1,3-dimethylurea

1,3-Dimethylurea (CAS 96-31-1), commonly abbreviated as DMU, is a symmetric disubstituted urea derivative used as a chemical intermediate and reagent in pharmaceutical and specialty chemical manufacturing.

Where is 1,3-dimethylurea used?

• Pharmaceutical manufacturing: intermediate in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients, including methylxanthine derivatives and heterocyclic compounds requiring a dimethylurea scaffold
• Biotechnology research and process chemistry: stabilises pH in buffered reaction media, supporting enzyme activity and cell culture conditions
• Catalyst precursor applications: preparation of nitrogen-containing ligands and coordination complexes for specialty chemical synthesis
• Personal care formulators incorporate it into preservation systems where controlled release of antimicrobial activity is required.

Good to know: Specifications are aligned to USP and Ph. Eur. reference standards where required.

Commercial specifications

• Higher-purity grades suitable for pharmaceutical intermediate use
• Packaging from kilogram-scale laboratory quantities to bulk industrial supply