Methacryloyloxyethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, known in the lab as DMC or METAC, showed up on the chemical scene just as the need for high-performance and specialty polymers started to build momentum in manufacturing. Back in the mid-twentieth century, folks in textiles and water treatment wanted polymers that did more than the basics—something that could boost strength, hold color, and even reduce grime in wastewater. Early research teams found that by introducing quaternary ammonium groups onto a methacrylate backbone, they could give molecules charge and flexibility that older materials just couldn’t match. Over time, labs across Europe, the US, and Asia pushed each other to refine DMC synthesis. Every trial run and each published synthesis—from bulk polymerization to more controlled radical processes—contributed to a deeper toolbox for chemists and engineers.
In the most straightforward terms, DMC stands out thanks to its cationic (positively charged) structure. That feature lets it attach to all sorts of natural and synthetic surfaces. You’ll see DMC most often as a liquid, a powder, or worked into copolymers. End-users will spot it under rows of names, from “2-(Methacryloyloxy)ethyltrimethylammonium chloride” to “MTAEMC” and a few more IUPAC mouthfuls. Its unique charge makes it an anchor ingredient in formulations where static control or binding is vital.
Anyone who’s handled DMC will remember its mild ammoniacal smell and hygroscopic nature—digging a spatula into the jar on a humid day leaves you with clumps. The monomer itself appears clear to pale yellow when pure, but commercial lots may darken if exposed to air or metal ions during transport or storage. DMC dissolves quickly in water and mixes into alcohols and some glycols, making it user-friendly for compounding. Its structure—featuring a methacrylate group—lets it participate in free-radical polymerization, pairing with units like acrylamide or other vinyl monomers. The quaternary ammonium center gives DMC a strong affinity for negatively charged substrates, from natural fibers to microbe surfaces.
In the warehouse, DMC shows up labeled with its CAS number: 26161-33-1. Quality parameters include content—often above 80% for industrial-grade monomer—moisture below 5%, and low metal impurities. Some buyers require spectral data or HPLC chromatograms, depending on downstream sensitivities. In practice, checking for residual inhibitors (like MEHQ) matters, since their levels can suppress unwanted polymerization during storage but slow down batch runs if not removed before use. Labels note UN numbers for transport, storage temp (keep it cool, sealed, and away from bases), and hazard codes for skin and eye irritation.
Chemists produce DMC through quaternization, reacting dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) with methyl chloride. This reaction often runs in an inert solvent, and engineers pay close attention to pressure, temperature, and agitation quality. Scaling up means handling corrosive methyl chloride under tight emission controls, with skilled operators keeping things safe. Once formed, the salt form precipitates and can be further purified by re-crystallization or solvent extraction. In bigger plants, recycling mother liquors and trapping off-gassed methyl chloride hold economic and regulatory advantages. Every technical school’s chemistry syllabus will point to this process as an example of a precise, modern, and high-yield synthesis line.
DMC’s vinyl group reacts easily under standard polymerization conditions. Free-radical initiators like AIBN or redox pairs give rise to water-soluble, cationic polymers or copolymers. These materials can change their performance profile by copolymerizing with units like acrylamide (for floes and thickeners) or acrylic acid (to tune hydrophilicity). Crosslinking DMC polymers leads to hydrogels that absorb vast amounts of water. For surface modification, DMC gets used in “grafting to” or “grafting from” chemistries—binding onto cellulose in papermaking or cotton in textiles, which ramps up dye uptake and antistatic features. Beyond bulk reactions, DMC’s quaternary ammonium headgroup can swap counterions or react with certain acids, giving more ways to tailor its function for ionic exchange resins or specialty coatings.
Buyers and researchers should watch out for an impressive list of synonyms. Among the more common ones: “2-(Methacryloyloxy)ethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride,” “METAC,” and “DMC.” Some catalogs tuck it under “MAPTAC” or spelled-out derivatives. These names might trip up those scanning databases, so verifying by CAS or structure avoids order mix-ups. Each supplier might have a trade name attached—meaning checking the fine print beyond the name saves time, especially where grade or purity shifts.
Lab techs and factory operators know DMC burns on unprotected skin and stings the eyes. Regulatory sheets mark it as an irritant, so gloves, goggles, and fitted lab coats see regular use around it. The material reacts with strong bases and acids, calling for separate storage and grounded metal containers for bulk transport. Spills need to be diluted and contained fast, preferably in a fume hood or with robust ventilation. Handling instructions often cite safe exposure thresholds, emergency eye-wash stations, and breathing-zone monitoring for vapor mists. Firewise, DMC isn't especially volatile, but combining it with other monomers during scale-up polymer runs always brings extra risk, so keeping polymerization inhibitors nearby proves worthwhile. International shipping boxes include hazard warnings and detailed manifests for border checks.
