Diethylenetriamine Anhydrous, commonly abbreviated DETA and also called bis(2-aminoethyl)amine, is an aliphatic polyamine with CAS 111-40-0 and formula C4H13N3, used in epoxy curing and the manufacture of functional chemical intermediates. Its two primary amine groups and one secondary amine group provide a combination of reactive hydrogen atoms, basicity and metal-binding sites. Through epoxy ring opening, condensation or coordination, the triamine can form crosslinked networks, modified amines or metal complexes according to the reaction system.
CAS No: 111-40-0
EC No: 203-865-4
Molecular formula: C4H13N3
Molecular weight: 103.17 g/mol
Appearance: Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Ammonia-like or amine-like
Boiling point: Approximately 207 °C at atmospheric pressure
Density: Approximately 0.95-0.96 g/cm³ near 20 °C
Water solubility: Completely miscible
Flash point: Approximately 96.7 °C, closed cup
WHAT IS DIETHYLENETRIAMINE ANHYDROUS?
Diethylenetriamine Anhydrous (DETA) is a water-controlled liquid ethyleneamine used as a reactive epoxy hardener and building block for polyamidoamines, chelating agents and other industrial derivatives. Bis(2-aminoethyl)amine, CAS 111-40-0, is a defined low-molecular-weight triamine rather than a ready-made blend of formulated hardeners.
The free amine can react directly with a compatible epoxy resin. In other applications, DETA is first converted into a derivative that performs the final function, such as a polyamidoamine resin or fatty-acid-derived corrosion inhibitor. Properties of the derivative must not automatically be assigned to the unreacted starting amine.
Commercial manufacture separates DETA from ethyleneamine production streams and controls composition through purification and water removal. Established process families include ethylene-dichloride/ammonia chemistry, while ethylene-oxide-based technologies also produce selected ethyleneamines. The production route does not by itself establish the delivered impurity profile.
Anhydrous describes the intended water-controlled supply form, not an unconditional statement of zero water. Published industrial examples specify a minimum assay of 98.5 % and a maximum water content of 0.5 %, while another offered specification may be tighter. Agree the actual water limit before selecting the material for a moisture-sensitive process.
Pure DETA, an aqueous solution, an amine salt, an epoxy adduct and a polyamidoamine hardener are different supply forms. Ethylenediamine, triethylenetetramine, diethanolamine and diethylene glycol are also different chemicals, despite similar names or overlapping applications.
COMMON PRODUCT & CHEMICAL NAMES OF DIETHYLENETRIAMINE ANHYDROUS:
Diethylenetriamine anhydrous
Diethylenetriamine
Diethylene triamine
DETA
Bis(2-aminoethyl)amine
2,2'-Diaminodiethylamine
1,4,7-Triazaheptane
N-(2-Aminoethyl)ethane-1,2-diamine
1,2-Ethanediamine, N-(2-aminoethyl)-
dien
DETA is the common industrial abbreviation, while dien is often used in coordination chemistry. The systematic names describe the same linear triamine. Anhydrous identifies a supply condition and does not change the CAS number of the free base.
Names for salts, resin-bound materials or formulated curing agents should not be used as direct synonyms for neat DETA. A trade designation or an analytical code also does not establish the active hydrogen equivalent weight of a modified product.
CAS NO, EC / EINECS NO AND CHEMICAL IDENTIFICATION OF DIETHYLENETRIAMINE ANHYDROUS
Product name: Diethylenetriamine Anhydrous
Common abbreviation: DETA
Chemical name: Bis(2-aminoethyl)amine
Alternative name: N-(2-Aminoethyl)ethane-1,2-diamine
CAS No: 111-40-0
EC / EINECS No: 203-865-4
Molecular formula: C4H13N3
Molecular weight: 103.17 g/mol
Chemical class: Linear aliphatic ethyleneamine, polyamine
Amine functionality: Two primary amines and one secondary amine
Main functions: Reactive hardener, synthesis intermediate and coordinating ligand
Identity numbers do not define water, residual ethyleneamines, color or application performance. REACH registration information exists for diethylenetriamine, but supply-chain coverage and identified uses must be confirmed for the offered product and destination market.
CHEMICAL STRUCTURE AND MOLECULAR PROPERTIES OF DIETHYLENETRIAMINE ANHYDROUS
The linear structure is H2N-CH2-CH2-NH-CH2-CH2-NH2. The terminal nitrogens are primary amines and the middle nitrogen is a secondary amine. Nitrogen lone pairs provide basicity and coordination sites, while the molecule has five N-H hydrogen atoms available in the ideal epoxy-stoichiometry calculation.
Using a molecular weight of 103.17 g/mol gives a theoretical amine hydrogen equivalent weight of approximately 20.63 g/eq, commonly rounded to 20.6 g/eq. This is not the molecular weight, total amine value or number of nitrogen atoms. Commercial mixtures or chemically modified hardeners require their own effective equivalent weights.
Water affinity and protonation behavior make the triamine readily compatible with aqueous systems. Its basicity depends on concentration and protonation state, and the pH of an aqueous solution should not be presented as the pH of neat DETA.
HOW DOES DIETHYLENETRIAMINE ANHYDROUS WORK AT THE MOLECULAR LEVEL?
In an epoxy system, primary and secondary amine hydrogens participate in addition reactions that open epoxide rings and form carbon-nitrogen bonds and hydroxyl groups. Multifunctional components build a network as conversion progresses. DETA is therefore a reactive hardener, not merely a catalyst that can always be dosed at a trace level.
With suitable carboxylic acids, the polyamine can form amide-containing products under a controlled manufacturing process. Such derivatives can have different viscosity, free-amine content, compatibility and final functions from the original triamine.
As a ligand, bis(2-aminoethyl)amine can coordinate metal ions through nitrogen atoms. The resulting complex can remain dissolved, so complexation alone is not proof of metal removal from water. A separation step and a verified metal balance are needed for a removal claim.
Principal functions:
Epoxy crosslinking through reactive amine hydrogens
Building-block chemistry for polyamidoamines and functional derivatives
Acid-base reactions and salt formation
Metal coordination and chelating-agent manufacture
Temperature, water, stoichiometry, acidity and the other reagents affect the result. Mixing with water, acids or reactive resin systems can release heat, requiring controlled process design rather than an assumption of passive dilution.
PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF DIETHYLENETRIAMINE ANHYDROUS
Representative technical characteristics:
Physical appearance: Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid
Chemical character: Basic, hygroscopic aliphatic polyamine
Molecular formula: C4H13N3
Molecular weight: 103.17 g/mol
Assay: A published industrial example specifies at least 98.5 % w/w
Water: The same example specifies at most 0.5 % w/w
Color: The same example specifies at most 30 Hazen
Density: Approximately 0.95-0.96 g/cm³ near 20 °C
Boiling point: Approximately 207 °C at atmospheric pressure
Freezing behavior: Supplier examples report approximately -39 to -35 °C
Flash point: Approximately 96.7 °C, closed cup
Water compatibility: Completely miscible
Aqueous pH: Greater than 12 for a published 100 g/L solution at 20 °C
Theoretical amine hydrogen equivalent weight: Approximately 20.6 g/eq
Assay and water are separate acceptance criteria. A normalized chromatographic purity result does not necessarily account for moisture in the same way as a mass-based composition measurement. Specify the method, reporting basis and maximum water before interpreting an anhydrous declaration.
Color is a useful appearance control but does not establish reactivity by itself. Oxygen exposure, contamination and storage history can affect appearance. If a batch changes color, compare composition, water and performance rather than accepting or rejecting solely on a visual impression.
Basicity, total amine value and active hydrogen equivalent weight answer different questions. A titration may not distinguish DETA from all other basic impurities, while epoxy stoichiometry depends on the reactive mixture as a whole. A modified hardener cannot inherit the neat-molecule value without supporting data.
Density and solution viscosity should be measured at stated temperatures. Published neat-liquid properties are not guaranteed values for an aqueous solution, salt or adduct. The boiling point likewise does not define a safe temperature for every reactive mixture.
These reference properties and example limits do not replace a purchase specification. For the offered assay, water, color, impurity profile and analytical methods, please contact Ataman Kimya.
