BDMA, also known as Benzyl Dimethyl Amine, is a liquid tertiary amine catalyst used as a PU Catalyst in various applications. It is also referred to as N,N-Dimethylbenzylamine, Benzenemethamine, N,N-dimethyl- and Benzylamine. It is soluble in water and most organic solvents and has a characteristic, but low amine odor.

Physical and Chemical Properties:

BDMA is a transparent light-yellow liquid with a relative density of 0.9 g/cm3 at 25°C. It has a pH of 10 at 10 g/l at 20°C and a melting point/range of -75°C. Its initial boiling point and boiling range are 181-184°C at 1.020 hPa. It has a flash point of 53°C-closed cup and a log Pow of 1.87. It is soluble in water and has a molar formula of C9H13N with a molar mass of 135.21.

Features and Uses:

BDMA is used as a liquid tertiary amine catalyst in water-NCO reactions in rigid polyurethane foams. It can improve foam cure and demolding time and is commonly used in high-water rigid foam applications to reduce friability. It promotes the urethane reaction and is typically suitable to replace DMCHA in formulations using a high level of water as a blowing or co-blowing agent to improve adhesion of foam to substrates. BDMA is also used in flexible slabstock foam applications.

Storage Information:

BDMA should be stored in a dry and cool area under appropriate ventilation conditions. Each container should be closed tightly to avoid contamination with moisture or other negative influences that could change the product's performance in the end-use. The optimum storage temperature is between 10°C and 30°C. Lower and higher storage temperatures are not preferable and should be avoided. The shelf life of BDMA is 12 months from the date of manufacture.

Typical Properties:

The typical properties of BDMA include a water content of 1.0 wt-%, a light-yellow color of Pt-Co, a flash point of 54°C, a density of 0.90 g/ml at 20/20°C, a freezing point of -75°C, and a boiling point of 183-184°C at 760mmHg.