N,N-Diethyl-m-toluidine
A high-purity tertiary aromatic amine supplied for xanthene and triarylmethane dye manufacture and as an accelerator for peroxide-cured resin systems.
What is N,N-Diethyl-m-toluidine?
N,N-Diethyl-m-toluidine — DEMT — is a colourless to pale yellow liquid carrying two ethyl groups on the nitrogen and a methyl on the ring. Having no N–H left, it is a tertiary amine.
That has two consequences the market uses. In dye chemistry the fully alkylated nitrogen pushes electron density strongly into the ring, deepening and brightening the colour of xanthene and triarylmethane dyes built from it. Separately, tertiary aromatic amines accelerate the decomposition of organic peroxides, which is why DEMT appears as a cure accelerator in acrylic and polyester resin systems.
At Chelora Chemicals, DEMT is distilled to high assay and low colour, with residual secondary amine held to specification, since partially alkylated material behaves differently in both applications.
- Appearance
- Colourless to pale yellow liquid
- Odour
- Characteristic amine odour
- Solubility
- Practically insoluble in water; soluble in organic solvents
- Function
- Dye intermediate / cure accelerator
- Grade
- Technical
Formula diagram
Tertiary amine with two N-ethyl groups and a meta methyl
- Molecular formulaC11H17N
- Molecular weight163.26 g/mol
- IUPAC nameN,N-Diethyl-3-methylaniline
- Functional groupsTertiary aromatic amine, alkyl
- CAS number91-67-8
Technical product information
Standard specification for Chelora Chemicals' technical grade N,N-Diethyl-m-toluidine. Custom-grade and bulk specifications are available on request.
| Chemical name | N,N-Diethyl-m-toluidine |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | DEMT, N,N-Diethyl-3-methylaniline, 3-Methyl-N,N-diethylaniline |
| CAS number | 91-67-8 |
| Molecular formula | C11H17N |
| Molecular weight | 163.26 g/mol |
| Assay (purity) | ≥ 99.0% |
| Appearance | Clear, colourless to pale yellow liquid |
| Density (20°C) | 0.915–0.930 g/cm³ |
| Boiling point | 228–232°C |
| Flash point | > 95°C (closed cup) |
| Residual secondary amine | ≤ 0.5% |
| Water content | ≤ 0.2% |
| Packaging | 200 kg drums, 1000 kg IBC |
| Shelf life | 12 months in sealed original packaging |
Applications of N,N-Diethyl-m-toluidine
Xanthene & rhodamine dyes
Condensed into xanthene chromophores for bright, strongly fluorescent colours.
Triarylmethane dyes
Feeds basic dye manufacture for paper, textiles, and inks.
Resin cure accelerator
Accelerates peroxide decomposition in acrylic, polyester, and structural adhesive systems.
Dental & bone cement systems
Used as a cure accelerator in self-curing acrylic formulations, to the appropriate grade.
Pigment intermediates
Applied in laked pigment manufacture from basic dye precursors.
Specialty chemicals
Used in photographic and optical chemical synthesis.
Why choose Chelora Chemicals
Every batch of N,N-Diethyl-m-toluidine is manufactured, tested, and documented to a standard that formulators and process chemists can build on with confidence — from first sample to full production volume.
Consistent purity
Assay controlled at ≥99% with residual secondary amine, colour, and water verified before dispatch.
Full documentation
COA, SDS, and regulatory data supplied with every shipment.
Flexible volumes
From 200 kg drums to IBC quantities, with samples on request.
Technical support
Process, handling, and compliance guidance from our chemistry team.
Storage and guidelines
- 01Store in tightly sealed original containers under a dry, inert atmosphere where possible.
- 02Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated store away from direct sunlight and heat.
- 03Protect from air and light — tertiary aromatic amines darken on oxidation.
- 04Segregate rigorously from organic peroxides and strong oxidising agents — the combination reacts vigorously.
- 05Use compatible containers: lined steel, stainless steel, or HDPE.
- 06Prevent any release to drains, surface water, or soil.
Handling precautions
DEMT is toxic by inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption. It is for industrial use by trained personnel only.
Aromatic amines are absorbed through intact skin and can affect the blood by forming methaemoglobin. Chemical-resistant gloves, coveralls, and eye protection are required.
Never store or mix directly with organic peroxides. The accelerating effect that makes this product useful in resin cure means direct contact with concentrated peroxide can be violent, and the two components must always be added separately to the resin.
Use local exhaust ventilation for decanting, charging, and heated operations.
Refer to the full Safety Data Sheet for exposure limits, incompatibilities, spill response, and first-aid measures before use.
Frequently asked questions
What is N,N-Diethyl-m-toluidine used for?
Two quite different things. In dye manufacture it builds xanthene and triarylmethane chromophores. In polymer processing it accelerates peroxide-initiated cure in acrylic and polyester resin systems.
How does it work as a cure accelerator?
Tertiary aromatic amines react with organic peroxides to generate free radicals at room temperature. That lets a resin cure without heating, which is the basis of self-curing acrylic and structural adhesive systems.
Why must it never be mixed directly with peroxide?
The same reaction that gives controlled cure in a resin becomes violent when amine and concentrated peroxide meet neat. Both are always added separately to the resin, never to each other, and they are stored apart.
How does DEMT differ from MEMT?
DEMT is a tertiary amine with both nitrogen positions alkylated; MEMT is a secondary amine with one N-H remaining. That changes the reactions available and the shade of the resulting dye, and only the tertiary amine works as a peroxide accelerator.
Why is residual secondary amine specified?
Partially alkylated material behaves differently in both applications, giving off-shade dye components and inconsistent cure kinetics. Controlling it protects performance.
Why does the liquid darken during storage?
Tertiary aromatic amines oxidise on contact with air and light. Nitrogen blanketing and cool, dark storage slow it, and moderate colour usually does not affect assay.
Is it soluble in water?
Practically insoluble. It dissolves readily in alcohols, esters, ethers, and aromatic hydrocarbons, and it is miscible with most resin systems.
What purity do you supply?
Standard grade is supplied at a minimum assay of 99% with residual secondary amine at or below 0.5% and water at or below 0.2%. Tighter specifications can be manufactured for cure-critical applications.
What packaging sizes are available?
200 kg drums and 1000 kg IBCs, with samples available for cure and shade trials.
Is DEMT hazardous?
Yes. It is toxic by several routes, absorbed through skin, and reacts vigorously with peroxides. Engineering controls, PPE, segregation, and the Safety Data Sheet all apply.
Do you provide a Certificate of Analysis?
Yes. Every batch is dispatched with a Certificate of Analysis and Safety Data Sheet covering assay, residual secondary amine, density, colour, water content, and appearance.