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 :
- Epoxy Curing Agents : Accelerates curing in epoxy resins (similar to TETA but with higher vapor pressure)
- Decontaminating Agents : Used in formulations like DS2 for chemical decontamination
- CO₂ Capture : Reacts with CO₂ via one reaction site (compared to four in TETA), making it less efficient than TETA for this purpose
- Fuel & Lubricant Additives : Enhances performance in oil and fuel formulations
- 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 |
