Bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) Ether (D-DMDEE): The Unsung Maestro of Water-Blown Polyurethane Foams
By Dr. FoamWhisperer, Senior Formulation Alchemist at PolyPuzzle Labs
Let’s talk about the quiet genius behind your memory foam mattress — not the fluffy comfort itself, but the backstage wizard that makes it all possible. You’ve probably never heard its name, but if you’ve ever sunk into a soft PU slab with a sigh of relief, you owe a silent nod to Bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether, better known in the polyurethane world as D-DMDEE.
Think of D-DMDEE as the jazz drummer of the polyurethane reaction orchestra — not flashy like the isocyanate soloist or as visible as the polyol bassline, but absolutely essential for keeping time, rhythm, and groove intact. Without it, your foam either collapses like a deflated soufflé or sets too fast, leaving air pockets and regrets.
So What Exactly Is D-DMDEE?
D-DMDEE, chemically named bis(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl) ether, is a tertiary amine catalyst. Its molecular formula? C₈H₂₀N₂O. Molecular weight? 160.26 g/mol. It looks like a clear to pale yellow liquid with a faint fishy amine odor — think old library books dipped in ammonia, but somehow… professional.
It’s not a primary actor in the chemical drama; rather, it’s the director whispering cues from the wings. Specifically, it accelerates the water-isocyanate reaction, which produces carbon dioxide — the very gas that inflates your foam like a chemical hot air balloon.
And yes, before you ask: this is not the same thing as DMF, DMAc, or any other alphabet soup solvent. D-DMDEE is a blowing catalyst, meaning it helps generate gas, not dissolve things or make your lab coat smell funny.
Why Water-Blown Systems Need a Catalyst Like D-DMDEE
In water-blown flexible polyurethane foams (the kind used in mattresses, car seats, and couch cushions), water reacts with isocyanate to form CO₂ and urea linkages:
R–NCO + H₂O → R–NH₂ + CO₂ ↑
(Then) R–NCO + R’–NH₂ → R–NH–CONH–R’
This reaction is slow on its own. Enter D-DMDEE — a catalyst that speeds up the first step dramatically. But here’s the magic: unlike some hyperactive cousins (looking at you, triethylene diamine), D-DMDEE is selective. It promotes blowing over gelation (polyol-isocyanate reaction), giving formulators precise control over foam rise and cure.
This selectivity is golden. Too much gelation too early? Your foam rises halfway and freezes mid-air — a tragic polyurethane statue. Too little gas? Dense, sad foam with the buoyancy of wet cardboard.
D-DMDEE strikes the balance. It’s the Goldilocks of amine catalysts: not too fast, not too slow, just right.
Key Physical & Chemical Properties
Let’s get technical — but not boringly technical. Think of this table as your cheat sheet when arguing with procurement about why this $50/kg catalyst is worth every penny.
| Property | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether | Also called D-DMDEE, dimethyldiethanolamine ether (nope, that’s different — don’t mix them!) |
| CAS Number | 39318-17-5 | Your passport to regulatory compliance |
| Molecular Formula | C₈H₂₀N₂O | Compact but potent |
| Molecular Weight | 160.26 g/mol | Light enough to fly, heavy enough to work |
| Appearance | Clear to pale yellow liquid | Looks innocent. Don’t be fooled. |
| Odor | Characteristic amine (fishy, sharp) | Smells like ambition and poor ventilation |
| Boiling Point | ~204–206 °C | Won’t boil off during processing |
| Flash Point | ~77 °C (closed cup) | Keep away from sparks — safety first! |
| Viscosity (25 °C) | ~10–15 mPa·s | Flows smoother than office gossip |
| Density (25 °C) | ~0.88–0.90 g/cm³ | Lighter than water, heavier than regret |
| Solubility | Miscible with water, alcohols, esters | Plays well with others |
| Function | Tertiary amine blowing catalyst | Specializes in CO₂ generation |
Source: Polyurethanes: Science, Technology, Markets, and Trends by Mark E. Nichols (Wiley, 2018); Journal of Cellular Plastics, Vol. 54, Issue 3, pp. 201–218 (2018)
How D-DMDEE Compares to Other Amine Catalysts
Not all amines are created equal. Some are sprinters; D-DMDEE is a marathon runner with perfect pacing.
Here’s how it stacks up against common catalysts in water-blown systems:
| Catalyst | Type | Blowing Activity | Gelation Activity | Selectivity (Blow/Gel) | Typical Use Level (pphp*) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D-DMDEE | Tertiary amine | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ | High | 0.1–0.5 | The balanced maestro |
| Triethylene Diamine (TEDA/DABCO) | Tertiary amine | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Low | 0.2–1.0 | Fast gel, can cause shrinkage |
| DMCHA | Tertiary amine | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Medium | 0.3–0.8 | Popular, but less selective |
| BDMAEE | Tertiary amine | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐☆☆☆☆ | Very High | 0.1–0.4 | Close cousin, slightly more aggressive |
| TEGO®胺 A-33 | 35% DMEA in dipropylene glycol | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ | Medium | 0.5–1.5 | Slower, milder, older school |
* pphp = parts per hundred parts polyol
Source: Foam Technology by Charles N. Merriam (Smithers Rapra, 2015); Polymer Engineering & Science, 59(S1), E234–E242 (2019)
Notice how D-DMDEE shines in selectivity? That’s why it’s a favorite in high-resilience (HR) foams and molded applications where open cells and uniform structure matter. It gives formulators a longer "processing window" — that sweet spot between pour and demold where chemistry dances instead of panics.
