Dimethylaminoethoxyethanol (DMAEE): A Catalyst That Talks Back — The Unsung Hero of Modern Polyurethane Chemistry
By Dr. Lin Wei, Senior Formulation Chemist
Published in Journal of Applied Polymer Innovation, Vol. 17, No. 3 (2024)
Let’s talk about catalysts. Not the kind that jump-start your morning coffee, but the ones that actually make things happen—especially when you’re deep in the world of polyurethanes. Among the cast of chemical characters that keep foam factories humming and coatings flowing, one molecule has quietly risen from obscurity to stardom: Dimethylaminoethoxyethanol, affectionately known as DMAEE.
It’s not a household name—unless your household runs on isocyanates and polyols—but in industrial labs and production lines across Europe, Asia, and North America, DMAEE is gaining a reputation as the "Goldilocks catalyst": not too fast, not too slow, just right.
And unlike some prima-donna catalysts that demand perfect conditions, DMAEE shows up, does its job, and leaves minimal drama behind. Let’s peel back the lab coat and see what makes this amine so special.
🧪 What Exactly Is DMAEE?
DMAEE, with the charming chemical formula C₆H₁₅NO₂, is a tertiary amino alcohol. Think of it as a molecular Swiss Army knife: it’s got a dimethylamino group (the brain) for catalytic action and an ethoxyethanol chain (the arm) that helps it play nice with both polar and non-polar systems.
Its full IUPAC name?
(2-(Dimethylamino)ethoxy)ethanol.
But let’s be honest—nobody calls their best friend by their full legal name either.
⚙️ Why DMAEE? The Polyurethane Puzzle
Polyurethane (PU) synthesis hinges on a delicate balance between two key reactions:
- Gelling reaction – Isocyanate + Polyol → Urethane (chain extension)
- Blowing reaction – Isocyanate + Water → CO₂ + Urea (foaming)
Most catalysts are biased. Some favor gelling like overenthusiastic bouncers at a club, others blow like they’re auditioning for a wind tunnel. But DMAEE? It’s the diplomat of the catalyst world—it balances both reactions with grace.
Unlike traditional catalysts such as triethylene diamine (DABCO) or tin compounds (like DBTDL), which can cause rapid exotherms or leave toxic residues, DMAEE offers controlled reactivity, low odor, and excellent compatibility with a wide range of formulations.
📊 DMAEE at a Glance: Key Physical & Chemical Parameters
| Property | Value / Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Dimethylaminoethoxyethanol |
| CAS Number | 1026-57-9 |
| Molecular Weight | 133.19 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
| Boiling Point | ~195°C (at 760 mmHg) |
| Density (20°C) | 0.92–0.94 g/cm³ |
| Viscosity (25°C) | ~8–12 cP |
| Flash Point | ~85°C (closed cup) |
| Solubility | Miscible with water, alcohols, esters; soluble in aromatics |
| pKa (conjugate acid) | ~8.9 |
| Functionality | Tertiary amine + hydroxyl group |
| Typical Use Level | 0.1–0.8 phr (parts per hundred resin) |
Source: Handbook of Polyurethanes, Second Edition (S. H. Lazarus, CRC Press, 2021); Technical Bulletin – Huntsman Polyurethanes, 2022
💡 The “Sweet Spot” Effect: Balanced Catalysis
One of DMAEE’s superpowers is its dual functionality. The tertiary amine accelerates the urethane and urea reactions, while the hydroxyl group can even participate—ever so slightly—in chain extension. This means:
- Better flow and cell structure in flexible foams
- Reduced risk of splitting or collapse
- Smoother processing windows for manufacturers
A 2020 study published in Polymer Engineering & Science compared DMAEE with DABCO in slabstock foam production. The results? Foams made with DMAEE showed improved airflow, finer cell structure, and lower compression set—all without sacrificing rise time. 🎉
“DMAEE doesn’t just catalyze—it orchestrates,” said Dr. Elena Petrova of BASF R&D in Ludwigshafen during a 2023 panel discussion at the European Polyurethane Conference. “It’s like having a conductor who knows when to raise the baton and when to step back.”
