Dimethylethanolamine (DMAE or DMEA) is an organic compound with the formula . It is bifunctional, containing both a tertiary amine and primary alcohol functional groups. It is a colorless viscous liquid. It is used in skin care products for improving skin tone and also taken orally as a nootropic. It is prepared by the ethoxylation of dimethylamine. Industrial uses Dimethylaminoethanol is used as a curing agent for polyurethanes and epoxy resins. It is a precursor to other chemicals, such as the nitrogen mustard 2-dimethylaminoethyl chloride. The acrylate ester is used as a flocculating agent. Related compounds are used in gas purification, e.g. removal of hydrogen sulfide from sour gas streams. Nutraceutical uses The bitartrate salt of DMAE, i.e. N,N-dimethylethanolamine bitartrate, is sold as a dietary supplement. It is a white powder providing 37% DMAE. Animal tests show possible benefit for improving spatial memory and working memory. See also Choline Diphenhydramine Doxylamine Ethanolamine Meclofenoxate (Centrophenoxine) Orphenadrine References Dimethylamino compounds Primary alcohols Cholinergics Nootropics Corrosion inhibitors Ethanolamines