DMAP has two distinct advantages as a catalyst - it enhances the yield and rate of reactions and it allows sensitive reactions to be carried out under milder conditions thereby reducing unwanted side effects, e.g., racemization.

Typically, DMAP is used at a molar ratio of 20:1 (substrate to DMAP). At the same time, it is often necessary, particularly in more difficult acylations, to use an equimolar amount of auxiliary acid acceptor to remove by-product acid as it is formed. In these cases, an alkyl amine (with or without a suitable co-solvent, if desired) can be employed. Employing techniques well known to those skilled in the art, DMAP can be recovered almost quantitatively at the completion of reaction.

DMAP's mode of action in the form of a general mechanism has been reported. It should be noted though that, while this mechanism supposes nucleophilic catalysis, general base catalysis by DMAP is also known.

Reilly's EASY-FLO^® DMAP has been available for many years. It is generally acknowledged to be the preferred form of DMAP for use in production processes because its unique, patented physical form makes its handling safer and easier.

Reported instances of DMAP's use in research and in practice number in the thousands. To see a few examples of reported use of DMAP click on the hyperlinks below. For a more in depth picture of DMAP's versatility  please