TRIS(DIMETHYLAMINOMETHYL)PHENOL

Tris(Dimethylaminomethyl)phenol is REACH registered and the European Community Number is 202-013-9.
Tris(Dimethylaminomethyl)phenol is an organic chemical compound that belongs to the class of substituted phenols. 
Tris(Dimethylaminomethyl)phenols molecular formula is C₁₅H₂₇N₃O, and its structure is based on a phenol ring substituted at the 2, 4, and 6 positions with dimethylaminomethyl groups. 

CAS Number: 90-72-2
Molecular Formula: C15H27N3O
Molecular Weight: 265.39
EINECS Number: 202-013-9

Synonyms: 90-72-2, 2,4,6-Tris(dimethylaminomethyl)phenol, 2,4,6-Tris((dimethylamino)methyl)phenol, 2,4,6-Tris[(dimethylamino)methyl]phenol, Sumicure D, DMF 3, Actiron NX 3, Ancamine K 54, Capcure EH 30, Epilink 230, Araldite DY 061, Araldite DY 064, Araldite HY 960, Anchor K 54, Dabco TMR 30, DMP-30, Araldite Hardener HY 960, Phenol, 2,4,6-tris[(dimethylamino)methyl]-, 2,4,6-Tri(dimethylaminomethyl)phenol, EH 30, DY 061, DTXSID5026548, UP 606/2, 2AGN35QF4W, 2,4,6-Tris-N,N-dimethylaminomethylfenol, NSC-3257, DTXCID006548, Phenol, 2,4,6-tris((dimethylamino)methyl)-, tris-DMP, tri-L-(dimethylaminomethyl)phenol, RefChem:82184, 202-013-9, Tris(dimethylaminomethyl)phenol, Dmp 30, C15H27N3O, NSC 3257, S 41028-4, MFCD00008330, 2,4,6-Tris((N,N-dimethylamino)methyl)phenol, Mesitol, .alpha.,.alpha.',.alpha.''-tris(dimethylamino)-, CAS-90-72-2, 2,4,6-Tris[(N,N-dimethylamino)methyl]phenol, EINECS 202-013-9, UNII-2AGN35QF4W, BRN 0795751, AI3-03346, HSDB 8201, alpha,alpha',alpha''-Tris(dimethylamino)mesitol, 2,4,6-Tris-N,N-dimethylaminomethylfenol [Czech], Mesitol, alpha2,alpha4,alpha6-tris(dimethylamino)-, Tris(dimethylaminomethyl)phenol, 2,4,6-, ANCAMINE K54, ChemDiv2_000266, EC 202-013-9, AC1Q79KD, Oprea1_762610, SCHEMBL36297, 4-13-00-01946 (Beilstein Handbook Reference), SCHEMBL1920658, CHEMBL1887090, NSC3257, HMS1369M02, Tris-2,6-dimethylaminomethylphenol, 2,6-Tri(dimethylaminomethyl)phenol, BCP22023, Tox21_201895, Tox21_303329, Tris(2,6-dimethylaminomethyl)phenol, Mesitol, alpha(sup 2),alpha(sup 4),alpha(sup 6)-tris(dimethylamino)-, SBB055158, 2,4,6-tris-dimethylaminomethyl-phenol, AKOS001588352, 2,6-Tris-N,N-dimethylaminomethylfenol, 2,6-Tris[(dimethylamino)methyl]phenol, CS-W010125, FT63105, TRA0073961, Tris(2,4,6-dimethylaminomethyl)phenol, 2,4,6-tris(dimethyl aminomethyl)phenol, 2,6-Tris-[(dimethylamino)methyl]phenol, Tris(2,6-dimethylaminomonomethyl)phenol, NCGC00164152-01, NCGC00164152-02, NCGC00257020-01, NCGC00259444-01, AC-15151, LS-14450, Phenol,4,6-tris[(dimethylamino)methyl]-, Tris(2,4,6-dimethylaminomonomethyl)phenol, 2,4,6-Tris[(dimethyllamino)methyl]-phenol, 2,6-Tris[(N,N-dimethylamino)methyl]phenol, DB-057218, .alpha.,.alpha.''-Tri(dimethylamino)mesitol, EU-0033631, NS00003023, T0526, .alpha.,.alpha.''-Tris(dimethylamino)mesitol, 2,4,6-Tris(dimethylaminomethyl)phenol, 95%, EN300-19383, E82984, WLN: 1N1&1R BQ C1N1&1 E1N1&1, Mesitol,.alpha.4,.alpha.6-tris(dimethylamino)-, Epoxy embedding medium, accelerator, >=95% (NT), F068005, Mesitol,.alpha.',.alpha.''-tris(dimethylamino)-, SR-01000390646, I01-6929, Mesitol, alpha,alpha',alpha''-tris(dimethylamino)-, SR-01000390646-1, .alpha.,.alpha.',.alpha.''-Tri(dimethylamino)mesitol, Q27254480, .alpha.,.alpha.',.alpha.''-Tris(dimethylamino)mesitol, Mesitol, .alpha.2,.alpha.4,.alpha.6-tris(dimethylamino)-, InChI=1/C15H27N3O/c1-16(2)9-12-7-13(10-17(3)4)15(19)14(8-12)11-18(5)6/h7-8,19H,9-11H2,1-6H, Tris(dimethylaminomethyl)phenol, 2,4,6-;2,4,6-TRI(DIMETHYLAMINOETHYL)PHENOL;a,a',a''-Tris(dimethylamino)mesitol;Protex NX 3;TAP (aminophenol);Versamine EH 30;Tris- (dimethylaminemethyl) phenol;2,4,6-TRIS(DIMETHYLAMINO-METHYL)PHENOL PRACT.

