Dimethylethanolamine

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Dimethylethanolamine (DMAE or DMEA) is an organic compound that is primarily used as a precursor to various chemicals in the chemical industry. It is a colorless liquid that is miscible with water.

Chemical Structure[edit | edit source]

Dimethylethanolamine is a tertiary amine with the chemical formula (CH3)2NCH2CH2OH. It consists of a nitrogen atom bonded to two methyl groups and one ethanol group.

Production[edit | edit source]

Dimethylethanolamine is produced industrially by the alkylation of ammonia with ethanol and methanol. This process also yields other amines such as monoethanolamine and diethanolamine.

Uses[edit | edit source]

Dimethylethanolamine is used as a precursor to several important chemicals in the chemical industry. These include:

  • Choline: Dimethylethanolamine can be methylated to produce choline, a vital nutrient that is used in the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter.
  • Trichloroethylene: Dimethylethanolamine is used in the production of trichloroethylene, a solvent used in various industries.
  • Paints and Coatings: Dimethylethanolamine is used as a curing agent in the production of epoxy resins, which are used in paints and coatings.

Health Effects[edit | edit source]

Exposure to dimethylethanolamine can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. It can also cause nausea, headache, and dizziness. Long-term exposure can lead to serious health effects such as liver damage and neurological problems.

Regulation[edit | edit source]

In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set a permissible exposure limit (PEL) for dimethylethanolamine at 10 ppm over an 8-hour workday.

See Also[edit | edit source]

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD