N,N-Dimethylaminoethanol bitartrate shows up in many labs and chemical supply lists as a salt form of N,N-Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE). Used mainly in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries, this compound pops up in research, synthesis, and formulation as both a structural building block and a process intermediate. The bitartrate version takes a liquid amine and transforms it into a stable, solid, easy-to-handle form. That stability, along with measurable purity and a defined crystalline structure, brings practicality to industries that need reliable, repeatable chemical reactions. People working with it regularly see it as a trustworthy raw material for both product development and scale-up work.
The molecular formula C6H15NO3·C4H6O6 combines the DMAE base with L-tartaric acid, forming a double salt that balances positive and negative ion charges. The presence of two methyl groups on the amine enhances solubility in water and polar solvents. The bitartrate counterion keeps it solid over a wide temperature range, protecting against easy oxidation or decomposition. Chemists can distinguish this compound by its molecular weight of about 301.29 g/mol, which influences dosing, reaction yield calculations, and handling equipment requirements. The tartaric acid component makes the crystals hygroscopic, but under proper storage conditions, the material stays free-flowing and pure for extended periods. Under a microscope or with X-ray diffraction equipment, the compound reveals a tightly packed, monoclinic crystal habit.
You’ll find N,N-Dimethylaminoethanol bitartrate sold most often as a white to off-white crystalline powder, but it can show up as small flakes or pearls depending on the drying and crystallization process. At room temperature, it feels dry and stable, without obvious odor. Its density sits around 1.2–1.3 g/cm³, so it handles like many other organic salts. In the lab, chemists measure its melting point just over 180°C, higher than most simple organic amines, hinting at how the bitartrate component increases stiffness and solidity. That feature helps during transportation and storage, making it less likely to spill or volatilize. Its solubility in water is high—over 100 g/L at room temperature—so chemists can whip up concentrated aqueous solutions in minimal time. In alcohols or acetone, it dissolves less freely, but plenty well for lab-scale work. If you touch it, it clings to gloves with a bit of static and packs densely in jars and bottles, which is handy for weighing and measuring in crowded storerooms.
Suppliers typically guarantee purity of 98% or higher, measured by high-performance liquid chromatography or titration. Heavy metals, water content, and insoluble matter limits appear on certificates of analysis to reassure customers of batch-to-batch consistency. Standard packaging weighs out from 500 grams up to 25 kilograms, always in sealed, moisture-proof containers. For import and export, this chemical uses HS Code 2922.19, capturing it within the broader set of amino-alcohol and derivatives for customs reporting and international regulation. Batches tracked by lot number and production date make tracing possible in the supply chain—critical for pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals.
Every chemical worker knows that a white powder doesn’t mean safe and inert. N,N-Dimethylaminoethanol bitartrate should be handled with basic PPE—gloves, goggles, dust mask—since dust can irritate the nose and throat. Inhalation or swallowing can cause nausea and headaches, and repeated exposure might dry or irritate skin. The compound isn’t classified as highly hazardous under most global chemical regulations, but it’s not harmless: People working in pharmaceutical or coatings labs learn to store it in a cool, dry spot, away from acids, oxidizing agents, or food. Workplace safety data sheets make clear that spills should be swept, not blown, to avoid fine particles lingering in the air. During disposal, it shouldn’t wind up in general landfill or sink but needs controlled, chemical waste-handling procedures. Fire risk is minimal compared to volatile amines, but if it ever enters a fire, it could break down to nasty fumes, requiring evacuation or protective response. In daily routine, good labeling and dedicated chemical storage cut down on risk and make compliance checks go smoothly during inspections.
N,N-Dimethylaminoethanol bitartrate has become a steady presence in both research labs and production facilities. Its main draw is as a raw material or intermediate: Chemists migrate to it for synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients, especially those involving choline analogues or intermediates in cognitive-enhancer formulation. In material science, its role in modifying polymer properties or serving as a pH buffer has led to plenty of proprietary uses, particularly where precise, reproducible chemistry matters. Some developers look for batch-to-batch stability, others for ease of mixing into aqueous solutions. And since the bitartrate salt lowers volatility and improves shelf life, it does its job with less odor and fuss than liquid amines, something every lab technician with a sensitive nose comes to appreciate. Many safety officers rely on its well-documented handling properties to keep day-to-day operations clean and manageable.
The steady need to balance safety and productivity always puts focus on chemicals like N,N-Dimethylaminoethanol bitartrate. People in the field push for regular air quality checks and double-check PPE rules, keeping teams healthy and aware of dust exposure. Strong labeling, updated training, and investment in sealed storage bins all help prevent unnecessary risks. On a broader scale, tracking disposal and making certain waste handling meets environmental standards limits harm to both workers and the planet. Ongoing research into less hazardous substitutes or improved recycling of bitartrate residues can offer future improvements, but right now, best practices rely on keeping everything in order—clean workspaces, good labeling, careful procurement, and strict attention to storage conditions. In my own lab work, clear checklists and open safety briefings kept everyone on the same page, building trust and accountability where it matters most.
Working with N,N-Dimethylaminoethanol bitartrate means knowing its characteristics inside and out—from its solid, crystalline form and reliable solubility to its manageable safety profile. The industries using it depend on clear information, reliable supply, and strict adherence to safety. With product demand holding steady in pharmaceuticals, materials research, and synthesis, the need for good chemical stewardship keeps growing. Solid documentation, real-world safety practices, and open communication about both hazards and benefits remain the foundation for productive, responsible chemical use.
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