N,N-Diethyl-m-toluamide, commonly known as DEET (CAS 134-62-3), is a highly effective insect repellent used in personal care products. DEET repels biting insects including mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and flies that can transmit diseases like malaria, Lyme disease, and Zika virus. It works by interfering with insects' olfactory receptors, making human presence difficult to detect.
Available in various concentrations, DEET is formulated into sprays, lotions, gels, and wipes for versatile protection in outdoor and high-risk environments. It's also used for treating clothing and gear, and is essential in military, occupational, and public health settings for preventing insect-borne diseases.
Item | Specification |
---|---|
Appearance | Colorless or light yellow liquid |
Assay | 99% |
Density at 25ºC | 0.992-1002 |
Refractive index at 25ºC | 1.520-1.524 |
Water% | ≤0.2 |
Color(Apha) | ≤100 |
DEET functions as an insect repellent by preventing biting insects from detecting and landing on human or animal skin. It interferes with insects' olfactory receptors that detect human chemical cues like carbon dioxide and body odor.
By masking these signals, DEET reduces insect landings and bites, providing protection against insect-borne diseases. As a repellent (not insecticide), DEET is safe for skin and clothing applications, making it essential for recreational and occupational use.
For high value products, air shipping and express delivery are recommended for safety.