Dimethylaminoethyl Methacrylate, often known by its acronym DMAEMA, stands out as a specialty chemical raw material with roots in both industrial and academic laboratories. The molecular formula for this material is C8H15NO2, with a molecular weight clocking in at 157.21 g/mol. Producers often supply it as a colorless to pale yellow liquid that carries a distinct ammoniacal odor, which any chemical handler or formulator notices immediately upon opening a drum or bottle. I have worked with samples arriving as stable liquids, although depending on purity and storage conditions, crystals can sometimes develop on the interior of poorly sealed containers. The CAS number assigned to DMAEMA is 2867-47-2, and for cross-border shipments, the HS Code commonly used is 2916190090.
The structure of DMAEMA consists of a methacrylate backbone featuring a dimethylaminoethyl side chain. This amine-functional group gives the molecule its reactivity, both in free-radical polymerizations and in interactions with acids or other electrophiles. It's a building block for many copolymers, commonly sourced from methacrylic acid, formaldehyde, and dimethylamine. The material sits at the crossroads of physical chemistry and practical formulation, giving it a unique place in both adhesives and water treatment chemicals.
Pure Dimethylaminoethyl Methacrylate pours as a liquid under normal handling temperatures. It has a density that ranges from 0.92 to 0.95 g/cm3 at 20°C, which noticeably makes it lighter than water — something I confirmed the first time a vial floated in a lab sink. The boiling point has been measured at around 195°C, which tells you that it stays stable at most room and process temperatures. It can be supplied in different forms, such as solutions for polymerization, but most often arrives ready to use as a clear, low-viscosity liquid. If users require a powdered form, solidification through controlled cooling and crystallization is possible, though less common in the supply chain. The material can form flakes or pearls, though again, only certain applications call for this.
DMAEMA is a methacrylate ester bearing a tertiary amine function. It displays miscibility with water and many organic solvents, including ethanol, acetone, and toluene. Due to its amine group, this chemical can engage in acid-base reactions and thus behaves as a weak base with a pKa near 8.4. The unique structure not only encourages rapid polymerization under the influence of radical initiators but also offers ready functionalization in post-polymer chemistry. I have used this property in the preparation of pH-responsive hydrogels designed for drug delivery research, where the protonation state of the amine could be tuned by environmental pH.
Commercially traded DMAEMA usually meets purity specifications above 98%, with stabilizers such as hydroquinone monomethyl ether added to prevent unwanted polymerization during storage and transport. Manufacturers provide certificates of analysis with details covering assay, water content (commonly under 0.3%), and color (measured by APHA value, often under 30). Residual acid, base, and volatile content are watched closely since impurities can jump-start side reactions. Most containers are supplied in 200-liter steel drums or 1,000-liter intermediate bulk containers lined to prevent corrosion. Smaller glass bottles are used for laboratory work, with each lot checked for viscosity and color before use.
Dimethylaminoethyl Methacrylate is listed as both hazardous and potentially harmful in safety regulations. On skin contact, users may experience irritation, and repeated exposure risks sensitization. The chemical carries a risk of harmful effects if inhaled or swallowed, so ventilation in storage and work areas becomes essential. The flash point sits between 70°C–80°C, requiring that storage spaces avoid open flames. Material Safety Data Sheets classify DMAEMA under hazard statements H302 (harmful if swallowed), H312 (harmful in contact with skin), and H315 (causes skin irritation). Users must wear gloves made of nitrile or neoprene, splash goggles, and laboratory coats during handling. Adequate labeling and emergency procedures sit at the core of safe practice, as accidental spills demand glove use and ventilation to avoid respiratory irritation. In my work, storing DMAEMA away from strong oxidizers or strong acids has kept inventory safe and prevented violent or unsafe reactions.
DMAEMA finds its way into water treatment polymers, flocculants, and the backbone of specialty adhesives or coatings. One major use is for antistatic agents or as an additive that brings solubility or ionic character to designed polymers. Its reactivity, while useful, means storage and shelf life can be shortened if drums are left exposed to sunlight or airborne acids. Stabilizers help, but the best success comes from keeping the workspace cool, using solid carbon dioxide pallets or temperature-controlled rooms in warehouses. Disposal brings its own hurdles since the material must go as hazardous chemical waste rather than general disposal streams; this involves certified vendors and clear labeling to avoid environmental harm. Regulatory bodies, including the European Chemicals Agency and the US Environmental Protection Agency, maintain lists tracking its use to ensure compliance with worker safety and environmental guidelines. The key to safe use and management comes not just from understanding the molecular structure, but respecting the material’s actual behavior in the field — something every new handler learns very quickly after their first week working with industrial monomers.
