Methylmorpholine N-oxide (NMO) is a heterocyclic amine oxide and morpholine derivative. It is a colorless to slightly yellowish liquid with a mint-like odor. NMO is used as a pro-oxidant and sacrificial catalyst in oxidation reactions such as osmium tetroxide oxidation and Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation or oxidation with TPAP. It is also used as a solvent for cellulose in the lyocell process to produce cellulose fibers.
NMO is commercially available as the monohydrate C5H11NO2·H2O and as the anhydrous compound. This monohydrate is used as a solvent for cellulose in the Lyocell process to produce cellulose fibers.
NMO is an oxidizing agent as an N-oxide. It is usually used in stoichiometric amounts as a secondary oxidant (pro-oxidant) to regenerate the primary (catalytic) oxidant after it has been reduced by the substrate oxidizing agent. For example, in theory, ortho-cis dihydroxylation requires stoichiometric amounts of the toxic, volatile and expensive osmium tetroxide, but if continuously regenerated with NMO , the required amount can be reduced to a catalytic amount.
NMO is a hazardous substance. It is a skin and eye irritant. It is also a respiratory irritant. NMO is a suspected carcinogen.
NMO should be handled with care. Should be stored in a cool, dry place away from heat and sources of ignition. It should be kept in an airtight container and should not be mixed with other chemicals without consulting the Safety Data Sheet.
What you may want to know about is methylmorpholine oxide, which is an organic compound with the molecular formula C6H13NO2 and is the derivative of methylmorpholine oxidation product. It is a colorless liquid with a pungent smell, flammable, corrosive, slightly toxic, and has a pungent smell. Inhalation of vapor is irritating to the skin and mucous membranes, LD50 1970mg/kg. Methyl morpholine oxide can be used as a catalyst for the production of polyurethane foam, a catalyst for pharmaceutical synthesis and organic synthesis, and can also be used for the synthesis of fine chemical products such as pharmaceuticals, pesticides, surfactants, emulsifiers, and corrosion inhibitors. It can also be used as a solvent, Extractant and curing agent for polyurethane coatings.