Tris(Dimethylaminomethyl)phenol is a light yellow, amber to reddish brown liquid with an amine odour. 
Tris(Dimethylaminomethyl)phenol is an aromatic organic chemical that has tertiary amine and phenolic hydroxyl functionality in the same molecule.
The formula is C15H27N3O and the CAS Registry Number is 90-72-2. 

This substitution gives the molecule both hydroxyl functionality (from the phenolic OH group) and strong tertiary amine functionality, making it highly reactive and versatile in chemical formulations.
Tris(Dimethylaminomethyl)phenol is primarily known as a curing agent and accelerator for epoxy resins, where it helps to speed up the cross-linking reaction between epoxy resins and hardeners such as amines or anhydrides. 
Because of its ability to catalyze curing at room temperature as well as elevated temperatures, it is widely used in coatings, adhesives, sealants, composites, and electrical laminates. 

Tris(Dimethylaminomethyl)phenols performance as a curing accelerator improves the mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and thermal stability of the final epoxy product.
Tris(Dimethylaminomethyl)phenol is a compound that has been used as an additive in detergents, paints, and sealants. 
Tris(Dimethylaminomethyl)phenol is a reactive chemical with the potential to cause adverse effects in humans such as allergic reactions and environmental pollution. 

Tris(Dimethylaminomethyl)phenol is classified as an extremely hazardous substance by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. 
Tris(Dimethylaminomethyl)phenol can be found in many household products and building materials, including paint and sealants. 
Tris(Dimethylaminomethyl)phenol can also be found in cosmetics such as shampoos, lotions, and deodorant. TDAP may also be found in some types of food packaging materials. 

Long-term exposure to Tris(Dimethylaminomethyl)phenol may lead to calcium carbonate deposits on the lungs or kidney stones due to increased levels of boron nitride-induced calcium oxalate crystals in urine.
Tris(Dimethylaminomethyl)phenol is also used in the manufacture of polyurethanes, polymer composites, and advanced materials where rapid and controlled curing is needed. 
Tris(Dimethylaminomethyl)phenol often appears in product formulations under trade names such as DMP-30, Ancamine K-54, or Capcure EH-30, depending on the supplier.

From a chemical standpoint, its strong tertiary amine groups allow it to act as both a nucleophilic catalyst and a base, which means it can initiate and propagate polymerization reactions efficiently. 
However, because it is a reactive amine-containing compound, it must be handled carefully. Prolonged exposure can cause skin and eye irritation, respiratory problems, or sensitization, so it is classified as hazardous under many chemical safety regulations.
Tris(Dimethylaminomethyl)phenol is a specialized phenolic amine compound that plays a critical role in the epoxy resin industry as a curing accelerator, and its combination of phenolic and tertiary amine chemistry makes it both highly effective and widely used in high-performance material applications.

