DETA (Diethylenetriamine) Epoxy Hardener

Diethylenetriamine (DETA) is a linear ethyleneamine with two primary amine groups and one secondary amine group. It is a clear, colorless liquid with a strong ammonia-like odor. DETA is widely used in chemical synthesis due to its reactivity, particularly in applications requiring amine functionalization.

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Description

Diethylenetriamine (DETA) is a linear ethyleneamine with two primary amine groups and one secondary amine group. It is a clear, colorless liquid with a strong ammonia-like odor. DETA is widely used in chemical synthesis due to its reactivity, particularly in applications requiring amine functionalization.

Key Features & Applications

  • Chemical Reactivity :
    • Acts as a versatile amine reactant for carboxylic acids, phosgenation, and epoxide curing
    • Has three amine groups (two primary, one secondary), enabling multiple reaction pathways
  • Applications :
    1. Epoxy Curing Agents : Accelerates curing in epoxy resins (similar to TETA but with higher vapor pressure)
    2. Decontaminating Agents : Used in formulations like DS2 for chemical decontamination
    3. CO₂ Capture : Reacts with CO₂ via one reaction site (compared to four in TETA), making it less efficient than TETA for this purpose
    4. Fuel & Lubricant Additives : Enhances performance in oil and fuel formulations
    5. Adsorbents : Used in zeolite-based adsorbents for hydrogen storage
  • Advantages :
    • Lower cost compared to TETA for certain applications.
    • Faster reaction kinetics due to higher vapor pressure

Technical Specifications

Chemical Identity

  • CAS Number : 111-40-0
  • Molecular Formula : C₄H₁₂N₄ (MW = 103.2 g/mol)
  • Synonyms : N’-(2-Aminoethyl)ethane-1,2-diamine

Physical Properties

PROPERTY

DETAILS

Appearance

Clear, colorless liquid

Viscosity

Not specified in sources, but likely moderate (similar to amines like TETA)

Melting Point

Not explicitly stated in sources (likely low, as amines are liquid at RT)

Boiling Point

~227°C (estimated based on similar amines; not explicitly stated)

Flash Point

Not specified in provided data

Density

~1.0 g/cm³ (assumed from similar amines)

Chemical Properties

  • pH (100% Solution) : Strongly alkaline (similar to TETA’s pH 13)
  • Solubility :
    • Water : Soluble.
    • Organic Solvents : Mixes with acetone, methanol, and ethanol

Safety & Handling

  • Odor : Strong ammonia-like smell
  • Flammability : Higher than TETA (exact classification not provided)
  • Handling Precautions :
    • Wear protective gear (gloves, goggles) due to skin/eye irritation.
    • Avoid inhalation of vapors.

DETA vs. TETA Comparison

ASPECT

DETA

TETA

Amine Groups

2 primary, 1 secondary

2 primary, 2 secondary

Vapor Pressure

Higher than TETA (less suitable for sensitive applications)

Lower (better for processes requiring minimal evaporation)

CO₂ Reactivity

1 reaction site

4 reaction sites (more effective for CO₂ capture)

Chelating Power

Weaker chelating agent

Stronger chelating agent (e.g., for copper)

Applications Table

APPLICATION

DETAILS

Epoxy Curing

Used in DGEBA epoxy systems; faster curing but less stable than TETA

CO₂ Capture

Less efficient than TETA but cost-effective for low-demand scenarios

Adsorbents

Enhances hydrogen storage in zeolite matrices

Decontamination

Key component in DS2 decontaminating agents

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