BASF introduces low-VOC polyurethane catalyst Lupragen N 208

• Modern catalyst to meet stringent low VOC standards

• Broadly applicable for production of flexible, semi-rigid and rigid foams

• Reactive version of blowing catalyst Lupragen N 205

Ludwigshafen, Germany, December 8, 2025 – BASF is adding a modern amine catalyst, Lupragen N 208, to its portfolio of Lupragen amine catalysts for the production of polyurethane (PU) foams. Lupragen N 208 (chemical name: N,N,N'-trimethyl-N'-hydroxyethyl-bisamino ethylether, HE-TMAEE, CAS 83016-70-0) will be produced at BASF’s Ludwigshafen Verbund site and will be marketed worldwide under the Lupragen trademark.

As a reactive catalyst, Lupragen N 208 is firmly integrated into the PU polymer network during foam production; thus it cannot escape from the foam afterwards. This prevents the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can cause unwanted effects such as odor. Overall, this property makes Lupragen N 208 particularly suitable for the manufacture of PU products for applications in which stringent low VOC standards must be met. Examples range from flexible foams for mattresses and upholstery to more rigid foams for automotive interiors such as dashboards or armrests.

“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,” says Gereon Altenhoff, Product Manager PU Catalysts, Intermediates Europe, BASF.

BASF offering one of the broadest amine catalyst portfolios

BASF is a leading producer of amines globally, including a broad portfolio of amine catalysts for PU marketed under the Lupragen brand. PU catalysts are typically tertiary amines, which are required to facilitate the reaction of the main components, isocyanate and polyol. Depending on the choice of catalyst, the PU forming process can be controlled to enhance the gelling or blowing reaction. BASF’s portfolio of amine catalysts includes several products, such as Lupragen N 208, which are designed to support customers in the polyurethane industry in their efforts to minimize emissions from foams.