Melting point: 316 °C
Boiling point: 130–135 °C / 1 mmHg (lit.)
Density: 0.969 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.)
Vapor density: >1 (vs air)
Vapor pressure: <0.01 mmHg (21 °C)
Refractive index: n20/D 1.516 (lit.)
Flash point: >230 °F
Storage temperature: Inert atmosphere, Room temperature
Solubility: Soluble in water
Water solubility: 850 g/L at 20 °C
Form: Clear liquid
Color: White to Yellow to Green
Odor: Amine odor
pKa: 6.27 ± 0.50 (Predicted)
LogP: –0.66 at 21.5 °C
BRN: 795751
InChIKey: AHDSRXYHVZECER-UHFFFAOYSA-N

The material is a Mannich base and is manufactured by reacting phenol, formaldehyde and dimethylamine in a reactor under vacuum and removing the water produced.
Tris(dimethylaminomethyl)phenol is a synthetic organic base that has attracted attention for decades due to its unusual structural balance of phenolic and amine functionalities. 
Its molecular backbone is built on a phenolic ring which contains a hydroxyl group (-OH) and three symmetrically arranged substituents consisting of dimethylaminomethyl groups. 

These groups are introduced at the 2, 4, and 6 positions of the aromatic ring, giving the molecule a very distinctive Tris(Dimethylaminomethyl)phenol structure.
The result is a compound that simultaneously exhibits: Tris(Dimethylaminomethyl)phenol behavior (weak acidity, hydrogen-bonding donor capacity).
Tertiary amine behavior (strong basicity, nucleophilicity, catalytic activity).

This dual identity is the main reason Tris(Dimethylaminomethyl)phenol is valued in polymer chemistry and in curing processes for resins. 
Its molecular formula, C₁₅H₂₇N₃O, corresponds to a molecular weight of about 265 g/mol, and in its physical form, it typically appears as a yellow to amber-colored, viscous liquid with a faint amine-like odor.
The most important field of use for Tris(Dimethylaminomethyl)phenolis in thermosetting polymer technology, especially in epoxy and polyurethane systems. 

Its versatility stems from its ability to act as both a catalyst and a reactive accelerator.
Tris(Dimethylaminomethyl)phenol is best known as a curing accelerator for epoxy/amine systems. Epoxy resins are widely used for coatings, adhesives, sealants, and composite materials. 
However, many epoxy systems cure too slowly at room temperature.

When Tris(Dimethylaminomethyl)phenol is added to an epoxy formulation, its tertiary amine groups rapidly catalyze the ring-opening reaction of the epoxide groups, while the phenolic OH groups enhance the hydrogen-bonding interactions within the forming polymer.
Tris(Dimethylaminomethyl)phenol is a phenolic compound with three dimethylaminomethyl groups attached at the 2, 4, and 6 positions of the benzene ring.
The presence of the hydroxyl group (-OH) gives it weak acidity, while the tertiary amine groups (-N(CH₃)₂) make it strongly basic and nucleophilic.

Tris(Dimethylaminomethyl)phenols dual functionality (phenolic + amine chemistry) allows it to act as both a reactant and a catalyst in polymerization and curing processes.
In epoxy resin curing, Tris(Dimethylaminomethyl)phenol acts as an accelerator for polyamine hardeners.
The tertiary amine groups help open the epoxide ring of the resin, initiating crosslinking much faster than with amines alone.

This leads to shorter curing times and lower curing temperatures, which is particularly important for large-scale industrial production.
The phenolic hydroxyl group enhances hydrogen bonding within the network, improving the mechanical strength and adhesion of the final polymer.
Widely used in coatings, adhesives, sealants, and composites.

Key accelerator in electrical laminates, encapsulants, and insulation materials.
Tris(Dimethylaminomethyl)phenol improves hardness, chemical resistance, and heat stability of epoxies.
Tris(Dimethylaminomethyl)phenol is used as a catalyst in polyurethane foams and elastomers.