DMC found its way into dozens of industries, with papermaking and wastewater treatment among the earliest big buyers. Polycationic polymers based on DMC snatch suspended solids and organic grime in municipal and industrial water, leading to cleaner effluent flows. In papermaking, these polymers tack onto fibers, lending both strength and a resistance to static that modern printers demand. Textile finishing operations appreciate how DMC-treated fabrics pick up richer, longer-lasting dyes. Hair care formulas—think conditioners and detanglers—lean on DMC’s affinity for protein-rich surfaces, boosting smoothness and reducing flyaway static. Coatings and paints, especially in electronics and automotive sectors, use DMC-containing copolymers for antistatic benefits and improved adhesion to plastic parts. More specialized fields—gene delivery, hydrogels for wound care, even biocidal surface sprays—experiment with DMC’s charged backbone as a platform for controlled delivery or antimicrobial features.
Academic groups and industrial R&D folks keep pressing DMC chemistry into new areas. Graft copolymerization tech steadily improves, offering sharper control over molecular weight and branching. Electrospinning and 3D printing with DMC-modified polymers open up tissue engineering prospects, where cell adhesion and growth rates matter. Environmental labs test advanced DMC-based adsorbents for selective ion exchange—capturing trace metals or stubborn contaminants at low concentrations. Developments in green chemistry aim for cleaner, less wasteful DMC syntheses by recycling reagents and reducing solvents. Analytical chemists spend hours characterizing DMC-based copolymers by NMR, DSC, and even advanced mass spec, searching for defects, side reactions, or composition drift.
Scientists pay close attention to DMC toxicity, especially as it’s used in consumer and environmental applications. Short-term exposure irritates skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Animal studies suggest low acute toxicity at expected exposure levels, but data build-up remains slow, especially around chronic contact, reproductive outcomes, or eco-persistence. Ecotoxicity takes priority in wastewater contexts; high doses disrupt sensitive aquatic species due to DMC’s strong charge and potential to bind biological macromolecules. Most regulatory files call for strict effluent management, routine air and water monitoring, and controlled use in open processes. On the microbiological front, certain DMC-polymer blends sway the balance of bacterial populations—sometimes good, sometimes worrying, depending on application.
Looking forward, DMC’s development seems to run on two main tracks: pushing for higher specialty applications, and making production more sustainable. As renewable feedstocks and low-impact chemistry get more attention, labs look for replacement synthetic routes and biodegradable DMC-based systems. Markets hungry for bio-compatibility—tissue scaffolds, responsive coatings, targeted delivery—will expect further tweaks to DMC copolymer design. Automation in polymer manufacturing and digital process controls should cut waste, boost yields, and lessen exposure risks. Ongoing safety testing and ecotoxicity profiling will steer manufacturing tweaks, aiming for products with the same benefits but greater assurance for workers, users, and the environment alike. Demand for smarter surface modifiers, better water treatment additives, and advanced personal care ingredients keeps DMC cemented in modern manufacturing priorities.
Most folks don't recognize the name Methacryloyloxyethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, or DMC for short. It isn’t a household word, but it plays a role in things that quietly shape daily life. My own work in product development exposed me to DMC’s effectiveness across a handful of industries, especially where clean water and quality paper make a difference.
During a stint with a mid-sized paper mill, I noticed engineers adding DMC into the pulp streams. It helps give paper that glossy finish and strength you see in high-grade magazines and grocery bags. DMC does more than just make the paper look good—it helps pulp fibers stick together, which keeps the paper intact and improves printability. Without it, recycled papers often feel limp or plenty of ink just soaks through. The chemical acts as a bonding agent so paper comes off the machine sturdy, helping companies cut back on waste and downtime.
Clean water isn’t something I take for granted, especially after seeing what goes into municipal water treatment. Many plants count on DMC-based polymers as flocculants. What I found interesting is that DMC carries a positive charge, so it grabs hold of dirt, oils, and other negatively charged particles, clumping them together for easier removal. Operators point out how smoother their clarifiers run once the DMC gets mixed in—resulting in clearer water, improved safety, and fewer headaches maintaining the system.
Working with textile manufacturers taught me that DMC gives cotton that soft feel people love in T-shirts and towels. It binds to fibers, boosting softness and color retention. In personal care, DMC-based polymers land in shampoos and conditioners. If you ever wondered why hair feels smooth after a wash, sometimes you have DMC to thank for the conditioning effect and the way it controls static.
