Dimethylethanolamine

Dimethylethanolamine
IUPAC name	2-(dimethylamino)ethanol
Other names	dimethylamino ethanol Deanol
Identifiers
Abbreviations	DMAE
CAS number	108-01-0 Y
SMILES	CN(C)CCO
Properties
Molecular formula	C4H11NO
Molar mass	89.14 g/mol
Density	0.89 g/mL
Melting point	-70 °C
Boiling point	133–134 °C
Y (what is this?)  (verify) Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

Dimethylaminoethanol, also known as DMAE or dimethylethanolamine, is an organic compound. This compound also goes by the names of N,N-dimethyl-2-aminoethanol, beta-dimethylaminoethyl alcohol, beta-hydroxyethyldimethylamine and Deanol. It is a liquid with a color that ranges from clear to pale-yellow.

Industrial uses

Dimethylaminoethanol is used as a curing agent for polyurethanes and epoxy resins. It is also used in mass quantities for water treatment, and to some extent in the coatings industry. It is used in the synthesis of dyestuffs, textile auxiliaries, pharmaceuticals, emulsifiers, and corrosion inhibitors. It is also an additive to paint removers, boiler water and amino resins. It forms a number of salts with melting points below room temperature (ionic liquids) such as N,N-dimethylethanolammonium acetate and N,N-dimethylethanolammonium octanoate, which have been used as alternatives to conventional solvents^{[citation needed]}.

Biochemical precursor

Dimethylaminoethanol is related to choline and is a biochemical precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, and found naturally in fish like sardines and anchovies. It is reported to have nootropic effects, although research on this chemical has found both positive and negative potential results.

It is believed that dimethylaminoethanol is methylated to produce choline in the brain^[1]. It is known that dimethylaminoethanol is processed by the liver into choline; however, the choline molecule is charged and cannot pass the blood-brain barrier.^{[citation needed]}

Research

Short-term studies have shown an increase in vigilance and alertness, with a positive influence on mood.^[2] Research for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been promising, though inconclusive.^[3] Long-term studies are equivocal. Some showed dimethylaminoethanol to increase the lifespan of animals in which it was tested, while others indicate a possible reduction in the average life span of quail.^[4]

See also

• Ethanolamine
• Methylethanolamine

References

Studies

• Earliest research

  Pfeiffer CC, Jenney EH, Gallagher W, et al. (September 1957). "Stimulant effect of 2-dimethylaminoethanol; possible precursor of brain acetylcholine". Science 126 (3274): 610–1. PMID 13467254. http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=13467254. 

• As a treatment for tardive dyskinesia

  Haug BA, Holzgraefe M (1991). "Orofacial and respiratory tardive dyskinesia: potential side effects of 2-dimethylaminoethanol (deanol)?". Eur. Neurol. 31 (6): 423–5. PMID 1756771. 

• As an unsuccessful treatment for Alzheimer's disease

  Fisman M, Mersky H, Helmes E (July 1981). "Double-blind trial of 2-dimethylaminoethanol in Alzheimer's disease". Am J Psychiatry 138 (7): 970–2. PMID 7020434. http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=7020434.