EPOXY STOICHIOMETRY AND EXOTHERM WITH DIETHYLENETRIAMINE ANHYDROUS
For a neat hardener with AHEW 20.6 g/eq and an epoxy component with EEW 190 g/eq, the nominal stoichiometric requirement is 100 × 20.6 / 190, approximately 10.84 parts DETA per 100 parts epoxy resin by mass. This is a resin-based ratio, not 10.84 % of the combined mixture.
Reactive diluents contribute epoxy equivalents and must be included in the calculation. Nonreactive fillers add mixture mass but do not consume amine hydrogen in the same way as epoxide groups. Water or other nonreactive components in the hardener also change the relationship between the neat theoretical value and the supplied material.
Amine-epoxy curing releases heat. Pot life and peak temperature depend on batch size, starting temperature, mixing geometry and heat removal, so a small trial does not establish safe behavior in a large vessel or thick casting. Establish the cure schedule through measured conversion and properties rather than assuming a fixed time for every application.
SECTORS AND INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS OF DIETHYLENETRIAMINE ANHYDROUS
Main areas of use:
Epoxy coatings, adhesives and resin systems
Polyamidoamines and modified curing agents
Paper wet-strength resin manufacture
Chelating agents and ion-exchange materials
Oilfield and lubricant-additive intermediates
Specialized synthesis and coordination chemistry
DIETHYLENETRIAMINE ANHYDROUS IN EPOXY SYSTEMS
Purpose: Form a cured network from a compatible epoxy component.
Function: Supply reactive amine hydrogen equivalents.
Performance effect: Can develop hardness, adhesion and chemical resistance after an appropriate cure.
Limitations: Exotherm, pot life, surface condition, stoichiometry and complete cure must be validated.
DIETHYLENETRIAMINE ANHYDROUS IN POLYAMIDOAMINE AND PAPER-RESIN MANUFACTURE
Purpose: Introduce amine functionality into a manufactured derivative.
Function: React as a building block in controlled polymer chemistry.
Performance effect: The resulting resin can provide targeted curing or paper wet-strength behavior.
Limitations: Free-amine residues, by-products and finished-resin requirements need separate control.
DIETHYLENETRIAMINE ANHYDROUS IN CHELATION AND WATER-RELATED CHEMISTRY
Purpose: Prepare metal-binding systems and functional materials.
Function: Coordinate ions or provide a precursor for a more complex chelating agent.
Performance effect: Can support controlled complexation in a designed process.
Limitations: Complexation may retain metals in solution, so removal efficiency and discharge cannot be assumed.
DIETHYLENETRIAMINE ANHYDROUS IN OILFIELD AND LUBRICANT INTERMEDIATES
Purpose: Manufacture functional amine derivatives.
Function: Provide reactive nitrogen sites for selected transformations.
Performance effect: Appropriate derivatives can contribute dispersancy or corrosion-control behavior.
Limitations: Neat DETA is not interchangeable with a formulated inhibitor and can attack unsuitable equipment materials.
COSMETIC, FOOD AND PHARMACEUTICAL CONTEXT OF DIETHYLENETRIAMINE ANHYDROUS
The industrial triamine is primarily a reactive raw material. This page does not propose a direct cosmetic ingredient formulation or a medicinal dose. Use of a DETA-derived material in personal care or pharmaceutical development does not establish that unreacted DETA is suitable for application to skin or administration.
Food-related references require particular care. The FDA inventory lists diethylenetriamine in specified regulations for applications such as ion-exchange membranes, adhesives and paper or polymer systems. These are conditional uses of defined materials, not permission to add bulk DETA directly to food.
For example, 21 CFR 173.20 addresses a specified ion-exchange membrane and its manufacturing and extraction requirements. The mere presence of the amine's name in a food-related database does not provide an E number or a universal food-grade claim.
In pharmaceutical chemistry, the polyamine can be a synthetic building block. Residual-amine control, impurity assessment and finished-product requirements belong to the actual manufacturing route. Industrial supply and a correct identity number do not establish pharmaceutical excipient suitability.
WHICH PROBLEMS CAN DIETHYLENETRIAMINE ANHYDROUS HELP SOLVE?
An epoxy component requiring reactive crosslinking
DETA supplies active hydrogen, but the resin-equivalent balance and cure conditions must be selected correctly.
