Reduction of HMTA to methylamine and trimethylamine

(CH2)6N4 + 12H = 3CH3NH2 +(CH3)3N

1.
Anode and cathode chamber which are divided by an diaphragm are filled with a solution of
sodiumsulfate. 140,0 gram of hexamine are dissolved and electrolysed with lead electrodes at
a current density of 3Amp/cmxcm, wherby the voltage is about 3.5V. The base which forms at
the cathode is permanently neutralized by dropping dil. H2SO4 into the chamber. The cell is
cooled so the temperatur is hold at about 20°C. After the needed amount of electricity has
passed through the operation is cancelled and the bases of mono and tro-methylamine are
distilled out of the solution after basifying with NaOH.
The separation of the tri and mono-methylamine is done in the well known manner.

2.
Instead of sodiumsulfate ammoniumsulfate is used. The cathodechamber has an stirrer and a
tube for venting the gases away and is sealed airtight.
Same yields.

3.
Ammoniumsulfate is used and formaldehyde is dropped in in a way that there is always an
excess of it at the side of the cathode.
yields same as in example 1.