Dimethylaminoethyl Methacrylate, known in the chemical world by its short form DMAEMA, falls into the family of methacrylate esters. This compound shows strong utility as a raw material in the production of cationic polymers, resins, textiles, and personal care products. Often, the simple, clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid is the backbone for products requiring reactivity and compatibility. The molecular formula, C8H15NO2, points to a methacrylate group attached to a dimethylaminoethyl chain. This structure packs the double functionality that chemists and manufacturers chase— the reactive methacrylate group for polymerization and an amine group providing positive charge in various reactions. DMAEMA is found under the HS Code 29161400, which helps in customs classification and international trade.
At room temperature, DMAEMA reveals itself most often as a clear-to-yellowish liquid, but it can solidify under lower temperatures. Some suppliers may sell it as flakes, crystals, or even pearls, responding to the handling needs in industry. The density hovers around 0.95 grams per cubic centimeter at 20°C, so it is less dense than water. The boiling point sits at approximately 154°C, but owners handling this chemical notice its strong “amine” odor even at low concentrations, giving away its presence in the working space. Solubility plays a big role in product selection—DMAEMA mixes thoroughly in ethanol, acetone, and other organic solvents, and handles dissolution in water due to the amine functionality. The molecular mass stands at 157.21 g/mol, and its refractive index sounds out at 1.442 (20°C). People working with DMAEMA handle viscous liquids off a drum or dispense solutions by the liter for formulation control, as percent content and purity standards dictate suitability for use in specialty materials.
Material suppliers and users see DMAEMA in various presentations. Liquid form dominates, but powder, crystalline, and even flaked appearances show up where processing or storage demands change. The purity typically walks the line above 98%, with water content kept below 0.1% for most high-specification applications. Industrial orders mention stabilized and unstabilized options, since the methacrylate group might polymerize unexpectedly, especially in light or heat exposure. DMAEMA as raw material forms the backbone of water-soluble and crosslinked polymers. Certain forms like beads and pearls come into play for safer handling in bulk or automated dosing environments. Every shipment needs an accurate reference to density, content, and compatibility data because chemical performance hinges on these specifications in production scales.
DMAEMA walks into countless applications. As a functional monomer, it crafts water-soluble resins, useful in paints, adhesives, and coatings that benefit from tack and adhesion. In fibers and textiles, DMAEMA reacts with other monomers to bring antistatic and antimicrobial features: the amine ingredient turns neutral structures into useful, charged species. In the cosmetic industry, DMAEMA helps create fixatives for hair sprays, shampoos, and gels, offering film formation that resists humidity and moisture. Its amine structure also transforms it into an initiator or cross-linker in the polymer chemistry world, providing adaptability for making superabsorbent materials used in hygiene products or agriculture. The unique balance of methacrylate and amine fits processes where fast reactivity and after-polymerization modification are needed. The liter-based supply system means that end users always have access to what they need based on their application size—small batch researchers or large-scale manufacturers alike.
DMAEMA brings risk that everyone must respect. Exposure gives off strong vapors, irritating eyes, skin, and respiratory tracts. Direct contact may lead to burns if not handled with gloves and goggles. Inhalation can cause allergic reactions or breathing problems. From the safety sheets, fire hazard is moderate, so labs and plants keep DMAEMA away from sources of ignition and open flame. Chemical spill control plans cite quick absorption with inert materials, sealing drums tightly to stop leaks, and well-ventilated storage areas. DMAEMA carries the GHS label for harmful and hazardous substances, which means training is non-optional wherever it appears. Disposal needs special handling—waste shouldn’t end up in regular drains but in secure, regulated streams through chemical-waste pickups.
Regulatory bodies keep a close eye on DMAEMA because its production and use can have environmental impact. The raw material’s volatility means that accidental releases to air or water harm aquatic organisms and disrupt surrounding habitats. Many countries place reporting requirements for accidental spills and demand monitoring for workplace exposure. Companies adopting greener practices look to use less harmful alternatives or closed-loop systems for recovering vapor and recycling solvent. International shipping across borders means everyone must keep track of changes in HS Code descriptions and safety classification—compliance failures can stop shipments or bring fines. Those working in research or formulation constantly test substitutes or blend DMAEMA with other monomers, trying to keep the performance but shrink the footprint on workers and nature.
Factories relying on DMAEMA invest in automation and improved engineering controls, so human contact lowers and batch consistency goes up. Some use real-time sensors for vapor emission and limit storage quantities to what is immediately needed. Teams emphasize leakproof jointing and double-contained storage vessels. For transportation, UN-approved containers and clear hazard signs make it through customs and local regulation with less headache. Product stewardship programs train workers in safe handling, spill response, and use of personal protection, which drops healthcare costs and downtime from chemical burns or allergies. Organizations building out green chemistry frameworks search for bio-based alternatives or sustainable synthesis routes to DMAEMA, aiming for better lifecycle outcomes and reduced hazardous waste.
DMAEMA stands as more than a convenient molecule—it's key to how countless everyday products are made better, from sticky adhesives to medical hydrogels to improved textile finishes. Anyone in chemical engineering, product formulation, or industrial hygiene learns DMAEMA early because safety, performance, and environmental stewardship depend on clean, traceable supply and expert handling. Keeping a focus on tight process control, education, and regulatory collaboration will see DMAEMA continue to drive innovation while keeping people and the planet protected.
