Dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA) Supplier South Africa

What Is DMAPA?

Dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA) is a bifunctional amine containing a tertiary dimethylamino group and a primary propylamine group. It is an intermediate in the synthesis of cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) — the most widely used amphoteric surfactant in personal care and mild cleaning formulations — and of other amidoamine and betaine surfactants. DMAPA condenses with coconut oil fatty acids to form the amidoamine intermediate, which is then quaternised with sodium monochloroacetate to yield CAPB.

Role in Amphoteric Surfactant Production

Amphoteric surfactants derived from DMAPA are prized for their mildness and compatibility with both cationic and anionic systems. CAPB synthesised from DMAPA and coconut oil is the standard mild co-surfactant in baby shampoos, sensitive-skin body washes, and mild hand soaps, reducing the irritancy of the primary anionic surfactant system. DMAPA-derived surfactants are also used as corrosion inhibitors and anti-static agents in industrial cleaning formulations.

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DMAPA is flammable (flash point ~34°C) and a strong primary amine; it is corrosive to skin and mucous membranes and requires appropriate storage and handling precautions. Terracore Chemicals supplies DMAPA in drums to surfactant manufacturers, specialty chemical blenders, and research institutions, with full MSDS documentation and compliance paperwork for chemical intermediates.