Water content matters, especially for applications in catalysts or resins — typical tolerance stays well below 0.5%. Particle size distribution affects how it dissolves, so sieve analysis or laser diffraction can provide assurance for users wanting rapid dissolution or controlled reactivity. Boiling point averages out near 155–160°C at atmospheric pressure, while melting point nestles in the 28–32°C range, so storage requires moderate temperature controls in most climates. These facts anchor reliable performance and reduce the risk of misapplication or hazardous byproducts in downstream uses.
Users engage with 2,6-Dimethylmorpholine in different physical states. As a raw solid, it handles well in pressed flakes, rough-cut crystalline shards, or a fine powder that dissolves quickly in solvents. Highly soluble in water, ethanol, and some industrial glycols, it blends smoothly for solution-phase reactions. Some plants offer custom preparations—pre-mixed in solvents or distilled to minimize water carryover—giving customers everything from pure liquid shots to solid-filled drums, all with traceability down to the kilogram or liter. Ships in drums, plastic pails, or double-bagged containers keep the product clean, dry, and safe from cross-contamination.
Customs authorities recognize 2,6-Dimethylmorpholine under HS Code 2924190090, placing it among other cyclic amines. Factory staff receive instruction in safe material transfer, since dust from solids can irritate eyes or skin, and inhalation remains unwelcome in any chemical setting. Standard PPE for the chemical trade—latex or nitrile gloves, chemical goggles, and dust masks during transfers—minimizes exposure. Warehouses stay dry and cool, away from oxidizers or acids, because morpholine derivatives can form hazardous mixtures in the wrong conditions. Fire marshals rate the solid as combustible but not flammable in normal handling, though attention to vapor-phase accumulation during high-temperature work always deserves respect. Spill kits and eyewash stations belong in any facility handling raw amines.
The safety profile of 2,6-Dimethylmorpholine aligns with other morpholines—low volatility but notable skin and respiratory irritant potential. Toxicology data show the compound can cause moderate harm upon significant ingestion or repeated contact, so long-sleeve chemical gear reduces risk. Disposal routes require neutralization, often with mild acid, before aqueous waste can leave the plant. Spills get swept with inert absorbents, guarding against environmental release since diluted morpholines disrupt aquatic organisms, even at low concentrations. Sensors or regular air monitoring catch vapor peaks that slip past exhaust fans, and smart training keeps catastrophic events at bay. Chemical buyers demanding REACH or TSCA compliance look for transparent documentation and up-to-date SDS to match the delivered batch.
Manufacturing teams value 2,6-Dimethylmorpholine as a reliable intermediate for specialty polymers, crosslinking agents, and sometimes pharmaceuticals. Its raw material profile shapes costs and logistic choices, since the supply chain often relies on regional morpholine production and oil-based feedstocks for methylation. Supply hitches or purity drifts can ripple through downstream batches—something I’ve witnessed in composite shops scrambling when one lot of raw amine showed aberrant dissolution, probably from a high-water residue. Engineers running continuous reactors or pilot plants lock down their acceptance specs and favor suppliers offering lot-specific chromatography, which means every shipment can be audited right back to day one. By mapping out future needs and dual-sourcing, smart buyers avoid panic orders and ensure that material never becomes the bottleneck in a critical supply chain.
