The roles of tertiary amine structure, background organic matter and chloramine species on NDMA formation

► NDMA formation from 20 aliphatic and aromatic tertiary amines was investigated. ► Structure of tertiary amines plays a key role in NDMA formation. ► Sensitivity of precursors to chloramine species depends on electron distribution. ► NOM decreased or increased NDMA yields based on electronegativity of leaving group.