A need for multiple nitrogen functions in an intermediate
The linear triamine offers primary and secondary sites for controlled derivatization, which can also make unwanted side reactions possible.
Uncontrolled batch-to-batch hardener selection
Defined assay, water and impurity criteria help compare supplies more meaningfully than color or name alone.
A need for metal-binding chemistry
Coordination can be useful, but a metal complex is not automatically a precipitate or a complete water-treatment solution.
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN USING DIETHYLENETRIAMINE ANHYDROUS
One common error is reading anhydrous as zero moisture and using the neat theoretical equivalent weight for every commercial blend. Another is adding more DETA to make curing faster without considering excess free amine and network properties.
Confirm water, assay and the supplied form before use.
Calculate equivalents using all reactive components.
Separate resin-based phr from total-mixture percentage.
Measure working time and heat generation for the intended geometry.
Limit exposure to atmospheric moisture and carbon dioxide.
Assess compatibility of metals, seals and transfer equipment.
Avoid uncontrolled mixing with acids, oxidizers or reactive resins.
Control free amine and extractables in the finished material.
Use closed transfer or effective local extraction and prevent skin and eye contact. A high boiling point and strong odor do not provide dependable protection against inhalation exposure or sensitization.
INITIAL FORMULATION APPROACHES FOR DIETHYLENETRIAMINE ANHYDROUS
The following mass-balanced examples are unvalidated laboratory starting compositions. Percentages are w/w of the combined mixture, assuming a DGEBA-type epoxy component with EEW 190 g/eq and DETA AHEW 20.6 g/eq. They illustrate equivalent balancing, not a guaranteed pot life, cure schedule or commercial performance.
EXAMPLE 1: DIETHYLENETRIAMINE ANHYDROUS IN AN UNFILLED EPOXY SCREEN
Components:
Liquid DGEBA-type epoxy resin, EEW 190 g/eq: 90.22 %
Diethylenetriamine Anhydrous: 9.78 %
Total: 100.00 %
The formulation corresponds to approximately 10.84 parts DETA per 100 parts resin. Component percentages are rounded, and the practical ratio must be recalculated for actual resin and hardener values. It is not a deep-casting specification or a recommendation to mix a large reactive batch.
Evaluation criteria:
Working time and maximum temperature for defined sample geometry
Residual cure by an appropriate analytical method
Hardness and glass-transition behavior
Adhesion and chemical resistance after the selected cure
Surface appearance, blush and residual free amine
Safety note: Both uncured components require exposure control, and curing is exothermic. Use a controlled laboratory setup with defined heat-removal capacity and trained handling of corrosive amines.
EXAMPLE 2: DIETHYLENETRIAMINE ANHYDROUS IN A FILLED EPOXY ADHESIVE SCREEN
Components:
Liquid DGEBA-type epoxy resin, EEW 190 g/eq: 70.00 %
Diethylenetriamine Anhydrous: 7.59 %
Dry, compatible calcium carbonate filler: 22.41 %
Total: 100.00 %
The inert filler changes total composition without changing the nominal resin-to-DETA equivalent balance. Check filler moisture, dispersion and surface treatment before assuming it is inert in practice. The model does not establish a structural adhesive rating or food-contact suitability.
Evaluation criteria:
Dispersion, viscosity and application behavior
Working time and heat generation
Bond-line thickness and substrate wetting
Lap-shear performance and failure mode
Cure completeness, water exposure and aging response
Safety note: Control filler dust and uncured-resin exposure, and retain the same corrosive-amine and exotherm controls as in the unfilled trial. Filler addition does not automatically make a large batch safe.
DIETHYLENETRIAMINE ANHYDROUS SIMILAR PRODUCTS AND ALTERNATIVES
Select alternatives by reactive equivalence, viscosity, processing window and finished performance, alongside exposure and regulatory requirements.
DIETHYLENETRIAMINE ANHYDROUS AND ETHYLENEDIAMINE
Ethylenediamine has a different molecular size and active hydrogen equivalent weight. It is not an equal-mass substitute, and handling and curing behavior require a fresh assessment.
