Chemists first prepared dimethylethylamine over a century ago during early research into amine compounds. The discovery took place in the broader context of industrial growth, as chemical manufacturers started looking for more efficient catalysts and process agents. Early reports described its distinctive smell and volatility, which made it both memorable and, in some cases, a headache for lab staff unaccustomed to strong amine odors. Since the 20th century, DMEA found growing use thanks to the expansion of plastics and resins industries, where the need for new curing agents kept increasing. As manufacturing spread globally, researchers in laboratories across continents continued refining its synthesis methods, working to keep both cost and safety under control.
Dimethylethylamine serves as an organic compound used mainly as a catalyst. Manufacturers produce it for industries focused on polyurethane foam, coatings, and various resins. Chemically, DMEA brings a strong amine profile—meaning it acts as a base and finds its way into diverse reactions. Among its key features, a low boiling point makes it easy to recover by distillation, but also raises the risk of accidental inhalation exposure. For businesses, the compound offers flexibility in both batch and continuous production lines. My years spent working with polyurethanes showed me DMEA often helped fine-tune reaction times, and with its sharp odor, you don’t soon forget handling it on a production floor.
This colorless, volatile liquid carries a distinct ammonia-like odor, and its vapor pressure tops charts compared to heavier amines. DMEA melts below room temperature and boils just shy of 55°C, contributing to its use as a mobile, easily handled agent in closed systems. Its molecular weight clocks in at 73.14 g/mol, and it’s highly soluble in water and many organic solvents. DMEA shows strong alkalinity, which underpins its action as a curing catalyst, especially for thermoset plastics, polyurethane foams, and coatings. Unlike heavier aliphatic amines, it evaporates quickly, which means ventilation carries extra priority wherever it’s in play. Over the years, working in R&D labs taught me to always double-check container seals, as one careless moment could fill the air with its unmistakable presence.
DMEA bottles typically arrive labeled with hazard statements, boiling point, flash point, and purity, often 99% or higher for technical grades. Manufacturers classify it with a UN number for transport (UN 2372), and label it flammable and harmful on both GHS and OSHA standards. MSDS sheets highlight specific guidance—everything from required PPE to safe storage temperatures. Practically speaking, technical and pharmaceutical-focused labs check for water content, residual organics, and UV absorbance, since trace impurities can compromise product quality. More stringent industries, such as pharmaceuticals or high-performance plastics, push for even tighter tolerances. From direct experience, no one in a well-managed plant ever skips the routine inspection of containers or proper glove and goggle use when working with DMEA.
Industry relies on a handful of key synthesis routes. The predominant process reacts dimethylamine with ethylene or ethyl chloride in a pressure reactor, using an acid catalyst to drive the reaction toward the tertiary amine. This exothermic pathway produces DMEA alongside minor amounts of related byproducts, which are separated by distillation and solvent extraction. Scale-up demands careful control over pressure and temperature to keep runaway reactions at bay. My time shadowing process engineers showed the value of robust engineering controls—the difference between predictable synthesis and production delays often traces back to tight equipment tolerances and skilled operators.
DMEA’s tertiary amine structure resists simple oxidation, but it forms salts rapidly with mineral acids. This property underpins its use in quaternization reactions, which attach it to various bioactive compounds or functional surfaces. Chemists exploit its nucleophilicity to make more complex molecules, particularly for specialty polymers and pharmaceuticals. In some cases, it reacts with alkyl halides to produce quaternary ammonium salts, popular in surfactants and biocides. Over time, innovation in this space fueled better coatings, improved rubber vulcanization, and even faster-acting polyurethane foams. Reactions can surprise those not paying attention; once, during a late-night test, we saw an unexpected exotherm simply because the reference compound was slightly impure—a stark reminder of the practical importance of reaction controls.
