- ▸ Imidazole catalyst for rigid and semi-rigid polyurethane/PIR foam
- ▸ Latent/accelerator catalyst for epoxy curing systems
- ▸ Drives crosslink formation with low odor
A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.
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1,2-Dimethylimidazole (1,2-DMI) is an imidazole catalyst and epoxy accelerator — a low-odor, less-volatile dimethyl imidazole used in polyurethane trimerization and as an epoxy curing accelerator. Identity: CAS 1739-84-0.
What it is
1,2-Dimethylimidazole (CAS 1739-84-0) is a solid/low-melting imidazole. The 2-methyl group raises stability and lowers volatility versus 1-methylimidazole.
How it catalyzes
It catalyzes isocyanurate trimerization and urethane reactions and accelerates/cures epoxy systems, with lower volatility and odor than NMI — useful in latent epoxy and PIR systems.
Applications
1,2-DMI is used in polyurethane/PIR catalysis and epoxy curing (accelerator/latent cure). Compare 1-methylimidazole.
Forms, grades and handling
1,2-DMI is supplied as a solid/low-melting product in bags and drums. Properties are typical reference values; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot you buy governs. Amine catalysts are typically corrosive and have a strong odor — handle per the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS). Each lot ships with CoA, TDS and SDS.
Bulk supply and RFQ
RawSource sources 1,2-Dimethylimidazole direct from producers in bulk, with CoA, TDS and SDS per lot. Tell us your system (flexible/rigid foam, CASE), the reaction balance you need (gel vs blow), and any low-emission requirement, and we will quote the right catalyst or blend. See the full range and gel/blow selection logic in the polyurethane catalysts guide.
Typical Properties
Typical reference values, not a specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot governs.
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical / class | Imidazole catalyst (PU / epoxy) |
| Catalyst action | General catalyst (PU / epoxy) |
| CAS Number | 1739-84-0 |
| Molecular Formula | C5H8N2 |
| Molecular Weight | 96.13 g/mol |
| Handling | Refer to the current SDS |
Regulatory & registration requirements
- TSCA (US):
- REACH (EU):
- EC number: 217-101-2
Source: EPA TSCA Inventory (July 2025 release) · ECHA CHEM — retrieved 2026-07-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 1,2-dimethylimidazole (1,2-DMI) used for?
1,2-Dimethylimidazole (CAS 1739-84-0) is an imidazole catalyst for polyurethane/PIR trimerization and an epoxy curing accelerator, with lower volatility and odor than 1-methylimidazole.
How is bulk 1,2-dimethylimidazole supplied and quoted?
RawSource supplies 1,2-dimethylimidazole in bulk with CoA, TDS and SDS per lot. Pricing is quote-based on grade and volume; submit an RFQ with your PU system and the gel/blow balance you need.
What is the REACH and TSCA regulatory status of 1,2-Dimethylimidazole (1,2-DMI)?
1,2-Dimethylimidazole (1,2-DMI) (CAS 1739-84-0) is subject to U.S. TSCA Inventory requirements; supplying it into the EU requires valid REACH registration ((EC) No 1907/2006). RawSource cannot verify a third-party supplier's registrations — buyers should require documented TSCA and REACH compliance for their jurisdiction and volume (EC 217-101-2).