The characteristic "fishy" odor comes from methylamine (CH₃NH₂), which is similar to ammonia (NH₃) in structure and also in its ability to react with acids as a weak base. Why would the acid form of methylamine not have as strong an odor as methylamine?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The characteristic odor of methylamine comes from its volatile nature as a small, organic molecule. When it reacts with an acid to form a salt, such as methylammonium chloride, it becomes less volatile and therefore less likely to produce a strong odor. The polyatomic ion formed from the acid and methylamine would not contribute to the characteristic odor because it is a charged species and is not volatile.

The Characteristic "Fishy" Odor Comes from Methylamine (CH3NH2), Which Is

The Characteristic "Fishy" Odor Comes from Methylamine (CH₃NH₂), Which Is