People do express concern over chemicals touching daily life. The good news is, DMC shows a safety profile judged favorably by regulatory agencies. Still, the conversation about microplastics and water quality keeps pressure on manufacturers and treatment plants to curb runoff and invest in better containment. In my experience, the companies who lead on environmental controls attract long-term business and ease worries from local communities.
Demand for DMC grows as industries seek materials that improve process efficiency without sacrificing quality or safety. Researchers have started tweaking DMC-based formulations to reduce environmental footprint or enhance biodegradability. Connecting with universities and industry groups, I see more investment in closed-loop systems where chemicals get reused rather than dumped. This mindset shift keeps neighborhoods safer, water cleaner, and products better.
DMC may sound technical, but it makes its mark on a range of products. From clearer water and tougher paper to softer fabrics, this compound proves its value again and again. Paying attention to how DMC works—and setting the bar high for safe and responsible use—matters for everyone, not just the engineers behind the scenes.
DMC, known in the chemical world as Dimethyl Carbonate, shows up in many discussions and supply lists these days. This chemical wears a lot of hats. I've come across DMC mostly in industry applications, but its characteristics have spread its reach across a surprising range of sectors—from solvents in paint thinners to modern battery electrolytes. The attention DMC receives starts with its clear, colorless appearance. It does not bring any strong odors or irritating fumes to the table, which often makes work environments safer and more comfortable for workers.
DMC stands out thanks to its reputation as a green solvent. Its production process can rely more on methanol and carbon dioxide, giving us a way to use up some excess CO2. From an environmental lens, this chemical offers an alternative to more toxic options like phosgene or methyl chloroformate. Hands-on experience, whether handling it in a lab or storing it in a warehouse, brings another benefit: DMC maintains low toxicity. It resists forming dangerous byproducts and breaks down in the environment more easily than other solvents in its class. That means local waste-treatment systems have an easier time dealing with DMC, and this directly cuts down risk for communities nearby.
DMC brings high reactivity to methoxy and carbonyl groups, making it ideal for methylation and carbonylation reactions. This high reactivity lets pharmaceutical and agrochemical producers switch out more hazardous chemicals without losing product performance. DMC mixes well with most common organic solvents, sidestepping many compatibility issues during process development. In electrochemical applications, like lithium-ion batteries, DMC supports efficient ion movement and helps control device stability and lifespan.
In open workshops and storage facilities, DMC streams like water. Its low viscosity and moderate boiling point, around 90°C, make it easy to handle, pour, and blend with other liquids. Unlike some volatile chemicals, DMC does not create a heavy vapor cloud. This property lowers inhalation hazards during transfer and use, giving it a leg up in user safety. Staff with less experience can learn safe handling more quickly, reducing training time and mistake potential.
Cost matters, especially on tight production budgets. DMC continues to gain traction as large factories pivot to greener chemicals. Its price tag can come in lower than traditional solvents, mainly because feedstocks like methanol and carbon dioxide remain widespread and inexpensive. Shipping and storage also tend to run smoother since DMC is neither highly corrosive nor especially dangerous under shipping regulations. Being able to move drums of DMC without special permitting opens doors for small and mid-size businesses.
No chemical solves every problem outright. DMC’s flammable nature means proper storage—cool, ventilated areas, away from sparks—remains a must. Training teams on spill response and first aid for skin or eye exposure still holds high priority. Better emergency protocols and clear labeling go a long way here. On the industry side, developing recycling methods and closed-loop systems for DMC could stretch resources even further. Continued research into these approaches could cut waste and squeeze more value out of every shipment.
DMC stands for dimethyl carbonate. You’ll see it show up in the ingredient list for various cleaning products, paints, batteries, and the process of making pharmaceuticals and plastics. In day-to-day life, most people have never heard of it, but in modern manufacturing and research, it has grown in use over the past few decades. DMC popped up originally as a greener replacement for more dangerous solvents like phosgene or methyl chloroformate. So it’s worth digging into what makes DMC tick, and how it might interact with our health and the environment.
DMC isn’t cancer-causing. The International Agency for Research on Cancer hasn’t found it to be a carcinogen, and lab research backs that up. The U.S. EPA does not classify DMC as especially dangerous to people compared to older solvents it has replaced. But that doesn’t mean it’s risk-free. Breathing in DMC fumes or getting it on your skin can cause irritation—redness, burning, coughing, watery eyes. Anyone who has spent time working in a lab knows that chemical fumes can wear you down quickly if you don’t have good ventilation or wear the right gloves. With DMC, the exposure standards come down to simple safety practices: keep the space aired out, use protective equipment, and avoid direct contact or inhalation.