DIETHYLENETRIAMINE ANHYDROUS AND TRIETHYLENETETRAMINE
Triethylenetetramine has different amine functionality, and commercial composition can affect the effective equivalent weight. Recalculate the formulation rather than copying the DETA percentage.
DIETHYLENETRIAMINE ANHYDROUS AND MODIFIED AMINE ADDUCTS
An adduct can change free-amine content, viscosity, compatibility and surface behavior. Any handling or performance advantage must be supported by the actual formulated product, not inferred from the word modified.
DIETHYLENETRIAMINE ANHYDROUS AND POLYAMIDE OR POLYAMIDOAMINE HARDENERS
These formulated or manufactured products can offer different working time and mechanical response. Their use levels depend on effective reactive content, and their amine value is not automatically interchangeable with AHEW.
Verify substitutions by application testing and characterization of the final cured material.
QUALITY CONTROL AND PURCHASING CRITERIA FOR DIETHYLENETRIAMINE ANHYDROUS
Start with the reaction or application specification. A low price per kilogram is not useful if water, impurity content or handling conditions differ materially.
Information to clarify before purchasing:
Intended application and destination market
Neat free base, solution, salt or modified supply form
Assay, reporting basis and analytical method
Maximum water and sampling procedure
Color limit and acceptance conditions
Relevant residual ethyleneamines and other impurities
Total amine value or effective AHEW where required
Packaging, seals and transfer-material compatibility
Current local hazard classification and dangerous-goods documents
Origin, batch traceability and supply-chain regulatory information
A COA reports batch results or conformity, technical information describes the product profile, and an SDS addresses safety and transport. Agreement on water and equivalent-weight basis is especially important when switching between neat amine and a modified hardener.
Purity, moisture control, analytical work, packaging and dangerous-goods logistics influence the quotation. Please contact Ataman Kimya for the offered specification, availability and commercial terms.
STORAGE AND HANDLING OF DIETHYLENETRIAMINE ANHYDROUS
Keep DETA in tightly closed, compatible packaging in a cool and ventilated storage area away from ignition sources. Limit moisture and atmospheric carbon dioxide entry, and use a properly engineered inert-gas system where required. Carbon dioxide reaction products can affect quality and obstruct venting equipment.
The ethyleneamine handling guidance identifies copper, copper-containing alloys and galvanized steel as unsuitable for this service. Select tanks, hoses and elastomers for the actual amine concentration and temperature. Do not generalize one material-compatibility result to every diluted or modified formulation.
Segregate from acids, strong oxidizers and uncontrolled reactive chemicals. Confirm the supplied product's storage range and shelf life with Ataman Kimya. After prolonged storage, inspect appearance and verify water, assay and other critical limits before sensitive processing.
Transport identification for the neat product is UN 2079, DIETHYLENETRIAMINE, Class 8, Packing Group II. Packaging, labeling and shipment arrangements must match the applicable transport mode. A changed mixture may require a separate classification.
Contain spills and prevent entry into drains and waterways. Use compatible recovery and absorbent methods with trained responders, and collect contaminated cleanup water. Amine-contaminated porous materials can present additional heating hazards, so waste handling must be planned rather than leaving soaked material unattended.
SAFETY INFORMATION OF DIETHYLENETRIAMINE ANHYDROUS
Reviewed supplier information includes H302 and H312, harmful if swallowed or in contact with skin, H314, causes severe skin burns and eye damage, H317, may cause an allergic skin reaction, H330, fatal if inhaled, and H335, may cause respiratory irritation. Exact hazard categories and label elements must follow the current local documentation for the supplied material.
Closed handling and effective extraction are important because inhalation toxicity, corrosivity and sensitization require more than avoidance of visible splashes. Use suitable chemical-resistant gloves, protective clothing, goggles and additional face protection where splashing is possible. Respiratory protection must be selected through an occupational exposure assessment, not substituted for engineering controls.
After skin contact, remove contaminated clothing and rinse immediately with plenty of water. Irrigate eyes promptly and continuously, removing contact lenses if easy, and obtain immediate medical attention. Move an inhalation casualty to fresh air without exposing rescuers and obtain urgent medical help. After swallowing, do not induce vomiting and seek immediate medical assistance.
