oxide (CAS NO.: ), which is also known as , N,N-dimethyl-, N-oxide, could be produced through the following synthetic routes.

A solution of 21.3 g. (0.100 mole) of freshly distilled N,N-dimethyldodecylamine, 9.6 g. (0.10 mole) of 94% , and 0.050 g. of vanadium oxyacetylacetonate in 27 g. (34 ml.) of tert-butyl alcohol is placed in a 250-ml., round-bottomed flask fitted with a thermometer, a reflux condenser, and a heating mantle. The reaction mixture is heated to approximately 65–70°, at which point an exothermic reaction begins. The heating is discontinued until the vigorous exothermic reaction subsides (about 5 minutes); the reaction mixture is then heated at reflux (the reaction mixture boils at 90°) for 25 minutes. After the resulting mixture has been cooled to room temperature, it is analyzed to establish the absence of tert-butyl hydroperoxide, then concentrated with a rotary evaporator (30–35° bath with 30–40 mm. pressure). The crude solid residue is triturated with 50 ml. of cold (0–5°), anhydrous diethyl ether and filtered under conditions which prevent exposure of the residual amine oxide to atmospheric moisture. The solid is washed with 50 ml. of cold (0–5°) anhydrous ether and dried under reduced pressure, leaving 12.9–15.5 g. of the crystalline amine oxide, m.p. 131–131.5°. Concentration of the mother liquors and trituration of the residual paste with 25 ml. of cold (0–5°) anhydrous ether separates another 4.9–3.4 g. of the amine oxide, m.p. 130–131°. The total yield of the crystalline amine oxide is 17.4–18.9 g. (76–83%).

Notice: Reactions and subsequent operations involving peracids and peroxy compounds should be run behind a safety shield. Peroxy compounds should be added to the organic material, never the reverse. For relatively fast reactions, the rate of addition of the peroxy compound should be slow enough so that it reacts rapidly and no significant unreacted excess is allowed to build up. The reaction mixture should be stirred efficiently while the peroxy compound is being added, and cooling should generally be provided since many reactions of peroxy compounds are exothermic.

Caution! , in high concentrations for short periods or in low concentrations for long periods, can cause serious toxic effects in the central nervous system. Accordingly, the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists has set 5 p.p.m., a level which cannot be detected by smell, as the highest average concentration in air to which workers should be exposed for long periods. The preparation and use of methyl iodide should always be performed in a well-ventilated fume hood. Since the liquid can be absorbed through the skin, care should be taken to prevent contact.