BASFis extending its range of amine catalysts for polyurethane foam production with the introduction of Lupragen N 208. The new catalyst, a modern amine type, is intended for use in a wide variety of polyurethane (PU) foam applications where low emissions are a key performance requirement. Lupragen N 208 (chemical name: N,N,N'-trimethyl-N'-hydroxyethyl-bisamino ethylether, HE-TMAEE, CAS 83016-70-0) will be manufactured at the company’s Ludwigshafen Verbund site and supplied globally under the Lupragen brand.
Lupragen N 208 is a reactive catalyst that becomes firmly integrated into the polyurethane polymer network during foam formation. Once incorporated, it does not migrate out of the foam, which according to the company prevents the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with certain conventional catalysts. Lower VOC emissions can help limit unwanted effects such as odor in finished foam products. Owing to this property profile, the new catalyst is targeted at PU applications that must comply with strict low-VOC standards, including flexible foams for mattresses and upholstered furniture, as well as more rigid foams used in automotive interior components such as dashboards and armrests.
Reactive catalyst concept for low-VOC polyurethane foams
In polyurethane foam production, catalysts are used to control and accelerate the reactions between isocyanates and polyols that form the polymer matrix. Many established amine catalysts are non-reactive and can remain mobile in the foam structure, which in some cases may lead to emissions over time. BASF positions Lupragen N 208 as a reactive alternative. By chemically bonding into the polymer network during foam formation, the catalyst is designed to remain in the material, contributing to low VOC performance while maintaining the reactivity profile required in PU processing.
This approach is of particular interest for applications where manufacturers and brand owners face tightening requirements on indoor air quality and odor. In sectors such as bedding, upholstered furniture and vehicle interiors, low-VOC specifications have become an important selection criterion for materials and additives. The company indicates that Lupragen N 208 is suitable for both flexible foam systems, for example in mattresses and upholstery, and for more rigid formulations used in car interior parts.
Positioning within the Lupragen catalyst portfolio
Lupragen N 208 complements BASF’s existing amine catalysts marketed under the Lupragen name. The new product is presented as an addition to the company’s established blowing catalyst Lupragen N 205, which is based on bis(2-dimethylamino-ethyl)ether (BDMAEE). While Lupragen N 205 is used primarily to promote the blowing reaction that creates the cellular structure of foams, Lupragen N 208 provides an option for applications where low emissions from the finished foam are a primary requirement.
Commenting on the launch, Gereon Altenhoff, Product Manager PU Catalysts, Intermediates Europe at BASF, said: "We welcome Lupragen N 208 as new member in our portfolio of Lupragens to complement our existing blowing catalyst Lupragen N 205 (Bis(2-dimethylamino-ethyl)ether, BDMAEE). With this development we are responding to an increasing demand for low-VOC solutions from our customers." The introduction of the new reactive catalyst is therefore framed as a response to customer demand for solutions that support lower VOC emissions across different PU foam applications.
BASF’s amine catalyst capabilities for polyurethane
BASF is one of the major global producers of amines, including a broad selection of amine catalysts for polyurethane applications that are marketed under the Lupragen brand. In PU chemistry, the catalysts are typically tertiary amines, required to facilitate and control the key reactions between isocyanate and polyol components. By selecting appropriate catalysts and combinations, formulators can adjust the balance between gelling and blowing reactions, influencing cell structure, density, curing profile and processing behavior of the foam.
The company’s portfolio includes several amine catalysts that, like Lupragen N 208, are specifically designed to help minimize emissions from polyurethane foams. These products are intended to support producers in meeting regulatory requirements and customer specifications on VOC emissions, odor levels and indoor air quality. With Lupragen N 208 now added to the range, BASF broadens the options available to foam manufacturers who are optimizing their formulations for low-emission performance while maintaining process efficiency and foam properties.
BASF adds a modern amine catalyst, Lupragen N 208, to its portfolio of Lupragen amine catalysts to produce polyurethanes (PU) foams (Photo: Generated with AI)
