Bis(dimethylamino)methane


Bismethane is the organic compound with the formula 2CH2. It is classified as an aminal as well as a ditertiary amine, in fact the simplest. It is a colorless liquid that is widely available. It is prepared by the reaction of dimethylamine and formaldehyde:
It is used for the dimethylaminomethylation reactions, the reaction being initiated by the addition of a strong, anhydrous acid:
Bismethane, being a Lewis base, functions as a bidentate ligand.

Related reagents