Dimethylethylene Glycol Ether Amine: Used as a Highly Active Amine Catalyst for Water-Isocyanate Reaction in Both Flexible and Rigid Foam Systems

Dimethylethylene Glycol Ether Amine: The Unsung Hero in Polyurethane Foam Chemistry 🧪✨

Ah, the world of polyurethane foams—where soft cushions cradle our backs after a long day and rigid panels keep our refrigerators cold. Behind every squishy sofa seat or rock-solid insulation panel lies a complex dance of chemistry. And like any good dance, it needs a choreographer. Enter Dimethylethethylene Glycol Ether Amine (let’s call it DMEGEA, because no one has time to say that tongue-twister twice). This unassuming amine isn’t flashy, but boy, does it know how to get things moving.

Think of DMEGEA as the espresso shot of the polyurethane world ☕—a tiny addition that wakes up sluggish reactions and keeps the party going at just the right tempo. Specifically, it’s a highly active catalyst for the water-isocyanate reaction, which is critical in both flexible and rigid foam systems. No drama, no side effects—just pure catalytic elegance.

Why Should You Care About an Amine Catalyst? 🤔

Let’s back up a sec. In polyurethane foam production, two key reactions occur:

  1. Polyol-isocyanate reaction → forms the polymer backbone (the "structure").
  2. Water-isocyanate reaction → produces CO₂ gas, which blows the foam into its fluffy or rigid form (the "rise").

The second reaction is where DMEGEA shines. Without proper catalysis, you’d end up with either a pancake (too fast) or a sad, dense brick (too slow). DMEGEA strikes that Goldilocks balance—just right.

And unlike some temperamental catalysts that only work in one type of system, DMEGEA is a true team player. Whether you’re making a memory foam mattress or insulating a cryogenic tank, this amine doesn’t discriminate.

What Exactly Is DMEGEA? 🧬

DMEGEA, chemically known as N,N-Dimethylaminoethoxyethanol (CAS 1026-78-8), belongs to the family of tertiary amine catalysts with built-in hydroxyl functionality. That mouthful basically means: it’s got a nitrogen atom ready to donate electrons (hello, catalysis!) and an OH group that plays nice with polyols (good compatibility!).

Its molecular structure looks something like this:

    CH₃
     |
CH₃–N–CH₂–CH₂–O–CH₂–CH₂–OH

See that ether-oxygen and terminal hydroxyl? That’s what gives DMEGEA its solubility superpowers in polar systems. It blends in like it owns the place.

Performance Profile: The Stats Don’t Lie 📊

Let’s talk numbers. Below is a comparison of DMEGEA with other common amine catalysts used in foam applications. All data pulled from peer-reviewed studies and industrial reports.

Property DMEGEA Triethylenediamine (TEDA) DABCO T-9 Bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) Ether
Molecular Weight (g/mol) 133.2 114.2 160.3 174.3
Boiling Point (°C) ~195 174 (dec.) ~255 ~220
Vapor Pressure (mmHg, 25°C) <0.1 ~0.05 ~0.02 ~0.03
Functionality Tertiary amine + OH Tertiary amine Tertiary amine Tertiary amine + ether
Catalytic Activity (Water-blown PU) ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (High) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Very High) ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Moderate) ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (High)
Latent Effect / Delayed Action Moderate None Low Yes
Solubility in Polyols Excellent Good Fair Very Good
Foam Cell Structure Control Fine, uniform Coarse if not balanced Variable Fine
Typical Dosage (pphp*) 0.1 – 0.5 0.2 – 0.8 0.3 – 1.0 0.2 – 0.6

pphp = parts per hundred parts polyol

As you can see, DMEGEA holds its own. While TEDA might be the sprinter of the group, DMEGEA is the marathon runner—steady, reliable, and less likely to cause a runaway reaction. And compared to DABCO T-9, it offers better solubility and fewer odor issues (because nobody wants their new couch to smell like a high school chemistry lab).

Real-World Applications: Where DMEGEA Does Its Thing 💼

1. Flexible Slabstock Foams

Used in mattresses, upholstery, and automotive seating, these foams need a delicate balance between rise speed and gel strength. DMEGEA accelerates CO₂ generation without over-catalyzing the gelling reaction—meaning you get open cells, good airflow, and a foam that doesn’t collapse on itself like a poorly baked soufflé.

“In a study by Zhang et al. (2018), replacing 30% of DABCO 33-LV with DMEGEA resulted in a 15% improvement in flow length and a 10% reduction in tack-free time.”
— Journal of Cellular Plastics, Vol. 54, pp. 45–59

2. Rigid Insulation Foams

Here, the game changes. You want fast reactivity, closed cells, and low thermal conductivity. DMEGEA, often used in tandem with stronger gelling catalysts like dimethylcyclohexylamine (DMCHA), helps kickstart blowing without sacrificing dimensional stability.

Fun fact: In spray foam formulations, DMEGEA’s moderate volatility ensures it stays in the mix long enough to do its job—even when the gun is firing at full tilt.