Enhances reaction rates and allows better control of foam expansion.
Applied in fiberglass-reinforced plastics and carbon-fiber composites, providing faster curing and stronger bonding.
In epoxy embedding media for microscopy, where it provides uniform hardening.

As an intermediate in fine chemical synthesis, due to its highly functional groups.
Used in epoxy embedding media for electron microscopy, where high hardness and dimensional stability are required for thin sectioning.

Sometimes employed as a chemical intermediate in specialized syntheses due to its reactive amine and phenol groups.
Incorporated into composite resin systems in marine coatings, aerospace adhesives, and printed circuit boards.

Uses Of Tris(Dimethylaminomethyl)phenol:
Tris(Dimethylaminomethyl)phenol be used for is used as a curing accelerator to promote a relatively short time in the epoxy resin is fully cured. 
High temperature curing epoxy resin system have significant role in promoting, but also appropriate to improve the bonding strength.
Tris(Dimethylaminomethyl)phenol can be used: in the synthesis of water-soluble metal phthalocyanines bearing twelve dimethylamino groups.

To prepare phenolate anion-based branched/cross-linked anion exchange membranes (AEMs).
As a curing agent in the production of epoxy membranes.
A key use is as a catalyst for epoxy resin chemistry. 

Tris(Dimethylaminomethyl)phenol can be used as a homopolymerization catalyst for epoxy resins and also as an accelerator with epoxy resin curing agents. 
Tris(Dimethylaminomethyl)phenol is then further used in coatings, sealants, composites, adhesives and elastomers. 
It has been stated that it is probably the most widely used room temperature accelerator for two-component epoxy resin systems.

The kinetics of curing with and without this accelerator have been extensively studied.
Tris(Dimethylaminomethyl)phenol is the usual benchmark or control used when other catalysts and accelerators are being developed and tested.
In addition to its use in epoxy chemistry, it is also used in polyurethane chemistry for example by grafting the molecule into the polymer backbone.

Tris(Dimethylaminomethyl)phenol is also used as a trimerization catalyst with polymeric MDI.
Polyether ether ketones may also be grafted with the molecule which then finds use in lithium batteries.
The high functionality of the molecule means it can be used to complex some transition metals and this has also been studied.

Often cited weaknesses are yellowing and odor.
The single most important use of tris(dimethylaminomethyl)phenol is as an accelerator in epoxy resin systems, where it plays a critical role in controlling and enhancing the curing reaction between epoxy resins and amine-based hardeners. 
In many epoxy formulations, the curing process can be very slow, especially at room temperature, which is impractical in industrial settings that demand fast throughput and efficient processing. 

By introducing Tris(Dimethylaminomethyl)phenol into the formulation, manufacturers can significantly reduce the curing time, achieve strong crosslinking at lower temperatures, and produce a final polymer that has greater mechanical strength, better chemical resistance, and improved adhesion to different substrates such as metals, plastics, and composites. 
This is why DMP-30 is widely used in the production of floor coatings, adhesives, sealants, laminates, electrical insulation materials, and composite parts for transportation and construction.
Another major application of Tris(Dimethylaminomethyl)phenol is in the manufacture of composite materials, especially fiber-reinforced plastics that are used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, marine, and wind energy. 

In these sectors, it is essential that epoxy matrices cure uniformly and quickly, ensuring that the reinforcement fibers (such as glass or carbon fibers) are fully bonded within the resin. 
The presence of Tris(Dimethylaminomethyl)phenol accelerates the polymerization and enhances the interfacial adhesion between the resin and the fibers, which results in composite structures that are stronger, lighter, and more durable.
This makes it possible to produce high-performance parts like aircraft components, boat hulls, wind turbine blades, and automotive panels with improved efficiency.

Tris(Dimethylaminomethyl)phenol is also widely used in the electrical and electronics industry as a curing accelerator for epoxy resins that are employed in laminates, encapsulants, and insulating materials. 
For example, epoxy laminates produced using this accelerator are essential in printed circuit boards (PCBs), where both mechanical rigidity and electrical insulation properties are required. 
Tris(Dimethylaminomethyl)phenol’s ability to promote fast and complete curing ensures that the final product exhibits high thermal stability, excellent dielectric strength, and resistance to moisture and chemicals. 

