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Cyclohexyldimethylamine is a tertiary aliphatic amine used primarily as a medium-activity catalyst in rigid polyurethane foam production. It is also known as N,N-dimethylcyclohexylamine and is commonly abbreviated as DMCHA.
Cyclohexyldimethylamine is a low-viscosity liquid with strong basicity, good compatibility with many polyurethane polyols, and effective catalytic activity toward the polyol–isocyanate reaction. These characteristics make it particularly useful in insulation foams, refrigeration systems, construction panels, spray foams, and pour-in-place rigid polyurethane formulations.
CHEMICAL IDENTITY AND SYNONYMS
Chemical Name: Cyclohexyldimethylamine
Preferred Chemical Name: N,N-Dimethylcyclohexylamine
CAS Number: 98-94-2
EC Number: 202-715-5
Molecular Formula: C8H17N
Molecular Weight: 127.23 g/mol
Chemical Class: Tertiary cycloaliphatic amine
Abbreviation: DMCHA
SMILES: CN(C)C1CCCCC1
InChIKey: SVYKKECYCPFKGB-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Common names include N,N-dimethylcyclohexylamine, N,N-dimethylcyclohexanamine, cyclohexanamine N,N-dimethyl-, cyclohexylamine N,N-dimethyl-, N-cyclohexyldimethylamine, dimethylaminocyclohexane, 1-(dimethylamino)cyclohexane, cyclohexyl dimethylamine, dimethylcyclohexylamine, CyNMe2, and DMCHA.
Cyclohexyldimethylamine should not be confused with cyclohexylamine, N-methylcyclohexylamine, dicyclohexylamine, or cyclohexylmethylamine. These substances have different molecular structures, reactivity profiles, physical properties, and industrial functions.
PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Cyclohexyldimethylamine is normally supplied as a clear, colorless to pale-yellow liquid with a strong characteristic amine or ammonia-like odor.
Appearance: Clear, colorless to pale-yellow liquid
Odor: Strong characteristic amine odor
Boiling Range: Approximately 160–165°C
Melting Point: Approximately -60°C
Relative Density: Approximately 0.85 at 20–25°C
Flash Point: Approximately 42°C, closed cup
Autoignition Temperature: Approximately 215°C
Vapor Pressure: Approximately 0.4 kPa at 25°C
Relative Vapor Density: Approximately 4.4, with air equal to 1
Explosive Limits in Air: Approximately 3.6–19% by volume
Refractive Index: Approximately 1.454 at 20°C
pKa of Conjugate Acid: Approximately 10.7
Log Pow: Approximately 2.0
Water Behavior: Partially soluble, with aqueous compatibility increasing substantially after protonation
Organic-Solvent Compatibility: Compatible with many alcohols, ketones, aromatic solvents, polyols, and other organic formulation components
As a tertiary amine, Cyclohexyldimethylamine does not contain an active N–H bond. Its catalytic behavior results from the basic and nucleophilic character of the nitrogen atom rather than incorporation through an amine hydrogen.
FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Cyclohexyldimethylamine functions as a moderately active polyurethane catalyst. It accelerates the reaction between hydroxyl-functional polyols and isocyanates, supporting polymer formation, viscosity development, and foam structure stabilization.
In water-containing polyurethane formulations, it also influences the water–isocyanate reaction that generates carbon dioxide. Its overall effect depends on the formulation, catalyst concentration, polyol structure, isocyanate index, water level, physical blowing agent, surfactant, flame retardant, and processing temperature.
Cyclohexyldimethylamine is commonly used as part of a balanced catalyst package. It can be combined with catalysts selected for stronger blowing activity, delayed action, back-end curing, surface cure, or isocyanate trimerization.
Because Cyclohexyldimethylamine is not a reactive catalyst containing hydroxyl or primary or secondary amine groups, part of the catalyst may remain mobile within the finished polymer. Catalyst concentration, foam curing, ventilation, and emission requirements therefore form important parts of formulation design.
PRODUCTION AND COMMERCIAL FORM
Cyclohexyldimethylamine can be manufactured by catalytic reductive amination of cyclohexanone with dimethylamine in the presence of hydrogen. The resulting crude reaction mixture is separated and distilled to obtain the required assay, color, moisture content, and impurity profile.
An alternative industrial route uses catalytic amination of cyclohexanol with dimethylamine. Production conditions and downstream purification are selected to limit unreacted raw materials, water, light amines, partially methylated amines, and high-boiling residues.
Commercial Cyclohexyldimethylamine is supplied as a liquid. Important quality parameters include assay, water content, color, density, distillation range, amine value, related-amine profile, and catalyst activity.
APPLICATIONS AND INDUSTRIES
Rigid polyurethane foam catalysis
The principal application of Cyclohexyldimethylamine is the production of rigid polyurethane foam. It promotes the urethane-forming reaction between polyols and isocyanates and helps develop the polymer strength required to stabilize an expanding foam structure.