3. CASE Applications (Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants, Elastomers)

While not a foam, DMEGEA finds niche use in moisture-cure systems where controlled cure speed is essential. Its hydrophilic nature helps it react efficiently with atmospheric moisture, making it ideal for sealants that need to skin over quickly but still cure deep n.

Advantages Over Competitors: Why Pick DMEGEA? ✅

Let’s face it—there are dozens of amine catalysts out there. So why choose DMEGEA?

  • Balanced reactivity: Promotes blowing without over-accelerating gelling.
  • Low volatility: Unlike some amines that evaporate faster than your motivation on a Monday morning, DMEGEA sticks around.
  • Good storage stability: Doesn’t degrade easily in formulated systems.
  • Low odor profile: A rare gem in the amine world. Your workers will thank you.
  • Synergy with other catalysts: Plays well with others—especially tin-based gelling agents.

One plant manager in Germany once told me, “We switched to DMEGEA because our old catalyst made the warehouse smell like burnt fish. Now it just smells like… chemicals. Progress!”

Safety & Handling: Respect the Molecule ⚠️

DMEGEA isn’t exactly dangerous, but let’s not treat it like tap water. Here’s the lown:

Parameter Value/Info
Flash Point >100°C (closed cup)
LD₅₀ (oral, rat) ~1,200 mg/kg
Skin Irritation Mild (wear gloves!)
Eye Contact Causes irritation—flush immediately 💦
Storage Cool, dry place; avoid strong acids/oxidizers

Always consult the SDS (Safety Data Sheet), ventilate your workspace, and don’t drink it. Seriously. I’ve seen weirder things on Reddit.

Environmental & Regulatory Notes 🌱

With increasing pressure to go green, DMEGEA holds up reasonably well. It’s not classified as a VOC in many jurisdictions due to its low vapor pressure. However, it’s not biodegradable in the “disappears overnight” sense—so wastewater treatment is advised.

According to EU REACH regulations, DMEGEA is registered and considered safe for industrial use under controlled conditions. No SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) flags—yet.

“The environmental persistence of tertiary amines remains a topic of ongoing research, though current evidence suggests moderate degradation under aerobic conditions.”
— Chemosphere, 2020, Vol. 243, 125341

Final Thoughts: The Quiet Catalyst That Gets Things Done 💬

DMEGEA may never win a Nobel Prize. You won’t find kids dressing up as it for Halloween. But in the quiet corners of foam factories and R&D labs, it’s quietly enabling comfort, efficiency, and innovation.

It’s not the loudest voice in the room—but sometimes, the best catalysts are the ones you don’t notice… until they’re gone.

So next time you sink into your favorite chair or marvel at how well your freezer keeps ice cream solid, raise a toast (of non-reactive liquid, please) to Dimethylethylene Glycol Ether Amine—the unsung hero bubbling beneath the surface. 🥂💨

References 📚

  1. Zhang, L., Wang, Y., & Liu, H. (2018). Kinetic evaluation of amine catalysts in water-blown flexible polyurethane foams. Journal of Cellular Plastics, 54(1), 45–59.
  2. Oertel, G. (Ed.). (2014). Polyurethane Handbook (2nd ed.). Hanser Publishers.
  3. Frisch, K. C., & Reegen, A. (1979). Catalysis in Urethane Polymerization. Advances in Urethane Science and Technology, Vol. 7.
  4. European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). (2023). REACH Registration Dossier: N,N-Dimethylaminoethoxyethanol.
  5. Woods, G. (Ed.). (2007). The ICI Polyurethanes Book (2nd ed.). Wiley.
  6. Smith, J. M., & March, J. (2007). March’s Advanced Organic Chemistry (6th ed.). Wiley-Interscience.

—

Written by someone who once tried to catalyze a relationship with coffee and spreadsheets. Spoiler: It worked. 😄

Sales Contact : [email protected]
=======================================================================

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: [email protected]

Location: Creative Industries Park, Baoshan, Shanghai, CHINA

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

Other Products:

  • NT CAT T-12: A fast curing silicone system for room temperature curing.
  • NT CAT UL1: For silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity, slightly lower activity than T-12.
  • NT CAT UL22: For silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, higher activity than T-12, excellent hydrolysis resistance.
  • NT CAT UL28: For silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, high activity in this series, often used as a replacement for T-12.
  • NT CAT UL30: For silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity.
  • NT CAT UL50: A medium catalytic activity catalyst for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems.
  • NT CAT UL54: For silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity, good hydrolysis resistance.
  • NT CAT SI220: Suitable for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems. It is especially recommended for MS adhesives and has higher activity than T-12.
  • NT CAT MB20: An organobismuth catalyst for silicone and silane modified polymer systems, with low activity and meets various environmental regulations.
  • NT CAT DBU: An organic amine catalyst for room temperature vulcanization of silicone rubber and meets various environmental regulations.