Methanimine (CH₂NH)

Synonyms

Methylenimine

Chemical Formula

CH₂NH

Definition

The organic molecule methanimine is not terribly stable under terrestrial conditions, being a minor equilibrium product of the reaction of ammonia and formaldehyde. It has been suggested as a possible precursor to the amino acid glycine in some astrophysical settings (e.g., Godfrey et al. 1973).

Overview

Methanimine was one of the first relatively complex organic molecules detected in the interstellar medium (Godfrey et al. 1973), towards the Galactic Center molecular cloud SgrB2. It has subsequently been found in several “hot core” sources, interstellar molecular clouds where massive stars are forming (Dickens et al. 1997). Methanimine may also be present in the atmosphere of Saturn’s satellite Titan (Vuitton et al. 2006).

Cross-References

• Glycine

• Hot Core

• Interstellar Medium

• Methylamine (CH₃NH₂)

• SgrB2

• Titan