N,N-Dimethylacrylamide, known by the molecular formula C5H9NO and a molecular weight of 99.13 g/mol, belongs to the family of acrylamide derivatives. This substance features a vinyl group attached to the nitrogen of a dimethyl-substituted amide. Its structure allows for a range of applications in polymer science. The unique arrangement in its molecular backbone — a reactive double bond alongside dimethyl functional groups — sets the stage for its effectiveness as a raw material in industries focused on specialty polymers, adhesives, and coatings. CAS number for N,N-Dimethylacrylamide is 2680-03-7, and the HS Code commonly assigned is 2924199090, marking its role in international trade and customs documentation.
DMAA appears as a clear, colorless to light yellow liquid at room temperature. It carries a faint, amine-like odor. Owing to its high purity requirements in most uses, commercial products may be available predominantly as liquids, though certain suppliers offer crystals for niche laboratory and synthesis needs. Solid forms like flakes or powders appear less frequently in the market but do exist. In alternative supply chains, one might encounter pearls or beaded versions for tailored polymer applications. For density, DMAA solutions clock in at approximately 0.95–0.97 g/cm³ at 20°C. This relatively low density and moderate viscosity simplify measuring and pouring in controlled settings. Solubility in water and in organic solvents stands out, making it valuable for diverse chemical processes and solution-based synthesis. Available packaging volumes can span from reagent-grade milliliter bottles for research purposes to multi-liter drums intended for bulk users.
The defining structure of DMAA, marked by an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl system coupled with two methyl groups on the amide nitrogen, delivers an active site for free radical polymerization. Its double bond reacts edgewise in copolymerization, partnering with monomers such as acrylic acid, acrylamide, and others. The dimethyl modifications reduce hydrogen bonding between molecules, which enhances the flexibility and solubility of resulting polymers. The compatibility with various initiators and crosslinkers unlocks a spectrum of physical properties in finished products, from hydrogels to paper coatings. By altering feed ratios during synthesis, polymer scientists can dial in characteristics like permeability, softness, and resistance to chemicals. My own experience in designing specialty resins has shown that even small tweaks with DMAA ratios can shift product softness or hydrophilicity — essential for bespoke coatings in electronics or filtration membranes.
Producers specify DMAA by purity, water content, color (measured in APHA units), and inhibitor presence to prevent unwanted polymerization. Impurities matter; downstream polymerization can suffer from micro-defects or inconsistent yields if DMAA batches stray from 99.5% or higher purity. Suppliers include stabilizers like hydroquinone to mitigate premature activity during storage and transport. For research and industrial users, DMAA comes as neat liquid or as an aqueous solution, concentrations ranging from 20% up to 50% weight. My experience in procurement often meant scrutinizing batch certificates for density, viscosity, and stability data, as these attributes determine process adjustments on the plant floor. Those handling DMAA work with tools built for accuracy at small volumes, as the liquid’s volatility warrants well-sealed containers to prevent losses from evaporation or air contamination.
N,N-Dimethylacrylamide carries substantial health and safety signals. It acts as an irritant for skin, eyes, and the respiratory tract. Prolonged or repeated exposure, whether by inhalation or skin contact, can lead to harmful health effects. The chemical is classified as hazardous, and regulatory frameworks, including REACH in Europe, demand documented risk management procedures along the value chain. Based on its properties, accidental spills require containment with absorbent, inert materials — and proper disposal as chemical waste under local guidelines. DMAA does not persist in the environment like heavy metals, but improper release can threaten aquatic organisms and disrupt microbial activity in wastewater treatment plants. In a past role overseeing EHS compliance, I regularly trained workers on emergency protocols and PPE usage — splash-resistant goggles, gloves, and lab coats were non-negotiable for DMAA handling, and the material safety datasheet stayed within reach for quick reference. Storage should be in cool, dry spaces with constant temperature, away from direct sunlight or heat sources to prevent self-polymerization. Ventilation is non-negotiable in workspaces, given the vapors’ potential for causing nausea or more severe health symptoms. Eye wash stations and chemical-resistant clothing further bolster defenses against accidental contact.
Industry turns to DMAA for its influence in producing water-soluble and high-performance polymers. Textiles rely on copolymers of DMAA for prints that require clean edges and durable softness after multiple washes. Paper-making finds DMAA invaluable in retention aids and coatings improving printability and strength, even at modest dosages. Medicine leans on DMAA-based hydrogels for drug delivery and contact lenses, appreciating its biocompatibility and capacity for tailoring water uptake. For adhesive formulations, DMAA provides excellent wetting, bonding well to plastics and metals alike. Any development chemist working on performance coatings or filtration gels will bump into DMAA in the search for new properties, especially where flexibility and water resistance matter. Supply reliability and transparent documentation on purity and inhibitors cut down troubleshooting time, an issue I’ve encountered sourcing from inconsistent vendors. Linking up with responsible suppliers remains essential; reputation in chemical sourcing often hangs more on how they steward hazardous chemicals than on price alone.
Market demand for DMAA keeps pace with the rise in specialty polymers, functional textiles, and wastewater treatment applications. Buyers scrutinize certificates of analysis, checking lot-to-lot consistency and compliance with local and international codes. Specification sheets reference density, viscosity, purity (minimum 99.5%), color (maximum 50 APHA), and presence of stabilizer at specified ppm levels. Volatility and potential health hazards invite investment in safer packaging, improved storage facilities, and comprehensive staff training. Some industrial consumers now request DMAA in custom solutions to reduce cycle times and boost operational safety. Standards for DMAA don’t remain static, as regulatory bodies push for lower thresholds on impurities and trace byproducts. In practical terms, the safety, reliability, and performance advantages make DMAA an industry mainstay; those using it build safeguards into sourcing and daily handling from day one.
