Dimethylaminoethyl Acrylate appears across a range of industrial chemistry processes, mostly thanks to its active double bond and amine group. This chemical features a molecular formula of C7H13NO2 and hits a molecular weight of about 143.18 g/mol. Most often identified as DMAEA, chemical manufacturers know it for its distinct odor and volatile behavior. This acrylate remains widely used in various forms—whether as a colorless to yellowish liquid, clear or slightly hazy, sometimes showing up as powder, flakes, or smaller crystals. These details matter for users choosing between bulk materials or precise laboratory quantities, since what works in a plant often looks different from the small-batch bottle in a research lab.
Built around an acrylate backbone and a dimethylamino ethyl side group, this structure offers high reactivity with plenty of options for developing specialty polymers. Its physical properties attract industrial interest: density usually sits near 0.98 g/cm³ at room temperature, and its boiling point hovers around 205°C. Shop floors keep DMAEA under tight controls thanks to its flash point—approximately 80°C in closed-cup scenarios—because heat and acrylates rarely mix without attention to safety. As a monomer, this chemical reacts sharply with acids, oxidizers, and shows a strong tendency to polymerize if left unchecked. Viscosity and solubility vary by grade and intended use. Some grades dissolve easily in water and common organic solvents, while others work better in non-water applications. DMAEA’s chemical structure welcomes a variety of forms—from free-flowing liquid to pearl beads, sometimes in powder or solid flake, all depending on storage and shipment needs.
Producers ship Dimethylaminoethyl Acrylate under several different grades, dictated by raw material purity, storage stability, and regulatory requirements. Laboratories tend to buy reagent-grade supplies for consistency, while production lines often prefer larger volumes—think liters or drums—to ensure workflow. Logistics teams encounter DMAEA in metal, HDPE, or glass containers depending on chemical compatibility and safety norms. Bulk purchasers ask about density, water content, and inhibitor levels with each lot, since acrylates need inhibitors such as MEHQ, BHT, or oxygen to slow down unwanted polymerization during transit. The substance flows easily in temperature-controlled settings. At cooler temperatures, solidification or crystallization may occur, especially if left in poorly regulated storage. Suppliers often test physical properties like refractive index and melting point for each batch to maintain quality. This chemical features a harmonized tariff code—HS Code 29161100—which gets used for international shipping and import/export documentation.
From making water-soluble polymers to producing resins for adhesives and paints, Dimethylaminoethyl Acrylate stands out for its versatility. It serves as a building block for copolymers that boost printability, antistatic effects, and cationic properties in textiles and water treatment agents. During my work in water treatment systems, acrylates like DMAEA showed clear value by tuning flocculant behavior to target specific contaminants. Demand also comes from medical device coatings and as a raw material in specialty lubricants. Much of my work in a chemical warehouse showcased various acrylates lined up by drum, awaiting custom blends or specialty polymerization. Storage, labeling, and transfer methods matter as small spills or improper capping can introduce hazards quickly—acrylates aren’t as forgiving as simple salts or sugars. Industry teams take precautions not just because of regulations, but because chemical burns, inhalation risks, and unexpected exothermic reactions have caused headaches and injuries for unprepared handlers.
Daily handling of DMAEA introduces a range of health, safety, and environmental concerns. As an irritant, direct contact hits skin and eyes hard, and inhalation of vapors can trigger immediate respiratory effects. Proper ventilation, gloves, goggles, and chemical aprons keep users out of harm’s way during pumping, mixing, or even sampling. Material Safety Data Sheets warn against storing DMAEA anywhere near strong acids or oxidizers, as these trigger runaway reactions—a risk not limited to the world of “major incidents” but something that has prompted more than one evacuation in small facilities. A spill or leak, even if small, requires neutralization and proper cleanup to prevent polymerization or fire. Many chemical codes treat this monomer as hazardous; waste and empty drums must move through authorized disposal routes. Highlighting the HS Code 29161100 on shipping manifests isn’t just legal formality—it helps transit authorities, customs, and emergency teams quickly identify the cargo and any handling restrictions.
Proper training and facility design provide the backbone of safe DMAEA handling. When facilities invest in sealed delivery systems, regular drum inspection, and temperature management, risks drop quickly. Automated transfer systems—something my team pushed for years ago at one of the polymer plants—minimize direct human contact. Testing storage areas for leaks and keeping inhibitors fresh improves shelf-life and limits accidents that would otherwise force expensive shutdowns. Industry groups advise keeping safety showers and eyewash stations no farther than one quick sprint from storage and production areas. Anyone working with DMAEA benefits from regular refresher training, covering the basics of chemical identification, personal protective gear, and what to do in the event of a polymerization incident. Collection, recycling, and neutral disposal routes have evolved since earlier decades, allowing many industries to manage acrylate residue with less environmental impact and lower regulatory risk.
Shippers, buyers, and end users each hold a role in making DMAEA a safe and productive material. Periodic testing keeps physical property data up-to-date; clear labeling enables fast action during emergencies. Manufacturers can’t take shortcuts with purity or inhibitor quality. Operators in blending, research, or production settings pay close attention to temperature controls, density checks, and storage compatibility. Simple decisions—like inspecting containers for yellowish haze, checking viscosity before use, or double-confirming HS code documentation—help prevent costly and hazardous mishaps. Based on my years in chemical logistics, staying ahead of the small details kept operations from grinding to a halt and protected everyone involved in the handling or processing of raw materials like Dimethylaminoethyl Acrylate.