The liquid is combustible. Fire or thermal decomposition can release carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides and other hazardous fumes, and firefighters require appropriate protective equipment. Use site-approved extinguishing media and control exposure to contaminated firewater.
Do not describe DETA as environmentally harmless because it has an industrial water-treatment application. Uncontrolled release changes water chemistry and introduces a reactive nitrogen-containing substance. Use an authorized waste route for residual product, contaminated absorbents and packaging.
SUPPLY OF DIETHYLENETRIAMINE ANHYDROUS FROM ATAMAN KIMYA
Ataman Kimya can be contacted to evaluate DETA supply for epoxy, intermediate and functional-material applications. Confirm composition, moisture, impurity limits, transport arrangements and the required documents before matching the offered material to a process.
Useful information for a quotation request:
Application and destination market
Required assay and maximum water
Color and critical impurity limits
Reaction-equivalent requirements where relevant
Estimated quantity and packaging preference
Safety, quality and regulatory documents required
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DIETHYLENETRIAMINE ANHYDROUS
What is Diethylenetriamine Anhydrous?
A water-controlled aliphatic triamine used as a reactive hardener and chemical building block.
What is its CAS number?
111-40-0.
What is its EC number?
203-865-4.
What are its formula and molecular weight?
C4H13N3 and approximately 103.17 g/mol.
Does anhydrous mean absolutely no water?
No. The maximum water must be defined by the agreed product specification.
Is DETA only a secondary amine?
No. The molecule contains two primary amines and one secondary amine.
Is DETA a catalyst or an epoxy hardener?
In the examples here, it is a reactive hardener consumed in the network-forming reaction.
What is the theoretical AHEW?
Approximately 20.6 g/eq, based on five N-H hydrogen atoms per ideal DETA molecule.
Is AHEW the same as amine value?
No. They describe different properties and are not directly interchangeable.
How much is needed for epoxy resin with EEW 190 g/eq?
The nominal neat-component calculation gives approximately 10.84 parts per 100 parts resin, before adjustment for the actual components.
Does that ratio mean 10.84 % of the total mixture?
No. Resin-based phr and combined-mixture percentage are different bases.
Can extra hardener simply be added to shorten curing?
That can disturb stoichiometry and leave excess free amine, so it is not a universal solution.
Does metal binding automatically remove metals from water?
No. Soluble complexes still require an effective separation process.
Is the amine directly authorized as a food ingredient?
The cited food-related framework concerns specific processing and contact materials, not unrestricted direct addition.
Is it miscible with water?
Yes, but mixing can release heat and the resulting solution remains subject to its own hazards.
What is the transport identification?
UN 2079, DIETHYLENETRIAMINE, Class 8, Packing Group II for the neat product.
Why should containers be kept closed?
DETA absorbs moisture and reacts with atmospheric carbon dioxide, potentially changing quality and equipment behavior.
Which purchase documents matter most?
A batch COA, current technical and safety information, the agreed water limit and the required regulatory and transport evidence.
DIETHYLENETRIAMINE ANHYDROUS - TECHNICAL SUMMARY
Diethylenetriamine Anhydrous is a defined linear polyamine with CAS 111-40-0 and EC 203-865-4. Two primary amines and one secondary amine provide its reactive and coordinating functions.
The anhydrous designation requires an agreed water limit rather than an assumption of absolute dryness. Assay, water, color and residual amines distinguish commercial materials and their process suitability.
Epoxy curing uses reactive hydrogen equivalents, while synthesis applications produce derivatives with their own properties. Metal coordination, inhibitor manufacture and paper-resin chemistry should not be confused with direct finished-product functions of free DETA.
Theoretical AHEW provides a useful formulation starting point, but actual components, exotherm and cure completeness require validation. Food-contact references and pharmaceutical synthesis uses do not authorize direct consumer exposure to the industrial amine.
Corrosivity, sensitization, inhalation toxicity and UN 2079 transport requirements are central to handling. Please contact Ataman Kimya for the offered specification, current documents and supply conditions.
Diethylenetriamine Anhydrous can be sourced from ATAMAN KİMYA. For further information and supply inquiries about Diethylenetriamine Anhydrous, please contact ATAMAN KİMYA.