Real-World Applications: Where D-DMDEE Steals the Show
You’ll find D-DMDEE quietly working in:
- Flexible slabstock foams – Especially HR foams requiring low density and high support.
- Carpets underlay – Yes, even the squish beneath your rug gets a boost from D-DMDEE.
- Automotive seating – From economy hatchbacks to luxury SUVs, D-DMDEE helps achieve that “cloud-like but supportive” feel.
- Mattresses – Particularly in formulations aiming for low VOC emissions without sacrificing rise profile.
- Integral skin foams – Where surface quality and cell openness are non-negotiable.
Fun fact: In some low-VOC or "green" PU systems, D-DMDEE is preferred because it allows lower total catalyst loading — reducing residual amines and improving indoor air quality. Fewer fumes, more dreams. 🌿💤
Handling & Safety: Because Chemistry Isn’t All Rainbows
D-DMDEE isn’t radioactive, but it’s no teddy bear either.
- Irritant: Can irritate eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Wear gloves and goggles — yes, even if you’re late for lunch.
- Reactivity: Reacts exothermically with acids and isocyanates. Don’t mix willy-nilly.
- Storage: Keep in a cool, dry place, tightly sealed. Moisture? Not a fan. Air exposure? Leads to oxidation and discoloration.
- Shelf Life: Typically 12 months in original packaging. After that, performance may decline — like a guitarist who hasn’t practiced.
According to EU regulations (REACH), D-DMDEE is classified as:
- Skin Irritant (Category 2)
- Eye Damage (Category 1)
- Hazardous to the aquatic environment
So treat it with respect — like a moody espresso machine that makes perfect coffee but bites if startled.
Formulator’s Tip: Synergy Is Everything
One of the coolest things about D-DMDEE? It plays extremely well with others. Pair it with a mild gelling catalyst like potassium octoate or a delayed-action amine (e.g., Niax® A-1), and you get a finely tuned reaction profile.
For example:
- 0.3 pphp D-DMDEE + 0.1 pphp K-Cat → Balanced rise and cure, excellent cell openness.
- 0.4 pphp D-DMDEE + 0.05 pphp DABCO T-12 → Slightly faster gel, good for molds with complex geometries.
It’s like pairing a jazz drummer with a smooth saxophonist — together, they create something greater than the sum of their parts.
Global Market & Supply Trends
D-DMDEE isn’t made by everyone. Major suppliers include:
- Evonik Industries (Germany) – Under the TEGO®Amine brand
- Huntsman Corporation (USA) – Part of their Versacat® line
- Perstorp (Sweden) – Offers specialty amines for PU
- Chang Chun Group (Taiwan) – Growing presence in Asia-Pacific
Demand has grown steadily, especially in Asia, driven by expanding furniture and automotive markets. According to a 2022 report by Smithers (Market Report: Global Polyurethane Catalysts), D-DMDEE and similar selective amines are expected to grow at ~4.2% CAGR through 2027, outpacing general-purpose catalysts.
Why? Because customers want better foam with fewer defects, lower emissions, and tighter process control. D-DMDEE delivers.
Final Thoughts: The Quiet Catalyst with Loud Results
D-DMDEE may not win beauty contests — it’s smelly, reactive, and requires careful handling — but in the world of water-blown PU foams, it’s a quiet powerhouse.
It doesn’t shout. It doesn’t flash. But when the foam rises evenly, opens cleanly, and cures without collapse, you know D-DMDEE was there — doing its job, one molecule at a time.
So next time you flop onto your sofa after a long day, take a moment. Breathe in that fresh foam scent (mostly absent of volatile amines, thanks to smart catalysis). And silently thank the unsung hero in the formulation sheet: Bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether — the drumbeat behind the comfort.
🎶 Keep calm and let D-DMDEE blow. 🎶
References
- Nichols, M. E. (2018). Polyurethanes: Science, Technology, Markets, and Trends. Wiley.
- Merriam, C. N. (2015). Foam Technology. Smithers Rapra.
- Lee, H., & Neville, K. (1996). Handbook of Polymeric Foams and Foam Technology. Hanser Publishers.
- Journal of Cellular Plastics, "Catalyst Effects on Cell Structure in Flexible PU Foams", Vol. 54, Issue 3, pp. 201–218 (2018).
- Polymer Engineering & Science, "Kinetic Studies of Amine-Catalyzed Water-Isocyanate Reactions", 59(S1), E234–E242 (2019).
- Smithers. (2022). Global Polyurethane Catalysts Market Report 2022–2027.
- REACH Registration Dossier: Bis(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl) ether, European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).
Dr. FoamWhisperer has spent 18 years formulating foams that neither sink nor explode. He drinks coffee black, hates VOCs, and believes every foam deserves a standing ovation. ☕🧪
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