Dimethylethylamine appears under several other names: N,N-Dimethylethylamine, Ethyldimethylamine, and 1-Ethyl-1,2-dimethylethanamine. Chemical supply catalogs may code it as DMEA or reference it by CAS Number 598-56-1. In industrial catalogs, product IDs shift between vendors, but the core names stay the same. Some regional suppliers market it under proprietary blends, especially for polyurethane and coatings applications, tailoring the solvent profile to customer needs. Working across markets, I’ve seen labeling vary widely, underlining the value of cross-referencing codes and chemical names to avoid costly misorders.
Lab safety culture places DMEA among the chemicals that demand strict respect. The liquid can irritate eyes, skin, and lungs, so gloves, goggles, and proper fume hoods stand as non-negotiable. In confined spaces or closed tanks, vapor builds up fast and creates both inhalation and explosion hazards. OSHA and EU REACH guidelines advise ventilation, spill containment, and clear labeling on all storage drums. Spill response teams keep neutralizing agents and absorbent pads on hand. In the event of direct skin contact, prompt washing with soap and water works best, as delays can worsen irritation. In my own career, I’ve seen emergency showers used after accidental splashes—a stark lesson on why shortcuts cost more than safe practice ever will.
Polyurethane manufacturers rely on DMEA to fine-tune reaction speeds and foam properties. Paint and coatings firms turn to it for improving cross-linking efficiency, yielding smoother, more durable finishes. Molded plastics and composite factories value it in rigid and flexible foam production, as it balances fast processing with control over final cell structure. The pharmaceutical sector sometimes uses DMEA in synthesis steps, especially for quaternary ammonium compounds. In water treatment plants, DMEA-derived surfactants help break down persistent organic contaminants. My years consulting for foam insulation startups highlighted how tweaks to catalyst blends, DMEA included, produced insulation materials that passed ever-tougher fire and durability tests.
Ongoing projects target greener pathways for DMEA production, aiming to replace traditional petrochemical feedstocks. Some labs look at bio-based amines or catalytic systems that use less energy and cut down on waste. Analytical chemists develop faster methods for impurity detection, since plant shutdowns from contaminated feedstock cost time and money. Research partnerships with universities and government labs focus on lowering emissions from DMEA-based processes, as environmental standards keep tightening. Collaborative studies between foam manufacturers and academic chemists probe catalysts that work at lower dosages, improving both cost efficiency and workplace air quality. In R&D meetings, I often hear about trials for DMEA analogs or blends, with the goal of matching performance but reducing health risks.
Toxicologists classify DMEA as moderately hazardous; high vapor concentrations can irritate airways, cause headaches, and induce nausea. Chronic exposure raises concerns about potential liver and kidney effects, though data remains limited compared to older industrial compounds. Animal studies show effects similar to other low-molecular-weight tertiary amines, including dose-dependent tissue irritation. Regulatory agencies like EPA and ECHA set workplace exposure guidelines and maintain ongoing reviews of emerging health data. In production environments, air monitoring programs routinely check DMEA concentrations, and safety supervisors push for engineering controls to keep vapor below threshold limits. Having spent time in plants that adopted comprehensive air quality routines, I’ve witnessed firsthand the drop in work-related complaints once monitoring became standard.
Shifts in green chemistry and stricter regulatory requirements put pressure on manufacturers to improve DMEA production methods and handling protocols. Startups invest in bio-based synthesis, hoping to cut reliance on fossil fuels and align with sustainability targets set by major polyurethane buyers. Researchers chase catalysts that work at room temperature, further lowering energy costs. Demand for more efficient, lower-toxicity catalyst blends remains high as insulation, automotive, and electronics manufacturers look for every edge. Supply chain transparency, traceability, and narrowing tolerances for impurities drive new quality control software and sensor installations across the sector. My prediction, shaped by two decades among chemists and plant engineers, is that DMEA’s role will keep evolving alongside demands for safer, more responsible chemical production.
