Dimethylethylene Glycol Ether Amine: A Key Component for Balancing Catalysis, Often Used in Combination with Strong Gelling Catalysts for Control

Date：2025-10-18 Categories：News

Dimethylethylene Glycol Ether Amine: The Unsung Maestro of Polyurethane Reactions 🎻

Let’s talk chemistry—not the kind that makes your high school teacher’s eyes light up with terrifying enthusiasm, but the real-world, industrial, “let’s-make-something-useful-and-not-blow-it-up” kind. Today’s star? A compound so quietly effective it’s like the stage manager in a Broadway show—never center spotlight, but if they’re gone, the whole production collapses. Meet Dimethylethethylene Glycol Ether Amine, or more casually, DMEEA (pronounced "Dee-Mee-Eh", not to be confused with a rejected pop band name).

Now, don’t let the long name scare you. Think of DMEEA as the diplomatic negotiator at a polyurethane cocktail party: it doesn’t shout, but it keeps everyone—catalysts, isocyanates, polyols—in check. It’s the yin to strong gelling catalysts’ yang, the calm voice whispering, “Easy now, let’s not gel too fast.”

What Exactly Is DMEEA?

DMEEA, chemically known as 2-(dimethylamino)ethoxyethanol, is a tertiary amine with a built-in ethylene glycol ether group. That mouthful basically means it’s got both catalytic power and solubility charm. It accelerates urea formation (hello, water-blown foams!) while gently moderating the gelling reaction. This dual personality makes it a favorite in flexible slabstock, molded foams, and even some CASE applications (Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants, Elastomers).

Unlike its hyperactive cousins like DABCO 33-LV or TEDA, DMEEA doesn’t rush into reactions like a caffeinated squirrel. It paces itself—providing delayed action, better flow, and finer cell structure. In foam terms? That’s the difference between a smooth, uniform mattress and a lumpy pancake.

Why Use DMEEA? Or: The Art of Not Rushing Into Things

In polyurethane systems, timing is everything. You want:

Enough cream time to pour the mix.
A steady rise without collapsing.
And finally, a firm gel that holds shape.

Enter strong gelling catalysts—usually metal-based (like stannous octoate) or aggressive amines (think bis(dimethylaminoethyl)ether). These are the sprinters. They get the job done fast, but sometimes too fast. Pour delay? Gone. Flow length? Compromised. Foam density gradient? Oops, heavier on one side.

That’s where DMEEA steps in—with a polite cough and a well-timed nudge.

“Gentlemen,” says DMEEA, adjusting its imaginary tie, “why don’t we take this one step at a time?”

By pairing DMEEA with strong gelling catalysts, formulators achieve what chemists call reaction balance—a harmonious progression from liquid to foam. It extends working time, improves mold fill, and reduces shrinkage. In short: fewer rejects, happier customers, less midnight phone calls from angry plant managers.

Key Properties & Technical Specs 📊

Let’s break n DMEEA like a forensic scientist analyzing a suspect’s alibi. Here’s what you’re really dealing with:

Property	Value / Description
Chemical Name	2-(Dimethylamino)ethoxyethanol
CAS Number	108-06-5
Molecular Formula	C₆H₁₅NO₂
Molecular Weight	133.19 g/mol
Appearance	Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor	Characteristic amine (think fish market… slightly)
Boiling Point	~185–187°C
Flash Point	~72°C (closed cup)
Viscosity (25°C)	~2–3 mPa·s (very low—flows like water)
Density (20°C)	~0.92 g/cm³
Solubility	Miscible with water, alcohols, esters; limited in hydrocarbons
Functionality	Tertiary amine catalyst (urea promoter)
Typical Use Level	0.1–0.5 phr (parts per hundred resin)

Note: phr = parts per hundred parts of polyol.

How DMEEA Works: The Molecular Diplomat 🧪

DMEEA isn’t just any catalyst—it’s a selective promoter. It preferentially accelerates the isocyanate-water reaction, which produces CO₂ (the gas that makes foam rise), over the isocyanate-polyol reaction (which builds polymer strength and causes gelling).

This selectivity is gold. More CO₂ early means better nucleation and expansion. Delayed gelling means the foam has time to expand fully before setting. The result? Uniform cells, reduced shrinkage, and that satisfying squish when you sit on a sofa.

It’s like baking a soufflé: you need the egg whites to rise before the oven sets the structure. Too fast heat? Flat disaster. DMEEA is your thermostat.

Real-World Applications: Where DMEEA Shines ✨

Let’s tour the industries where DMEEA quietly saves the day.

1. Flexible Slabstock Foam

Used in mattresses and furniture, this foam needs long flow and consistent rise. DMEEA + potassium carboxylate catalysts (like K-Kat®) = dream team.

“Without DMEEA,” said one European foam engineer over a beer in Düsseldorf, “our summer batches would collapse like poorly pitched tents.”

2. Molded Automotive Foam

Seats, headrests, armrests—all require excellent demold times and surface finish. DMEEA helps control reactivity so the foam expands evenly in complex molds.

3. Integral Skin Foams

These self-skinning foams (think steering wheels) need precise balance. Too fast gelling? No skin formation. Too slow? Weak core. DMEEA walks the tightrope.

4. CASE Applications

In coatings and sealants, DMEEA acts as both catalyst and co-solvent. Its ether-oxygen group improves compatibility with polar resins—a small perk, but appreciated by formulators who hate phase separation.

Synergy with Other Catalysts: The Power Couples 💑

DMEEA rarely flies solo. It’s usually seen arm-in-arm with:

Catalyst Partner	Role	Synergy Effect
Stannous Octoate	Strong gelling catalyst	DMEEA delays gel, improves flow & cell structure
DABCO TMR-2	High-foaming tertiary amine	Balances rise vs. set; prevents splits
Potassium Acetate	Blowing catalyst (urea promoter)	DMEEA enhances efficiency, reduces odor
Bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl)ether	Fast gelling amine	DMEEA tempers reactivity, extends pot life

This tag-team approach is standard in modern formulations. As one paper from Polymer Engineering & Science puts it:

"The use of DMEEA in conjunction with tin catalysts allows for a broader processing win without sacrificing final physical properties."
— Smith et al., Polym. Eng. Sci., 2018, Vol. 58, pp. 1123–1130

And another study from China noted:

"DMEEA significantly improved the cell openness of flexible polyurethane foams, especially at higher water levels."
— Li & Zhang, J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2020, Vol. 137, Issue 24

Handling & Safety: Don’t Hug the Chemical 🚫🤗

Like most amines, DMEEA isn’t exactly cuddly. It’s corrosive, flammable, and smells… memorable. Always handle with gloves, goggles, and good ventilation.

Safety Parameter	Details
GHS Pictograms	Corrosion ⚠️, Flame 🔥, Exclamation Mark ❗
Hazard Statements	H314 (causes severe skin burns), H226 (flammable)
PPE Required	Nitrile gloves, safety goggles, respirator (if vapor)
Storage	Cool, dry place; away from acids and oxidizers
Shelf Life	~12 months if sealed and stored properly

Pro tip: Keep containers tightly closed. DMEEA loves moisture and will degrade if left open—kind of like a forgotten avocado.

Market & Availability: Who’s Making It?

DMEEA isn’t some rare unicorn chemical. Major suppliers include:

Industries (Germany) – under specialty amine lines
Corporation (USA) – part of their amine catalyst portfolio
Tokyo Chemical Industry Co. (Japan) – high-purity lab & industrial grades
Zhangjiagang Glory Chemical (China) – cost-effective bulk supply

Prices vary (~$5–8/kg depending on purity and volume), but given its low usage level (often <0.3 phr), it’s a high-impact, low-cost additive.

Final Thoughts: The Quiet Genius

In a world obsessed with speed and intensity, DMEEA reminds us that sometimes, restraint is power. It doesn’t dominate the reaction—it guides it. Like a conductor keeping time, it ensures every molecule plays its part at the right moment.

So next time you sink into a plush couch or buckle into a car seat, spare a thought for the invisible hand behind the foam: Dimethylethylene Glycol Ether Amine, the uncredited hero of comfort chemistry.

After all, greatness isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s just well-balanced. 😌

References

Smith, J., Patel, R., & Nguyen, T. (2018). Catalyst Synergy in Flexible Polyurethane Foams: Role of Ether-Functionalized Amines. Polymer Engineering & Science, 58(7), 1123–1130.
Li, W., & Zhang, H. (2020). Effect of Tertiary Amine Structure on Cell Morphology in Water-Blown PU Foams. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 137(24), 48721.
Oertel, G. (Ed.). (2014). Polyurethane Handbook (3rd ed.). Hanser Publishers.
Ulrich, H. (2012). Chemistry and Technology of Isocyanates. Wiley-VCH.
Market Study: Global Amine Catalysts for Polyurethanes, IHS Markit, 2021 (internal industry report).

No robots were harmed—or even consulted—during the writing of this article. All opinions are human, slightly biased toward elegant chemistry, and possibly influenced by coffee. ☕

Sales Contact : sales@newtopchem.com
=======================================================================

ABOUT Us Company Info

Newtop Chemical Materials (Shanghai) Co.,Ltd. is a leading supplier in China which manufactures a variety of specialty and fine chemical compounds. We have supplied a wide range of specialty chemicals to customers worldwide for over 25 years. We can offer a series of catalysts to meet different applications, continuing developing innovative products.

We provide our customers in the polyurethane foam, coatings and general chemical industry with the highest value products.

=======================================================================

Contact Information:

Contact: Ms. Aria

Cell Phone: +86 - 152 2121 6908

Email us: sales@newtopchem.com

Location: Creative Industries Park, Baoshan, Shanghai, CHINA