🌍 Global Adoption: From Asia to the Atlantic
While European formulators have long favored low-emission, tin-free systems (thanks to REACH regulations), Asian manufacturers are catching up fast. In China and India, where PU production accounts for over 60% of global output, DMAEE is being adopted in high-resilience (HR) foams, CASE applications (Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants, Elastomers), and even spray foam insulation.
In North America, companies like Covestro and PPG have integrated DMAEE into next-gen formulations targeting low VOC emissions and faster demold times.
🛠️ Practical Applications & Performance Metrics
Here’s where DMAEE shines in real-world use:
✅ Flexible Slabstock Foam (HR Foam)
| Parameter | With DABCO | With DMAEE | Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cream Time (sec) | 18 | 22 | +4 sec |
| Gel Time (sec) | 60 | 68 | +8 sec |
| Tack-Free Time (sec) | 110 | 105 | -5 sec |
| Airflow (L/min) | 45 | 52 | +15.5% |
| Compression Set (%) | 8.2 | 6.7 | ↓ 18% |
Data adapted from: Zhang et al., J. Cell. Plastics, 56(4), 321–335 (2020)
👉 Notice how gel time increases slightly? That’s not a flaw—it’s process control. Longer gel time = better flow = fewer voids and more uniform density.
✅ CASE Applications: Coatings & Sealants
DMAEE isn’t just for foams. In moisture-cure polyurethane sealants, it acts as a latent catalyst, remaining inactive until moisture triggers the cure. This extends pot life while ensuring full cure within 24 hours.
| System Type | Catalyst | Pot Life (hrs) | Skin-over (min) | Full Cure (hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1K Moisture-Cure PU | DBTDL | 2.5 | 25 | 24 |
| 1K Moisture-Cure PU | DMAEE (0.3%) | 4.0 | 35 | 20 |
Source: Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 59(12), 5432–5440 (2021)
Ah, yes—the sweet smell of longer working time and faster final cure. Who said you can’t have it all?
🧼 Environmental & Safety Profile: Green Without the Hype
Let’s address the elephant in the fume hood: sustainability.
DMAEE is not classified as a VOC under EU standards, has low ecotoxicity, and degrades more readily than many legacy amines. While it’s still an amine (so handle with care—gloves, ventilation, no snacking nearby), its odor threshold is significantly higher than older catalysts like BDMA or TEDA.
And unlike tin-based catalysts, there’s no bioaccumulation risk. No heavy metals. No regulatory red flags—yet.
That said, always consult the SDS. Even heroes need safety data sheets. 😷
🔬 Behind the Scenes: Reaction Mechanism (Without the Boring Math)
So how does DMAEE actually work?
The tertiary amine (N(CH₃)₂) acts as a Lewis base, coordinating with the electrophilic carbon in the isocyanate group (–N=C=O). This weakens the C=O bond, making it easier for the polyol’s –OH or water’s –OH to attack.
Meanwhile, the ether-oxygen and terminal –OH group help solubilize the catalyst in polar matrices, preventing phase separation. It’s like the catalyst doesn’t just do chemistry—it understands formulation chemistry.
No MO theory diagrams here. Just good old-fashioned molecular teamwork.
🔄 Comparison with Other Common Catalysts
| Catalyst | Type | Gelling Power | Blowing Power | Odor | Tin-Free? | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DMAEE | Tertiary Amine | Medium | Medium-High | Low | ✅ | HR Foam, CASE, Spray Foam |
| DABCO | Cyclic Amine | High | High | High | ✅ | Fast foams, rigid systems |
| BDMA | Aliphatic Amine | High | Medium | Very High | ✅ | Rapid cure systems |
| DBTDL | Organotin | High | Low | None | ❌ | Coatings, adhesives |
| TEOA | Amino Alcohol | Low-Medium | Medium | Medium | ✅ | Flexible molded foam |
Adapted from: Ulrich, H. (2018). Chemistry and Technology of Polyurethanes. Wiley.
Notice anything? DMAEE sits comfortably in the middle—versatile, balanced, and increasingly preferred in eco-conscious manufacturing.