Dimethylethylamine, or DMEA, rarely appears in everyday conversations. Even so, it plays a quiet but crucial role in several industries. My first encounter with DMEA skeptically began at a polyurethane plant, where every small bottle needed a label and a purpose. Co-workers groaned about the smell, but no one underestimated what DMEA could accomplish.
Most people never realize the complexity behind hard plastic parts or resilient foam seats. DMEA helps create softness or firmness by “catalyzing” the chemical reaction in polyurethane production. Without a catalyst like DMEA, raw materials would just sit in their barrels. Toss in DMEA, and suddenly, a raw batch of chemicals turns into finished foam used in everything from car seats to refrigerators.
In the workplace, DMEA’s odor lingers long after a batch finishes. This smell hints at its power—poor ventilation, and your eyes water. That’s a strong reminder of the respect it commands because safety truly matters. Consistent use of protective gear and good ventilation saves a lot of workers from miserable shifts, and companies who ignore these basics see sickness and lower morale.
Researchers and regulatory authorities keep a sharp eye on volatile substances like DMEA. The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) has recommended exposure limits around 10 ppm. While that number means little to the public, safety experts know even low doses can trigger headaches or much worse with longer exposure. Chemical manufacturers and processors who cut corners face hefty fines and angry workers. Keeping up with safe handling practices improves output and teamwork because nobody wants to worry about health risks at every shift.
DMEA’s role stretches further. Companies making water treatment chemicals rely on amine compounds for more effective processes. Small tweaks in water chemistry—made possible with chemicals like DMEA—keep pipes from corroding so quickly, which saves cities millions in repair bills. In coatings and adhesives, DMEA helps balances pH, resulting in smoother finishes and stronger bonds. Some ink manufacturers use it to speed up drying and achieve that snappy print finish everyone takes for granted.
Hazards come with the territory, but personal protective gear, solid training, and investment in ventilation can significantly reduce risk. Tighten up supply chain transparency too. Factories sourcing DMEA should always check for reputable suppliers with proper documentation. Opportunities exist for greener, safer alternatives, especially with growing concern about chemical exposures. Research already explores catalysts that deliver similar results but with less toxicity and fewer emissions. Investment in these alternatives gives workers a safer future and helps companies avoid legal headaches.
Overall, DMEA plays a behind-the-scenes but powerful role. My hands-on experience left no doubt—treat it with respect, and you’ll see why industry relies on it everywhere from plastics to water pipes.
Dimethylethylamine, known as DMEA, pops up in a surprising number of chemical processes, especially in polyurethane foam production. For folks who work around factories or chemical plants, awareness of what DMEA brings to the table means more than memorizing technical specs. Safety matters, and hands-on experience in the chemical industry pushes this lesson home.
Exposure to DMEA, even at low concentrations, often causes people discomfort—irritated eyes, scratchy throats, skin rashes, and coughs. Studies show that vapor can make breathing tough in unprotected environments. One slip in safety gear, and the effects hit fast: watery eyes, headaches, a lingering unpleasant odor on skin or clothes.
A few years working the night shift near a foam plant, you see what happens when a spill goes unchecked. DMEA escapes easily into the air and people start reporting headaches or dizziness. My work crew depended on simple preventive steps—wearing gloves, goggles, and proper masks. We all felt the sting from lapses. No one questions the data anymore when their own eyes burn.
Leaked DMEA doesn’t stop with human exposure. It drifts into the air, contaminates indoor and sometimes outdoor environments. Governments actively monitor these emissions. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency lists DMEA as a “volatile organic compound” with strict rules for handling and reporting releases. A chemical with those labels gets flagged for good reason.
Soil and water contamination can follow repeated mishandling. In some cases, wildlife and plants in nearby areas feel the consequences. Communities living downwind from major plants voice concerns about odors and pollution. Regular smell complaints and health worries shape local opinion and policy, probably more than company press releases ever will.