Catalyst concentration affects cream time, gel time, rise time, tack-free time, flow, cell formation, dimensional stability, surface cure, and demolding behavior. The appropriate concentration is determined experimentally for each formulation rather than selected as a universal fixed dosage.
Cyclohexyldimethylamine can be incorporated into the polyol component or metered as a separate catalyst stream. It must be distributed uniformly to avoid localized differences in reaction speed, cell structure, and foam density.
Appliance and refrigeration insulation
Cyclohexyldimethylamine is used in rigid polyurethane formulations for refrigerators, freezers, refrigerated cabinets, water heaters, and other insulated appliances. These applications require a controlled reaction profile that allows the reacting mixture to flow through cavities before gelation becomes too advanced.
The catalyst package must provide sufficient early activity for foam generation while maintaining the flow needed to fill complex molds and enclosed spaces. Back-end cure must also be adequate to support dimensional stability, adhesion, demolding, and production-cycle requirements.
Construction insulation and panels
Cyclohexyldimethylamine is suitable for rigid foam used in insulation boards, laminated panels, sandwich panels, cold-storage panels, roof systems, and related construction products.
In continuous-panel and lamination processes, catalyst selection influences line speed, substrate wetting, adhesion, foam rise, cell uniformity, surface quality, and dimensional stability. Cyclohexyldimethylamine is often combined with other catalysts to match the required production speed and cure profile.
Spray and pour-in-place foam
Cyclohexyldimethylamine can be used in rigid spray foam and pour-in-place systems. These applications require close coordination between mixing quality, spray temperature, substrate conditions, catalyst activity, and blowing behavior.
Excessive catalyst activity can shorten application time, restrict flow, and cause irregular cell formation. Insufficient activity can delay cure, increase surface tack, reduce early strength, and contribute to poor dimensional performance.
Pipe, tank, and equipment insulation
Rigid polyurethane systems containing Cyclohexyldimethylamine can be used for insulating pipes, tanks, process vessels, heating equipment, and temperature-controlled installations.
The catalyst package is selected according to component temperature, mold geometry, insulation thickness, required flow distance, curing conditions, and the thermal behavior of the reacting mass. Thick foam sections require particular attention because polyurethane formation is exothermic.
Rigid molded and specialty foam products
Cyclohexyldimethylamine is also applicable to molded rigid foam products, structural inserts, decorative components, furniture frames, and protective packaging systems.
The required balance between flow and cure depends on mold size, product geometry, target density, cell structure, surface finish, and demolding time. Formulation trials are important when changing catalyst concentration, raw-material source, blowing agent, or production temperature.
Rubber, dye, textile, and synthetic-fibre intermediates
Cyclohexyldimethylamine can serve as a chemical intermediate in the production of selected rubber-processing chemicals, dyes, textile-treatment chemicals, and synthetic-fibre auxiliaries.
Its tertiary amine functionality provides basicity and salt-forming behavior that can be used in multistage synthesis. Suitability depends on the required reaction pathway and the impurity limits of the downstream product.
Organic synthesis and acid-neutralizing functions
Cyclohexyldimethylamine may be used as a basic catalyst, acid acceptor, or tertiary-amine intermediate in selected organic reactions. It forms salts with mineral and organic acids and can support transformations in which proton transfer or acid neutralization controls reaction progress.
Its steric environment and cycloaliphatic structure distinguish its behavior from lower-molecular-weight trialkylamines. Reaction compatibility, salt separation, product purity, and residual-amine requirements should be considered during process development.
Switchable-solvent and extraction processes
Cyclohexyldimethylamine has been evaluated as a switchable-hydrophilicity solvent. In its neutral free-base form, it exhibits organic-solvent character. In the presence of water and carbon dioxide, it can form a protonated bicarbonate salt with substantially increased aqueous compatibility.
Removing carbon dioxide can reverse this change and regenerate the neutral amine. This reversible behavior has generated interest in specialized extraction, separation, lipid-processing, and solvent-recovery processes.
These applications require controlled carbon dioxide transfer, temperature management, phase-separation studies, water balance, and analysis of residual amine in the recovered product.
GRADE SELECTION AND QUALITY PARAMETERS
Industrial catalyst grades commonly target an assay of at least 99%, controlled water content, and low color. The contractual specification should reflect the intended polyurethane formulation or synthesis process.
Assay affects catalyst activity and dosage reproducibility. Water content is particularly important in polyurethane production because water reacts with isocyanates and contributes directly to carbon dioxide generation.
Color is relevant for light-colored foam systems and applications in which catalyst discoloration can affect the finished product. Distillation range and related-amine profile help identify volatile impurities and partially converted production intermediates.
