The tertiary aliphatic diisocyanate TMXDI® (META) is designed for use in the synthesis of solvent-free, water-based, low-VOC polyurethane dispersions (PUDs) that are stable and easy to work with for improved manufacturing efficiency. These PUDs are used to prepare light stable, water-based coatings, adhesives and inks with excellent durability and adhesion, even to difficult substrates – performance that equals or exceeds solvent-based systems.