Research on DMEA’s chronic effects is catching up, but there’s no magic number for what counts as “safe.” Several studies link prolonged low-level exposure with possible organ damage, though data in humans remain limited. Adrenal stress, minor neurological symptoms, and seasonal upticks in sick leave from plant workers often trace back to inconsistent chemical handling. The European Chemicals Agency marks DMEA as hazardous, confirming what many in the field already expect.
Personal protective equipment makes a difference, but it can’t replace good engineering controls. Upgrading fume extraction systems—instead of patching leaks with fans—cuts risks at the source. Automated monitoring systems means crews get real-time alerts, giving workers time to clear out or gear up.
On the floor, clear rules for safe storage, handling, and cleanup matter more than another laminated procedures poster. Real improvement comes when leadership provides ongoing hands-on training, not just a yearly quiz. Outside the plant, keeping neighbors informed builds trust. Open reporting and fast incident response matters to locals just as much as the folks clocking in.
Companies who use or produce DMEA stand on the hook for their workers’ health and their community’s air. Taking shortcuts might shave costs short term, but cleanup bills and legal trouble cost more. Industry needs to be straight about DMEA’s risks. A commitment to real transparency—sharing air test data, publishing incident reports, and meeting community groups—proves more valuable in the long haul than waiting for regulations to force their hand.
Dimethylethanolamine, or DMEA, plays a quiet but significant role in fields like water treatment, epoxy curing, and pharmaceuticals. Many lab folks and plant managers understand its quirks only after they see a drum left open or a strong odor in the aisles. DMEA’s strong, fishy smell hangs in the air if storage rules get ignored, giving a real-world reminder that safety steps exist for a reason.
Safe storage for DMEA starts with keeping it cool and dry. Chemical drums lined up near heat sources or in sunbeams tend to expand and leak. At temperatures above 25°C, vapor pressure climbs, forcing seams on storage drums and sending fumes through the air. Most storage rooms keep a steady temperature below this threshold, using fans or insulation. I remember walking into a small detergent plant on a summer morning and spotting a drum sweating in a patch of sunlight. By lunch, the cap had loosened, letting fumes fill the room and triggering building ventilation alarms.
Moisture presents another challenge. DMEA sucks in water from humid air, changing both consistency and purity. In a few weeks, if left unchecked, a clear solution develops haze or even reacts slowly with carbon dioxide, producing sludgy byproducts. Good practices lean on sealed containers, dryers, or nitrogen blankets, and I’ve seen work crews early on Monday mornings swapping out desiccant packs from air-tight chemical storage cabinets.
Leaking or spilled DMEA can irritate skin, eyes, and throats. Emergency rooms see their fair share of rashes or caustic burns from accidents involving this chemical. Chemical-resistant gloves, splash goggles, and closed-toe shoes do more than checkboxes on a safety list—they actually save skin and eyesight.
Many old-school shops skip spill kits or wait until they’re needed, but quick access makes a world of difference. Absorbent socks, neutralizing agents, and proper disposal bins all set a foundation for safe handling. I once worked with a team where a rookie tried mopping up a DMEA spill with a regular towel. The towel ate through quickly, spreading fumes and turning a small issue into an after-hours cleanup.
Labels fade, MSDS binders gather dust, and safety training slips as priorities stack up. Yet clear labeling, regular reviews of material safety data sheets, and annual hands-on retraining directly tie to lower accident rates. In one facility I visited, a supervisor ran safety drills every quarter, even as staff rolled their eyes each time. Their accident record stayed impressively low, proving that repetition and clarity make a difference.
Safer practices work best as a team effort. Managers investing in temperature controls, air monitoring, and upgraded PPE can prevent headaches and lawsuits. Staff buy in when they see leadership respect safety over shortcuts. The more we learn from close calls and “almosts,” the fewer fiery meetings and expensive injuries need to happen. New workers need time and guidance, not just sign-off sheets, to really understand which details matter.