Typical procurement parameters include:
Cyclohexyldimethylamine assay
Water content
Color or APHA value
Density
Distillation range
Total amine value
Related amines and volatile impurities
Catalyst activity
Lot-to-lot consistency
Packaging configuration
Certificate of Analysis, Technical Data Sheet, and Safety Data Sheet requirements
FORMULATION AND PROCESSING CONSIDERATIONS
Cyclohexyldimethylamine is generally compatible with many polyether and polyester polyols used in rigid polyurethane systems. Compatibility should be assessed in the complete polyol blend, including surfactants, flame retardants, water, physical blowing agents, pigments, fillers, and other catalysts.
Acidic ingredients can neutralize the tertiary amine and reduce catalytic activity. Raw materials containing acidic impurities may therefore increase cream time, rise time, or cure time.
Water concentration must be controlled carefully. Even small changes can alter blowing activity, foam density, exotherm, cell pressure, and dimensional stability.
Cyclohexyldimethylamine should remain separate from the isocyanate component during storage. Contact should occur only through controlled mixing during polyurethane processing.
Closed transfer and accurate metering improve process consistency while limiting vapor and odor exposure. Pumps, seals, hoses, gaskets, and storage materials must be compatible with tertiary amines and flammable corrosive liquids.
STORAGE AND HANDLING
Cyclohexyldimethylamine should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Containers should be protected from direct sunlight, excessive heat, sparks, open flames, hot surfaces, and other ignition sources.
The product should be segregated from strong acids, oxidizing agents, peroxides, acid chlorides, acid anhydrides, and other incompatible reactive substances. Contact with carbon dioxide and atmospheric moisture should be minimized when these can affect purity or catalyst performance.
Containers and transfer equipment should be grounded and bonded. Explosion-protected ventilation and electrical equipment should be used where flammable vapor concentrations may develop.
A closed handling system or effective local exhaust ventilation is recommended. Operators should avoid breathing vapor, mist, or spray and should prevent all skin and eye contact.
Suitable chemical-resistant gloves, protective clothing, safety goggles, and face protection are required. Respiratory protection should be selected through a workplace exposure assessment and used when engineering controls cannot maintain safe conditions.
SAFETY AND HAZARD INFORMATION
Cyclohexyldimethylamine is a flammable, corrosive, and acutely toxic liquid. It can be toxic if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin.
The material causes severe skin burns and serious eye damage. Vapor and mist can damage the respiratory tract, and significant inhalation exposure may lead to delayed pulmonary effects.
Cyclohexyldimethylamine can form explosive vapor–air mixtures at elevated temperatures. Vapors are heavier than air and may travel along floors or through low areas toward an ignition source.
Combustion and thermal decomposition can produce carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and other irritating or toxic fumes.
The substance is harmful to aquatic environments and may cause long-lasting effects. Releases to drains, soil, surface water, and groundwater must be prevented.
FIRST AID
Inhalation:
Move the affected person to fresh air immediately and keep the person at rest in a position comfortable for breathing.
Obtain urgent medical attention, even when initial symptoms appear limited, because respiratory effects can be delayed.
Skin Contact:
Remove contaminated clothing and footwear immediately.
Rinse the affected skin continuously with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and obtain immediate medical treatment.
Eye Contact:
Rinse cautiously with clean water for at least 15 minutes while holding the eyelids open.
Ingestion:
Rinse the mouth with water and obtain emergency medical assistance immediately.
Do not induce vomiting because the corrosive material can cause additional injury and aspiration.
FIRE AND SPILL RESPONSE
Suitable extinguishing media include dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide, alcohol-resistant foam, and water spray. Water spray may be used to cool exposed containers, but a direct water jet may spread burning liquid.
Firefighters require full protective equipment and positive-pressure self-contained breathing apparatus. Containers exposed to heat may develop pressure and should be cooled from a protected position.
For spills, eliminate ignition sources, evacuate unnecessary personnel, ventilate the area, and prevent the liquid from entering drains or waterways. Trained responders should contain the spill with compatible inert absorbent material and place recovered waste in properly labeled containers.
TRANSPORT INFORMATION
UN Number: UN 2264
Proper Shipping Name: N,N-Dimethylcyclohexylamine
Primary Hazard Class: 8, corrosive
Subsidiary Hazard: 3, flammable liquid
Packing Group: II
Transport packaging must be approved for the applicable mode of transport and must comply with current national and international dangerous-goods regulations.
PACKAGING AND SUPPLY
Cyclohexyldimethylamine can be supplied in compatible sealed drums, intermediate bulk containers, or bulk transport configurations according to quantity, destination, and dangerous-goods requirements.
Packaging selection should account for the material’s corrosivity, flammability, vapor pressure, and sensitivity to contamination.
Containers should remain securely closed and correctly labeled throughout storage and transportation.
Ataman Kimya supports Cyclohexyldimethylamine procurement for polyurethane catalyst systems, chemical synthesis, and industrial processing applications.
Product selection can be coordinated according to assay, moisture, color, impurity profile, packaging, documentation, and delivery requirements.
For product specifications, availability, packaging options, and commercial inquiries, contact Ataman Kimya.
Phone: +90 216 577 10 10
Email: info@atamankimya.com