Accidental swallowing rarely happens outside of industrial settings, but if it does, nausea and drowsiness usually result. The effects are not as severe as you’d see from some industrial chemicals, but treating it with respect still matters. Long-term exposure data on DMC are limited, but animal studies suggest it’s less toxic than most solvents industry once used.
DMC scores points for being biodegradable—it breaks down in the air and water much quicker than other organic solvents. Sunlight and bacteria both help degrade it, so it doesn’t persist and build up in rivers, lakes, or the food chain. Studies show aquatic life isn’t harmed unless DMC concentrations get unrealistically high. One environmental plus: DMC doesn’t release chlorine-containing byproducts, so it doesn’t contribute to ozone depletion. That sets it apart from older chemical cousins.
Disposing of DMC isn’t wildly complicated, either. Because it can degrade, large spills don’t stick around forever. Big manufacturers capture and recycle most used DMC, cutting down on waste and accidental spills. That said, high-volume leaks or careless handling could lead to short-term problems for local life, so spills still need prompt clean-up.
No chemical is perfect. DMC brings a lower-risk package, but lab and factory workers ought to respect it with gloves, goggles, and fume hoods. Wider adoption of DMC comes from its greener credentials, but companies still need to invest in monitoring and training. Tougher regulations on tracking chemical handling and tighter occupational standards would cut down any lingering health worries.
Community awareness matters, too. Emergency responders and residents living near big facilities benefit from knowing how to respond in case of a spill or exposure event. Manufacturers can keep publishing safety data, and policymakers should keep revisiting what we know as new research on chronic impacts comes out. Low hazard doesn’t mean no hazard. Treating all solvents with informed care gives workers and the environment the protection they deserve.
I’ve spent years in labs and learned one thing the hard way—if you don’t take chemical storage seriously, trouble follows. Methacryloyloxyethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (let’s call it METAC for short) brings some particular risks to the table. Keeping people safe and stopping waste starts with knowing how to look after this stuff from the moment it arrives until it's used up or sent away.
Anything that comes into contact with METAC must hold up over time. Polyethylene drums or lined containers handle this job well, because METAC can get rough with metals and weak plastics. I always check seals and lids on arrival. One crack lets air in, and moisture starts the process toward breakdown or spills. A tight lid keeps things predictable and limits risk.
I keep METAC in a place where the temperature stays steady, aiming close to room temperature—roughly 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. Humidity invites clumping, and sunlight does more harm than good, so storage happens away from exterior windows and off the floor. No shelf near radiators, no shelf next to wash stations. Chemicals sometimes turn unpredictable when exposed to everyday conditions. I can’t count how many times I’ve seen ruined product because someone stored something by a drafty doorway. So I pick storage locations as if I expect to revisit them next week, not next year.
Every container, no matter how big or small, gets a clear label. If someone walks up three years from now, they should know what’s inside, its hazard rating, and its date of arrival. Safety Data Sheets always stay nearby and never get locked away in a file cabinet. I keep a printed copy in a plastic folder taped to the front of the storage cabinet. This prevents confusion or panic during emergencies.
Gloves, chemical splash goggles, and a long-sleeved lab coat—no exceptions. METAC can splash or react fast, and I’ve seen burns on bare skin from folks wanting to “just do a quick transfer.” I clean up any little spill with plenty of water and dispose of the waste in a sealed, labeled bag for hazardous materials collection. Eye wash stations nearby also mean nobody wastes a second hunting for help if something goes sideways.
I never transfer METAC outside a fume hood or ventilated room. It can put off irritating fumes, and handling it in the open puts everyone at risk. Pouring and mixing always go slow; rushing causes splashes and mistakes. During transfers, I always use tools and pumps designed for chemicals, not makeshift scoops or tools grabbed from other areas. Planning ahead cuts down on unexpected headaches.
In all the labs I’ve worked, the best safety records follow regular hands-on training. Nobody gets handed METAC without watching a demonstration and reviewing protocols. Refresher sessions make sure everyone knows what to do if something spills, leaks, or needs disposal. New staff or tired veterans—we all benefit from reminders.
Dimethyl carbonate, usually called DMC, rarely grabs headlines. Still, it lives in a lot of the practical things many depend on each day. Whenever anyone glances at their phone, starts their car, or thinks about sustainable products, they’re likely in close range of something built or improved by DMC-based processes.