Paying real attention to how DMEA gets stored and handled protects both people and product—no shortcuts, no luck, just good habits and solid routines.
DMEA stands for Dimethylethanolamine, a colorless liquid often found in the toolbox of chemical engineers and product designers. Its chemical formula is C4H11NO. That short string of letters and numbers unlocks plenty of detail for chemists; it shows the molecule contains four carbons, eleven hydrogens, one nitrogen, and one oxygen. This specific makeup shapes its real-world behavior—how it reacts, its volatility, and its uses in different manufacturing settings.
The molecular weight adds another layer of practicality. In this case, Dimethylethanolamine clocks in at 89.14 g/mol. On the ground, lab technicians and production teams use this exact number to figure out how much of the chemical to use in processes or experiments. Getting this weight right keeps formulas accurate, processes predictable, and helps avoid expensive mistakes. In my own experience working with chemical inputs, missing a tiny decimal can send an entire batch sideways—whether it’s a coating, resin system, or another synthesis.
Formulators pick up DMEA for several reasons. Its amine group gives it basic properties, useful for adjusting the pH in paint or ink formulations. In the coatings industry, DMEA steps in as a catalyst or neutralizer, and its reactivity profile fits with acrylic and epoxy systems. My years around waterborne paint lines taught me how a miscalculation on DMEA led to longer curing times or even sticky surfaces. Calculating the right weight based on the molecular formula means finished products really perform as promised, out of the can or tank.
Its basicity does more than keep formulas stable. DMEA also acts as a corrosion inhibitor and gas-absorbing agent, especially when dealing with acidic fumes. Small plants and big refineries both rely on that chemical formula and weight—those two numbers keep purchasing, inventory, and safety sheets consistent and mistakes at bay. This is not just paperwork; it keeps workplace hazards at a minimum and meets strict compliance goals.
Handling DMEA safely hinges on clear knowledge. The wrong calculation or poor labeling can lead to health issues or failed certifications. Workers exposed to elevated amounts may face respiratory irritation and other acute symptoms. Companies put effort into training teams about the molecular weight and correct handling; this ensures spills or exposures are minimized and everyone knows what they’re working with on the job.
Digitized systems and better tracking tools show promise in keeping records straight—no more guessing if the material at hand matches the number on the sheet. Labs that double-check their inventory, verify formulas with the chemical’s true identity, and rely on clear safety data avoid mishaps that might otherwise sideline an operation.
Dimethylethanolamine, clearly defined as C4H11NO with a weight of 89.14 g/mol, serves as a reminder that precision matters. Having worked with bulk chemical orders, I’ve seen teams thrive by putting facts and numbers—like molecular weight—up front in their documentation and communications. This keeps teams confident, not just compliant, and lets customers receive products consistent from batch to batch. As industries change, anchoring decisions to basic chemical truths seems to cut down on the guesswork and reduce headaches in both the lab and on the factory floor.
Dimethylethanolamine, or DMEA, often finds use in chemical manufacturing and water treatment. Anyone who’s spent time around heavy-duty cleaners or certain construction sites might recognize the sharp, almost ammonia-like smell. Accidents involving chemicals rarely warn you beforehand; having been in a lab setting where a colleague dropped a beaker, I know panic can spread faster than any vapor. DMEA isn’t one to take lightly, either. This compound can cause eye, skin, and respiratory irritation—breathing in just a bit leaves an unmistakable burn in the nose and throat. Strong odors sometimes trick people into thinking they’re less dangerous, but that hasn’t been my experience.
If DMEA touches skin or splashes into eyes, flush the area with running water for at least 15 minutes. I’ve seen more people hesitate, trying to tough it out, only to regret waiting. Quick rinsing removes the worst of it before the chemical soaks in. Inhalation usually calls for getting out to fresh air right away, especially if a cough won’t quit or breathing feels tight. Those who know their way around safety data sheets grab them for reference, but even without them, working from the basics—move, rinse, breathe—is far better than fumbling.