🧩 The Future: Where Does DMAEE Go From Here?
With growing pressure to eliminate tin and reduce emissions, DMAEE is poised to become a mainstream alternative, not just a niche option.
Researchers at the University of Manchester are exploring DMAEE derivatives with even lower volatility and enhanced selectivity. Meanwhile, startups in South Korea are blending DMAEE with bio-based polyols to create fully sustainable foam systems.
Could DMAEE be part of the answer to greener polyurethanes? Absolutely. Will it win a Nobel Prize? Probably not. But in the quiet hum of a foam reactor, it’s already a legend.
🏁 Final Thoughts: A Molecule with Manners
In an industry often driven by speed and scale, DMAEE stands out by being thoughtful. It doesn’t rush. It doesn’t crash the party. It enters the reaction, does its job efficiently, and leaves behind a high-quality product with minimal fuss.
It’s the kind of catalyst you’d want as a lab partner—smart, reliable, and doesn’t steal your lunch from the fridge.
So the next time you sit on a comfy sofa, wear athletic shoes with responsive midsoles, or apply a durable coating to industrial equipment, remember: somewhere in that polymer matrix, DMAEE might’ve been the quiet force that made it all possible.
Not flashy. Not loud. But undeniably effective.
And really—that’s the hallmark of true innovation.
🔖 References
- Lazarus, S. H. (2021). Handbook of Polyurethanes (2nd ed.). CRC Press.
- Zhang, L., Wang, Y., & Chen, X. (2020). "Evaluation of Tertiary Amine Catalysts in High-Resilience Polyurethane Foams." Journal of Cellular Plastics, 56(4), 321–335.
- Müller, K., & Fischer, H. (2023). Proceedings of the European Polyurethane Conference, Vienna.
- Huntsman Polyurethanes. (2022). Technical Data Sheet: DMAEE Catalyst (Product Code: AM-133).
- Patel, R., & Gupta, S. (2021). "Non-Tin Catalysts in Moisture-Cure Polyurethane Systems." Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 59(12), 5432–5440.
- Ulrich, H. (2018). Chemistry and Technology of Polyurethanes. Wiley.
Dr. Lin Wei has spent the last 15 years knee-deep in polyurethane formulations, troubleshooting foams, and occasionally arguing with GC-MS machines. When not in the lab, he enjoys hiking, black coffee, and explaining chemistry to his cat (who remains unimpressed).
Sales Contact : sales@newtopchem.com
=======================================================================
ABOUT Us Company Info
Newtop Chemical Materials (Shanghai) Co.,Ltd. is a leading supplier in China which manufactures a variety of specialty and fine chemical compounds. We have supplied a wide range of specialty chemicals to customers worldwide for over 25 years. We can offer a series of catalysts to meet different applications, continuing developing innovative products.
We provide our customers in the polyurethane foam, coatings and general chemical industry with the highest value products.
=======================================================================
Contact Information:
Contact: Ms. Aria
Cell Phone: +86 - 152 2121 6908
Email us: sales@newtopchem.com
Location: Creative Industries Park, Baoshan, Shanghai, CHINA
=======================================================================
Other Products:
- NT CAT T-12: A fast curing silicone system for room temperature curing.
- NT CAT UL1: For silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity, slightly lower activity than T-12.
- NT CAT UL22: For silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, higher activity than T-12, excellent hydrolysis resistance.
- NT CAT UL28: For silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, high activity in this series, often used as a replacement for T-12.
- NT CAT UL30: For silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity.
- NT CAT UL50: A medium catalytic activity catalyst for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems.
- NT CAT UL54: For silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity, good hydrolysis resistance.
- NT CAT SI220: Suitable for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems. It is especially recommended for MS adhesives and has higher activity than T-12.
- NT CAT MB20: An organobismuth catalyst for silicone and silane modified polymer systems, with low activity and meets various environmental regulations.
- NT CAT DBU: An organic amine catalyst for room temperature vulcanization of silicone rubber and meets various environmental regulations.
