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2-Dimethylaminoethanol, universally known as DMAE, presents as a colorless to pale yellow liquid with the distinct, fishy odor characteristic of many amines.
Its molecular architecture – C₄H₁₁NO, with a nitrogen atom bearing two methyl groups attached to an ethanol backbone – creates a molecule of remarkable dual character.
This structure endows DMAE with both hydrophilic (hydroxyl group) and lipophilic (dimethylamino group) properties, enabling it to cross biological membranes with unusual efficiency.
CAS Number: 108-01-0
EC Number: 203-542-8
UN Number: 2051
Molecular Formula: C₄H₁₁NO
Molecular Weight: 89.14 g/mol
Synonyms:
Deanol,N,N-Dimethylethanolamine,Dimethylaminoethyl alcohol,DMAE,N,N-Dimethyl-2-hydroxyethylamine
With a boiling point of 134-135°C and density of 0.887 g/mL, it exhibits complete miscibility with water and most organic solvents, a trait that underpins its formulation versatility.
The amine functionality, with a pKa of approximately 9.2, makes DMAE moderately basic, capable of forming salts with acids.
This basicity, combined with the nucleophilic character of the nitrogen, drives many of its chemical reactions.
The hydroxyl group offers an additional handle for derivatization through esterification or etherification.
From a safety perspective, DMAE is flammable (flash point 40°C) and requires careful handling, though its toxicity profile is relatively favorable compared to many industrial amines.
Core Physical Properties:
Colorless to pale yellow hygroscopic liquid with characteristic amine odor (fishy, ammoniacal). Exhibits complete water miscibility and solubility in most organic solvents. Key parameters: boiling point 134-135°C, density 0.887 g/mL at 20°C, flash point 40°C (closed cup), vapor pressure 6.1 mmHg at 20°C. The pKa of the dimethylamino group is approximately 9.2, conferring moderate basicity.
Cosmetic and Personal Care (40% of consumption):
Anti-Aging Formulations: Incorporated at 1-5% as DMAE bitartrate or ascorbate in creams and serums, purportedly improving skin firmness through acetylcholine-mediated effects on facial muscle tone.
Hair Care: As a conditioning agent and pH adjuster in shampoos (typical use: 0.5-2%).
Case Example: In "firming" eye creams, DMAE (as DMAE bitartrate at 3%) demonstrates temporary reduction in periocular fine lines through osmotic effects and potential collagen stabilization.
Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical (30%):
Cognitive Support: Marketed as Deanol for attention and memory enhancement, though clinical evidence remains equivocal. Typical oral doses range 100-500 mg daily.
Cholinergic Precursor: In age-related cognitive decline formulations, based on its role in phosphatidylcholine synthesis.
Topical Analgesics: As a penetration enhancer and counterirritant in muscle rubs.
Case Example: The product "Deaner" (deanol acetamidobenzoate) historically prescribed for minimal brain dysfunction in children, though largely superseded by newer agents.
Industrial Applications (30%):
Polyurethane Catalysis: As a blowing catalyst in flexible foam production, promoting the water-isocyanate reaction.
Corrosion Inhibition: In closed-loop cooling systems (10-50 ppm) where its filming amine properties protect ferrous metals.
Water Treatment: For pH control and scale prevention in boiler systems.
Textile Auxiliaries: As a softening agent and antistatic component in fabric conditioners.
Case Example: In polyurethane foam manufacturing, DMAE (0.1-0.5% on polyol) catalyzes CO₂ generation, creating the cellular structure essential for cushioning applications.
Emerging Applications:
Ionic Liquids: DMAE-based ionic liquids demonstrate promise as green solvents for cellulose processing.
CO₂ Capture: Amine-functionalized materials incorporating DMAE moieties for selective carbon dioxide absorption.
Drug Delivery: As a component of pH-sensitive polymeric carriers for targeted drug release.
SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT 2-DIMETHYLAMINOETHANOL
First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician.
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air.
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately.
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment.
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste.
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles.
Faceshield (8-inch minimum).
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product.
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices.
Wash and dry hands.
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls.
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator.
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions.
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company.
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product
