Methylamine is used as a building block for the synthesis of other organic compounds. It is on the DEA watchlist for chemical precursors because of clandestine use in manufacture of the drug MDMA (ecstasy) and methamphetamine.
The HCl salt is in the form of white deliquescent crystals, and is frequently substitutable for the aq. soln. in many synthesis preparations. Methylamines are used directly as catalysts or as raw materials to produce other compounds with catalytic activity. Fuel additives are used to improve engine performance in a variety of ways. Trimethylamine is used to make paper chemicals. The manufacture of intermediates to make pharmaceuticals is one of the most diverse uses of methylamines.