Bis(dimethylamino)methane is the organic compound with the formula [(CH<sub>3</sub>)<sub>2</sub>N]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:[1]
2 (CH3)2NH + CH2O → [(CH<sub>3</sub>)<sub>2</sub>N]2CH2 + H2O
It is used for the dimethylaminomethylation reactions, the reaction being initiated by the addition of a strong, anhydrous acid:[2]
[(CH<sub>3</sub>)<sub>2</sub>N]2CH2 + H+ → (CH3)2NCH2+ + (CH3)2NH