Dimethylethanolamine

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Ethanolamine
• Diethanolamine
• Methanol
• Ammonia