Minor spills easily get handled using absorbent pads and neutralizing agents, the kind janitors keep in reserve for oil or paint. During one incident on a rainy morning, a container leaked, spreading across a concrete floor. Folks jumped in with pads, and someone grabbed the nearest spill kit, tossing on absorbent powder. After my own close call, I started insisting everyone have gloves and goggles nearby. I’d argue that companies skimp on these essentials far too often to save pennies, risking dollars in the aftermath.
Ventilating the area with open windows or fans clears the air faster than relying on duct systems alone. Fans and open doors make a clear difference—within half an hour, strong odors faded after a spill, and headaches eased. Closing off the contaminated section until the smell fades and cleanup finishes also stops casual passersby from unexpected exposure. Posting signs, no matter how basic, gives even the most distracted coworker a head’s up. Simple routines—mask up, glove up, and keep a clear path to exits—work best, especially under stress.
Collected waste should never go down standard drains. Dirty rags or pads holding DMEA need closed, labeled containers until hazardous waste pickup arrives. Cutting corners on disposal comes back to bite—the environmental fines alone can cripple budgets, and neighborhoods don’t forget polluted rivers. Reporting all spills, no matter the size, creates an accurate incident record. These logs help spot patterns and train workers for next time. Few places follow up like they should, but in my experience, real change only comes after honest reporting forces a good hard look at procedures.
Annual training rarely sticks if workers just listen to a slideshow. Walking staff through real-life spill drills builds confidence for the day something actually slips. Regularly checking labels, storage conditions, and personal protective equipment helps prevent small mistakes from snowballing into emergencies. It doesn’t take a specialist to recognize a frayed glove or a missing eyewash station. Building a culture where people call out safety issues—without getting side-eyed—offers the surest defense against future incidents. Being prepared and looking out for each other surpasses any corporate memo or handbook.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | N,N-Dimethylethanamine |
| Other names |
N,N-Dimethylethylamine
Dimethyl(ethyl)amine N-Ethyl-N,N-dimethylamine Ethyl-dimethylamine |
| Pronunciation | /daɪˌmɛθɪlˌɛθiˈlæmiːn/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 598-56-1 |
| 3D model (JSmol) | `CCN(C)C` |
| Beilstein Reference | 605287 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:35807 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL14222 |
| ChemSpider | 7645 |
| DrugBank | DB11197 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03-2119471837-33-0000 |
| EC Number | 203-547-4 |
| Gmelin Reference | 7909 |
| KEGG | C06466 |
| MeSH | D002602 |
| PubChem CID | 8136 |
| RTECS number | KN0175000 |
| UNII | KKR8GT8N27 |
| UN number | UN1164 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C4H11N |
| Molar mass | 87.16 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Odor | fishy |
| Density | 0.706 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Miscible |
| log P | 0.86 |
| Vapor pressure | 530 mmHg (20 °C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 10.73 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 3.28 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -13.5·10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.368 |
| Viscosity | 0.37 mPa·s (20 °C) |
| Dipole moment | 1.29 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 158.8 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | −99.9 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -2682 kJ/mol |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS07, GHS08 |
| Pictograms | GHS02,GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H226, H302, H311, H314, H331, H335 |
| Precautionary statements | P210, P261, P273, P280, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P309+P311, P403+P233 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 3-3-2-A |
| Flash point | -18 °C |
| Autoignition temperature | 205°C |
| Explosive limits | 2.1% - 10.1% |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 oral rat 118 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | 640 mg/kg (rat, oral) |
| NIOSH | NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: **KJ9100000** |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) of Dimethylethylamine (DMEA): "10 ppm (35 mg/m³) TWA |
| REL (Recommended) | REL (Recommended): 10 ppm (25 mg/m³) |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | 100 ppm |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Trimethylamine
Diethylmethylamine Dimethylamine Triethylamine Ethylmethylamine |
