Dimethylamine

Dimethylamine (CAS 124-40-3), commonly abbreviated as DMA, is a secondary amine supplied primarily as an aqueous solution or compressed gas. It functions as a chemical intermediate and pH modifier across food, agricultural, and industrial manufacturing processes. In food and flavoring applications, DMA contributes to characteristic fishy and fermented notes, and its presence is monitored as a quality marker in seafood processing. As a building block in synthesis, it is used to produce dimethylformamide (DMF) and dimethylacetamide.

These solvents are critical to pharmaceutical and polymer manufacturing. In agrochemical production, DMA serves as a precursor to herbicide salts, particularly dimethylamine salts of glyphosate and 2,4-D formulations. It also appears in the manufacture of surfactants, ion exchange resins, and rubber accelerators where controlled amine functionality is required. DMA is supplied as a compressed liquefied gas or as aqueous solutions.

The most common concentrations for aqueous solutions are 40% and 60%. Technical grade is the standard offering for industrial synthesis, with solution grades available for applications requiring easier handling and metered dosing. Packaging ranges from cylinders and ISO tanks for gas supply to IBCs and bulk tankers for aqueous solution delivery. This ensures safe transport and storage for various industrial and laboratory requirements.