1,3-Bis[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]urea
[CAS# 52338-87-1]

Identification

• Classification: Organic raw materials >> Amino compound >> Acyclic monoamines, polyamines and their derivatives and salts
• Name: 1,3-Bis[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]urea
• Synonyms: N,N'-Bis[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]urea
• Molecular Formula: C₁₁H₂₆N₄O
• Molecular Weight: 230.35
• CAS Registry Number: 52338-87-1
• EC Number: 257-861-2
• SMILES: CN(C)CCCNC(=O)NCCCN(C)C

Properties

• Solubility: Very slightly soluble (0.28 g/L) (25 °C), Calc.^*
• Density: 0.962±0.06 g/cm³ (20 °C 760 Torr), Calc.^*

^* Calculated using Advanced Chemistry Development (ACD/Labs) Software V11.02 (©1994-2013 ACD/Labs)

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS05;GHS07 Danger
• Risk Statements: H315-H317-H318-H319-H412
• Safety Statements: P261-P264-P264+P265-P272-P273-P280-P302+P352-P305+P351+P338-P305+P354+P338-P317-P321-P332+P317-P333+P317-P337+P317-P362+P364-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Serious eye damage	Eye Dam.	1	H318
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	3	H412
Skin sensitization	Skin Sens.	1	H317
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Skin corrosion	Skin Corr.	1C	H314

Discovery and Applications

1,3-Bis[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]urea, commonly referred to as BDPU, is a chemical compound that belongs to the urea family. Its structure consists of a urea backbone with two dimethylamino propyl groups attached, which imparts it with unique chemical properties. This compound was discovered during investigations into novel curing agents and catalysts for industrial polymer production. Researchers focused on improving the performance of materials by enhancing their chemical reactivity and physical properties through the introduction of multifunctional compounds.

The discovery of 1,3-Bis[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]urea occurred as part of efforts to optimize curing agents in the production of polyurethane foams and elastomers. Traditional catalysts often exhibit limitations in terms of their activity or compatibility with different polymer systems. BDPU emerged as an effective solution, providing both catalytic activity and improved flexibility in controlling the curing process. Its dual functionality, combining basicity from the dimethylamino groups with the stability of the urea structure, made it particularly attractive for large-scale applications.

The primary application of 1,3-Bis[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]urea lies in the polymer industry, where it serves as an efficient catalyst in the production of polyurethane foams, elastomers, and coatings. Its ability to accelerate the polymerization process without compromising the material’s structural integrity is particularly valuable for manufacturers seeking to improve production efficiency. In addition, BDPU enhances the mechanical properties of the resulting polymers, such as flexibility, toughness, and resistance to environmental factors, making it ideal for a wide range of end-use applications, including automotive parts, construction materials, and insulation.

In coatings, 1,3-Bis[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]urea is employed as a curing agent for epoxy resins. It promotes faster cross-linking, leading to improved thermal and chemical resistance in the final product. This makes BDPU a preferred choice in the formulation of high-performance coatings used in industrial and marine environments, where durability and resistance to corrosion are critical.

Moreover, the compound’s versatility extends to its use in adhesives and sealants. It acts as a curing accelerator, improving the speed and effectiveness of bonding processes. This is particularly beneficial in applications where rapid assembly is required, such as in automotive and aerospace industries. The compound ensures strong, durable bonds that can withstand mechanical stress and temperature variations.

Researchers have also explored the potential of 1,3-Bis[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]urea in other areas of organic chemistry, where it serves as a base or catalyst in various synthetic reactions. Its nucleophilic nature makes it suitable for processes such as alkylations, acylations, and the formation of heterocycles. The compound’s chemical stability allows it to be used in a wide range of solvent systems, further enhancing its applicability in diverse chemical environments.

References

2018. The Chemical and Products Database, a resource for exposure-relevant data on chemicals in consumer products. Scientific Data, 5.
DOI: 10.1038/sdata.2018.125