What is "dimethylbenzylamine"

n. (context organic chemistry English) An organic compound with the chemical formula C₆H₅CH₂N(CH₃)₂.

Dimethylbenzylamine is the organic compound with the formula CHCHN(CH). The molecule contains the benzyl group, CHCH, attached to a dimethyl amino functional group. It is used as a catalyst for the formation of polyurethane foams and epoxy resins.

Like some other benzyl compounds, the molecule undergoes directed ortho metalation with butyl lithium. Because of this reaction, many derivatives are known with the formula 2-X-CHCHN(CH) (X = SR, PR, etc.).

The amine is basic and undergoes quaternization with methyl iodide to give the ammonium salt [CHCHN(CH)]I. Such salts are useful phase transfer catalysts.

N,N-Dimethylbenzylamine can be synthesized by methylation of benzylamine with formic acid and formaldehyde according to the Eschweiler–Clarke reaction.