INSTRUCTIONS

Methyl-8 Reagent

TS-49350 0876.2

Number Description
TS-49350 Methyl-8 Reagent (N,N-Dimethylformamide dimethyl acetal), (2 mEq/ml in pyridine),
25 ml Hypo-Vial Sample Storage Vial
CAS# for Methyl-8 Concentrate: 4637-24-5
CAS# for Pyridine: 110-86-1
Molecular Weight: 119.17
Boiling Point: 102-104C
Density: 0.897 at 20C

Storage: Upon receipt store at room temperature.

Introduction
Methyl-8 Reagent (Figure 1) offers significant advantages for preparing methyl esters for gas chromatography. The reaction
is fast and complete upon dissolution. Yields are quantitative when reagent and sample are injected without prior mixing.
Methyl-8 Reagent is packed in convenient, ready-to-use Hypo-Vial Sample Storage Vials and requires no water washing,
extraction or concentration of the derivatives. In addition, no water is formed in the reaction. Reactions with Methyl-8
Reagent are usually complete upon dissolution. For long-chain solid acids, it is necessary to use Methyl-8 Reagent with
additional solvent and mild heating, such as pyridine, benzene, methanol, chloroform, methylene chloride, THF and DMF.

H 3C
NC H

H3C
Figure 1. Molecular Structure of Methyl-8 Reagent.

Example Protocols
Thenot, et al. have demonstrated analytical applications that use Methyl-8 Reagent for analyzing fatty acids1 and amino
acids.2

Protocol 1: Methods of alkylation using DMF-Dialkyl Acetal Reagents

1. Combine 50 mg fatty acid and 1 ml Methyl-8 Reagent in a 3 ml Reacti-Vial Small Reaction Vial (Product No.
TS-13222).
2. Cap vial and heat at 60C for 10-15 minutes or until dissolution is complete.
3. Analyze by gas chromatography.

Warranty: Pierce products are warranted to meet stated product specifications and to conform to label descriptions when used and stored properly. Unless otherwise stated, this
warranty is limited to one year from date of sale for products used, handled and stored according to Pierce instructions. Pierces sole liability for the product is limited to
replacement of the product or refund of the purchase price. Pierce products are supplied for laboratory or manufacturing applications only. They are not intended for medicinal,
diagnostic or therapeutic use. Pierce products may not be resold, modified for resale or used to manufacture commercial products without prior written approval from Pierce
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Protocol 2: Preparing N-dimethylaminomethylene (DMAM) methyl esters of amino acids
1. Combine amino acid with 1:1 ratio of Methyl-8 Reagent to acetonitrile in a Reacti-Vial Small Reaction Vial.
2. Cap vial and heat at 100C for 20 minutes or until dissolution is complete.
3. Analyze by gas chromatography.
Note: Aspartic acid requires a longer time for complete dissolution. Hydroxyl groups on hydroxyl-substituted amino acids
did not react using the above conditions.

Related Thermo Scientific Products

TS-20062 Acetonitrile, 50 ml
TS-38015 Silyl-8 GC Column Conditioner
TS-13222 Reacti-Vial Small Reaction Vial, 3 ml
TS-13223 Reacti-Vial Small Reaction Vial, 5 ml

References
1. Thenot, J.-P., et al. (1972). Fatty acid esterification with N,N-dimethylformamide dialkyl acetals for GC analysis. Anal. Lett. 5(4): 217-23.
2. Thenot, J.-P., and Horning, E.C. (1972). Amino acid N-dimethyllaminomethylene alkyl esters. New derivatives for GC and GC-MS studies. Anal. Lett.
5(8): 519-29.

Current versions of product instructions are available at www.thermo.com/columns.

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