- ▸ Liquid imidazole accelerator/curing catalyst for epoxy resins and a latent epoxy curing agent in one-component formulations
- ▸ Used in anhydride-cured epoxy castings, electrical laminates and adhesives to speed cure
- ▸ Also serves as a catalyst/acid scavenger in polyurethane and silicone systems
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.
Request SDS →
1-Methylimidazole (NMI) is a versatile imidazole catalyst used in polyurethane (including trimerization), as an epoxy cure accelerator/curing agent, and as a base and intermediate. Identity: CAS 616-47-7.
What it is
1-Methylimidazole (CAS 616-47-7) is a liquid N-methyl imidazole. It is a strong nucleophilic base used across PU, epoxy and synthesis.
How it catalyzes
It catalyzes urethane and isocyanurate (trimerization) reactions in PU and accelerates/cures epoxy systems; it is also a common base and ligand in synthesis. Its imidazole nitrogen is highly nucleophilic.
Applications
NMI is used in polyurethane and PIR catalysis, epoxy curing/acceleration, and organic synthesis. Compare 1,2-dimethylimidazole and the reactive 1-(3-aminopropyl)imidazole.
Forms, grades and handling
NMI is supplied as a clear liquid in drums, IBCs and bulk. 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-Methylimidazole 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 | 616-47-7 |
| Molecular Formula | C4H6N2 |
| Molecular Weight | 82.10 g/mol |
| Handling | Refer to the current SDS |
Regulatory & registration requirements
- TSCA (US):
- REACH (EU):
- EC number: 210-484-7
Source: EPA TSCA Inventory (July 2025 release) · ECHA CHEM — retrieved 2026-07-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 1-methylimidazole (NMI) used for?
1-Methylimidazole (NMI, CAS 616-47-7) is a versatile imidazole catalyst used in polyurethane and isocyanurate (trimerization) catalysis, as an epoxy cure accelerator/curing agent, and as a base and intermediate in synthesis.
How is bulk 1-methylimidazole supplied and quoted?
RawSource supplies 1-methylimidazole 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-Methylimidazole (NMI)?
1-Methylimidazole (NMI) (CAS 616-47-7) 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 210-484-7).