Talk about lithium-ion batteries, and DMC jumps right into the discussion. Battery makers turn to DMC as a powerful solvent for electrolytes. This choice boosts battery performance, which supports everything from electric vehicles to portable gadgets. Time after time, scalable battery production relies on reliable, safe, high-purity solvents. DMC’s low toxicity and volatility make it one of the safer bets, compared to older, harsh chemicals.
Automakers have chased lighter, cleaner fuels for years. DMC often plays a part in that search. As an oxygenate in gasoline blends, it helps cut down carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons in exhaust. Cleaner burning doesn’t just mean smoother engine performance; it means cleaner city air. Researchers point out that fuel additives like DMC can be an improvement over more toxic options such as methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), which later raised environmental concerns. Adding DMC to fuels is one step many hope will lead to a future with fewer emissions.
I see DMC having a hand in anything from high-performance paints to sturdy eyeglasses. Coating makers use DMC not just as a solvent, but as a starting point for synthesizing resins and plastics. DMC’s high solvency, quick evaporation, and mild scent are big pluses for manufacturers seeking safer plant environments and end products. Products ranging from automotive clear coats to architectural paints use DMC in their formulas.
On the plastics front, DMC helps create polycarbonate plastics. These resins go into safety glasses, optical disks, water bottles, and more. Traditional polycarbonate production often used phosgene, a chemical with nasty health hazards. DMC offers a phosgene-free route, trimming risks for both workers and the planet.
Drug and pesticide manufacturers are under pressure to clean up their act. Newer processes look for alternatives to hazardous reagents, not just for safety but to meet tough regulatory standards. DMC works as a methylating and carbonylating agent, helping to build complex chemicals. It leaves behind less toxic byproducts than old standby chemicals like methyl chloride. From my time working in specialty chemicals, I’ve noticed more research teams swapping in DMC where possible, since local regulators frown on persistent contaminants and hazardous waste.
A hard look at global trends shows that demand for safer chemicals won’t slow down. Governments clamp down on hazardous solvents, so the search for chemicals like DMC gets more urgent. Expanding recycling and shifting to renewable resources will keep nudging the markets in that direction.
Some challenges linger, such as scaling up greener DMC production from carbon dioxide or other low-impact sources. Innovators keep experimenting, aiming to bring costs down and stretch DMC supply chains even further. If industry can unlock those hurdles, even more sectors will jump onboard for safer, more sustainable production.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 2-(Methacryloyloxy)ethyl(trimethyl)azanium chloride |
| Other names |
Methacryloyloxyethyltrimethylammonium chloride 2-(Methacryloyloxy)ethyltrimethylammonium chloride DMC METAQUAT METAC Q9 |
| Pronunciation | /ˌmeθ.ə.krɪˌloʊ.lioʊˈɛθ.əl traɪˈmɛθ.əl əˈmoʊ.ni.əm ˈklɔːr.aɪd/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 44992-01-0 |
| 3D model (JSmol) | `3D model (JSmol)` string for **Methacryloyloxyethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (DMC)**: ``` CC(=C)C(=O)OCC[N+](C)(C)C.[Cl-] ``` This is the SMILES string representation, commonly used for JSmol 3D visualization. |
| Beilstein Reference | 1092547 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:9223 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL514082 |
| ChemSpider | 21620806 |
| DrugBank | DB13971 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03d31313-a9eb-4b1c-8e6b-97ce47a2a6e4 |
| EC Number | 3033-24-1 |
| Gmelin Reference | 8448 |
| KEGG | C11989 |
| MeSH | D02.886.600.700.500 |
| PubChem CID | 71388 |
| RTECS number | GU5600000 |
| UNII | P7M6U7R81M |
| UN number | UN2810 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C8H15NO2Cl |
| Molar mass | 207.7 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless to light yellow transparent liquid |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 0.98 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Very soluble |
| log P | -2.14 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 5.0 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -5.6×10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.455 |
| Viscosity | 10-30 mPa.s |
| Dipole moment | 4.25 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 180.53 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | D11AX |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS05,GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H315, H319, H335 |
| Precautionary statements | P264, P280, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P310 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 2-1-2-~ |
| Flash point | > 110°C |
| Autoignition temperature | 200 °C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD₅₀ (oral, rat) 1650 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): Rat oral LD50: 5500 mg/kg |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) for Methacryloyloxyethyl trimethyl ammonium Chloride (DMC): Not specifically established |
| REL (Recommended) | 200-400 |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Methacrylic acid Trimethylamine 2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate Choline chloride Acryloyloxyethyltrimethylammonium chloride |
