C6H5N(CH3)2, a tertiary aliphatic-aromatic amine; a colorless liquid. Boiling point, 192.5°-193.5°C; density, 0.9557 g/cm3 (20°C); index of refraction n20D, 1.55819. Dimethylaniline is miscible with most organic solvents; its solubility in water is 1.0-1.4 percent (12°C).
Characterisitc reactions of dimethylaniline are the formation of p-nitrosodimethylaniline by the action of nitrosation agents and of 4, 4′-bis(dimethylamine) benzophenone (Michler’s ketone) by the action of phosgene. Dimethylaniline is produced by heating aniline with methanol in the presence of H2SO4 under pressure. It is used in the synthesis of dyes (malachite green, methylene blue, and others) and explosives.