Dimethylamine and C12–14 Alkyldimethylamine on a Purchase Order

China Amines Co., Limited

An inquiry comes in for “DMA,” while the project brief mentions a surfactant intermediate. Which material should the supplier quote? A three-letter abbreviation can save space in an email, but the full chemical name saves a round of calls before the order ships.

The two names describe different chemicals

Dimethylamine (CAS 124-40-3) is a secondary amine. Its nitrogen is bonded to two methyl groups and one hydrogen.

C12–14 alkyldimethylamine is a fatty tertiary amine intermediate. Its nitrogen is bonded to two methyl groups and a longer alkyl chain. The European Chemicals Agency lists Amines, C12-14-alkyldimethyl under CAS 84649-84-3. Eastman identifies its DIMLA™ 1214 grade as a feedstock for making amine oxides, quaternary ammonium compounds and betaines.

Put the material identity on the order line

Imagine a buyer copying “DMA” from an old purchase order into a request for a new amine oxide project. The project team expects the C12–14 fatty tertiary amine, while the supplier may read the abbreviation as dimethylamine. Writing out the chemical name gives both teams a clear basis for the quote.

For dimethylamine, specify the required form and, for an aqueous grade, the target concentration. For C12–14 alkyldimethylamine, specify the intended derivative and any agreed limits for the grade, including the C12/C14 distribution if your process requires it. Use the same full name and grade on the inquiry, order acknowledgment and receiving record. Check the offered product’s safety data sheet when confirming its identity.

Request the grade your process needs

When contacting China Amines, include the full chemical name, target grade or concentration, quantity and delivery destination. If your team uses an internal abbreviation, include the full name on the same line so both sides can confirm the material before quoting.

Technical references

• NIST Chemistry WebBook — Dimethylamine

• European Chemicals Agency — Amines, C12-14-alkyldimethyl

• Eastman — DIMLA™ 1214 product information