These properties are particularly important for electrical insulation in transformers, generators, and other high-voltage equipment where reliability is non-negotiable.
In addition to epoxy systems, tris(dimethylaminomethyl)phenol is used as a catalyst in polyurethane chemistry, where it accelerates the reaction between polyols and isocyanates. 
This reaction forms the basis of polyurethane foams, elastomers, and coatings, and controlling its speed is vital for achieving the desired foam density, elasticity, and mechanical performance. 

By adding DMP-30, manufacturers can fine-tune the curing rate of polyurethane formulations, resulting in products with more uniform cell structures, better physical properties, and shorter processing times. 
This makes it especially valuable in the production of rigid polyurethane foams used for insulation, flexible foams used in cushioning, and durable coatings used in industrial surfaces.
One of the more specialized uses of Tris(Dimethylaminomethyl)phenol is in the preparation of epoxy embedding media for microscopy, especially electron microscopy. 

In this application, biological or material samples need to be embedded in a hard resin block before being sliced into extremely thin sections for imaging. 
The use of Tris(Dimethylaminomethyl)phenol as a curing accelerator ensures that the epoxy embedding medium hardens uniformly and to a sufficient degree of hardness, which allows ultrathin sectioning without distortion. 
This property makes it highly valued in scientific research and diagnostic laboratories where precise imaging is critical.

Tris(Dimethylaminomethyl)phenol is also included in many high-performance adhesives and sealants that are required to bond dissimilar materials under demanding conditions. 
For example, it is used in structural adhesives for construction, automotive assembly, and marine applications, where fast curing and high bond strength are essential. 
By accelerating the curing of epoxy adhesives, DMP-30 helps create joints that resist heat, water, and chemicals while maintaining long-term durability.

In protective coating formulations, particularly those based on epoxy resins, Tris(Dimethylaminomethyl)phenol serves as a curing aid that helps achieve tough, chemically resistant, and long-lasting finishes. 
These coatings are applied to floors, metal structures, pipelines, tanks, and machinery to protect them against corrosion, chemical attack, and mechanical wear. 
Because the curing can be carried out more rapidly and at lower temperatures, these coatings are more practical for field applications where controlled curing conditions are difficult to maintain.

Safety Profile Of Tris(Dimethylaminomethyl)phenol:
Tris(dimethylaminomethyl)phenol is classified as a corrosive substance, which means it can cause severe damage to tissues upon direct contact. 
If the liquid touches the skin, it can rapidly penetrate and produce redness, burning sensations, blisters, or chemical burns that may take a long time to heal. 
Contact with the eyes is especially dangerous, as it can lead to intense pain, conjunctival inflammation, irreversible corneal injury, and potentially permanent loss of vision. 

Because of this, strict protective measures such as gloves, goggles, and face shields are always required during handling.
Tris(Dimethylaminomethyl)phenol is handled in environments where vapors, mists, or aerosols can be generated, it poses a risk to the respiratory tract. 
Inhalation can cause irritation of the nose, throat, and lungs, leading to symptoms like coughing, burning sensations in the chest, shortness of breath, and sore throat. 

Prolonged or repeated exposure may worsen these effects and increase the risk of respiratory system damage, especially in poorly ventilated workplaces.
Accidental swallowing of Tris(Dimethylaminomethyl)phenol is extremely dangerous, as it can cause severe burns to the mouth, throat, esophagus, and stomach. 
The corrosive action leads to pain, difficulty swallowing, vomiting (sometimes with blood), and in serious cases, life-threatening damage to internal organs. 

Even small amounts can be harmful, and ingestion requires immediate medical attention.
Tris(Dimethylaminomethyl)phenol is corrosive to eyes, skin, mouth, stomach and throat. 

Vapours can irritate eyes and corrode upper respiratory tract, serious injury or death may result from inhalation, ingestion or skin contact.
Tris(Dimethylaminomethyl)phenol is classed as a high volume chemical and as such, its toxicity profile has been extensively studied.