Methyl Morpholine | 99% Purity NMM Supplier & Bulk Pricing

Methyl Morpholine: real-world specs, uses, and how buyers actually source it

If you’ve been shopping around for Methyl Morpholine lately, you’ve probably noticed demand drifting upward in coatings and flexible foam. To be honest, I see two forces at play: cleaner base chemistry (fewer nitrosamine concerns) and procurement teams pushing for shorter lead times. In practice, both matter.

What it is, and where the market’s heading

Methyl Morpholine (often listed as N‑methylmorpholine, NMM) is a clear, colorless, tertiary amine that’s easy to handle and surprisingly versatile. You’ll see it as a catalyst in polyurethane foams, a neutralizing amine for waterborne coatings, and a strong, selective organic base in pharma steps (acylations, esterifications). Trend-wise: buyers want tighter moisture control (≤0.2% KF), documented low nitrite packing lines, and consistent color (≤15 APHA). Honestly, consistency beats raw price for most plants.

Typical product specification (buyer’s cheat sheet)

Note on naming: some older sheets mention N‑Formylmorpholine (C5H9NO2, MW 115.13, CAS 4394‑85‑8). It’s a related solvent; if you need that grade, ask for it specifically—real-world use may vary by process.

How it’s made and qualified (process flow)

• Materials: morpholine feed, methylating agent (increasingly dimethyl carbonate for greener routes), hydrogenation/catalyst systems.
• Method: controlled methylation, fractional distillation, polish filtration; nitrogen-blanketed filling into drums/IBCs.
• QC: GC purity and residue profile; KF water (ASTM E203); APHA color (ASTM D1209); flash (ASTM D93); metals by ICP when required.
• Compliance: GHS SDS, ISO 9001/14001 sites; REACH/TSCA status on file; low nitrite packaging SOP to mitigate nitrosamine formation risk.
• Service life: 24 months sealed; store cool, away from acids/oxidizers.
• Industries: polyurethane foams, coatings/inks, pharma intermediates, electronics cleaning where permitted, textiles (as precursor grade to NMMO supply chains).

Usage scenarios and advantages

• PU foams: reliable tertiary amine catalysis with predictable blow/gel balance.
• Coatings: neutralization of acid polymers, quicker dry-to-touch; easy strip-off on bake.
• Pharma: base for acylations/esterifications—clean workup, less salt load. Advantages? Low viscosity, miscible with many organics, easy to strip near 116 °C, and consistent reactivity. Many customers say it “just behaves” compared to bulkier amines.

Customization, feedback, and quick case notes

Custom options: low-moisture lots (≤0.1% KF), drum/IBC nitrogen headspace, inhibitor-free or inhibited per process, returnable IBCs. Certifications typically include ISO 9001/14001 and full GHS SDS; pharma customers sometimes request residual-solvent GC panels—doable.
Customer feedback: a Southeast Asia foam plant told me they cut total catalyst dose by ~6% after switching, thanks to tighter moisture and color control. In coatings, a mid-size EU customer reported faster neutralization and 8–10% shorter booth cycle times (your mileage may vary).

Methyl Morpholine plays nicely with downstream distillations; its mid‑boiling range means straightforward recovery—an underrated cost saver, frankly.

Safety and handling snapshot

Flammable liquid; keep away from ignition sources, ground all transfers. Use closed systems, splash goggles, and amine‑compatible gloves. Store cool and dry; segregate from acids/oxidizers. For transport, follow UN/GHS labeling and your local rules.

References

1. PubChem: N‑Methylmorpholine
2. ECHA Brief Profile: N‑Methylmorpholine
3. ASTM E203: Water by Karl Fischer