| HS Code | |
| Productname | Triethylenetetramine |
| Synonyms | TETA; Triethylenetetramine; 1,4,7,10-Tetraazadecane; N,N'-Bis(2-aminoethyl)ethane-1,2-diamine |
| Casnumber | 112-24-3 |
| Ecnumber | 203-950-6 |
| Unnumber | 2259 |
| Molecularformula | C6H18N4 |
| Molecularweight | 146.23 g/mol |
| Iupacname | N,N'-Bis(2-aminoethyl)ethane-1,2-diamine |
| Appearance | Colorless to light yellow liquid |
| Odor | Ammoniacal, amine-like |
| Density | 0.982 g/cm3 at 20 °C |
| Meltingpoint | -35 °C |
| Boilingpoint | 266-267 °C |
| Flashpoint | 129 °C (closed cup) |
| Watersolubility | Miscible |
| Vaporpressure | <0.01 mmHg at 20 °C |
| Refractiveindex | 1.4975 at 20 °C |
| Viscosity | 22.5 mPa·s at 20 °C |
| Ph | 10.5-11.5 (1% aqueous solution) |
| Hazardclass | 8 (corrosive) |
| Packinggroup | II |
As an accredited Triethylenetetramine factory, we enforce strict quality protocols—every batch undergoes rigorous testing to ensure consistent efficacy and safety standards.
| Packing | Triethylenetetramine is supplied in 200 kg UN-approved steel drums, sealed, labeled corrosive, and marked with proper hazard warnings. |
| Container Loading (20′ FCL) | Triethylenetetramine (UN2259, Class 8 corrosive liquid) loaded in a 20′ FCL container, IMDG-compliant, properly secured, labeled, and documented. |
| Shipping | Triethylenetetramine (TETA) is transported as UN 2259, Class 8 corrosive liquid, Packing Group II. Use UN-approved, corrosion-resistant packaging with corrosive placards/labels. Follow DOT, IMDG, or IATA regulations; keep containers closed and segregate from acids, oxidizers, and other incompatible materials. Emergency response information must accompany shipments. |
| Storage | Store triethylenetetramine in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat, ignition sources, acids, and oxidizers. Keep containers tightly closed to prevent moisture and carbon dioxide absorption. Use compatible, corrosion-resistant containers such as steel or polyethylene, with secondary containment. Segregate from incompatible chemicals, protect from direct sunlight, and ensure access to eyewash and safety shower. |
| Shelf Life | Triethylenetetramine shelf life is typically two years when stored tightly sealed, cool, dry, and away from acids, oxidizers, and moisture. |
In solvent-free epoxy systems, triethylenetetramine functions as a low-viscosity aliphatic amine hardener with an amine hydrogen equivalent weight in the range of 24–28 g/eq depending on the linear-to-branched isomer distribution after fractional distillation. Stoichiometric calculation against a standard liquid DGEBA resin with epoxide equivalent weight 188–196 g/eq places the recommended addition level at 12.5–13.5 phr; production-scale automatic dispensing systems typically lock the ratio at 13.0 phr to compensate for ambient moisture and pigment adsorption losses. The relevant compliance framework for industrial flooring includes REACH registration for the substance itself under EC 203-950-6, ASTM D4541-17 pull-off adhesion testing on prepared concrete, ASTM D2240-15 Shore D hardness, ISO 6270-2:2018 condensation resistance, and ISO 11890-2:2020 VOC determination for high-solids formulations. In a typical production process, the resin and hardener are metered through a 2:1 twin-component airless spray unit or a continuous static mixer, dispensed onto shot-blasted concrete with a surface profile of CSP 3–5, and then back-rolled or squeegeed to control air occlusion. Because the reaction exotherm is concentration-dependent, a 150 g mass exhibits a gel time of 28–35 min at 23 °C, while thin films below 200 µm require 6–8 h to reach dust-free status and 7 days for full crosslink density as measured by ISO 9514:2019 pot-life methodology adapted to field panel cure. The cured network provides chemical resistance to dilute acids and alkalis but is susceptible to amine blush and carbamation when relative humidity exceeds 80 % during the first 24 h; forced ventilation and dew-point tracking are therefore installed in coating halls handling 1,500–3,000 m²/day flooring pours. End product types include self-leveling epoxy floor screeds for pharmaceutical warehouses, chemical-resistant tank linings inside secondary containment bunds, high-build metal primers for structural steel, and epoxy adhesive mortars for anchoring bolts in concrete repair.
| TETA addition level (phr) | Gel time at 23 °C, 150 g mass (min) per ASTM D2471-19 | Mixed viscosity at 23 °C (mPa·s) per ISO 2555 | Shore D hardness after 7 days per ISO 868 | Pull-off adhesion on Sa 2.5 steel (MPa) per ASTM D4541-17 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 38 | 1050 | 76 | 4.2 |
| 12 | 30 | 950 | 78 | 4.8 |
| 14 | 24 | 900 | 80 | 4.5 |
The condensation of triethylenetetramine with adipic acid to form a polyamidoamine intermediate is the established route to polyamidoamine epichlorohydrin wet-strength resins used in tissue and packaging paper production. The resin is added to the pulp stock at a dosage of 0.3–1.5 wt% bone-dry fibre for towel and facial grades, and 0.5–2.0 wt% for liquid packaging board and overwrap paper; the addition point is located downstream of the machine chest and upstream of the fan pump to allow 20–40 s of turbulent contact before sheet formation. Regulatory compliance for food-contact grades is governed by FDA 21 CFR 176.170 for components of paper and paperboard in contact with aqueous and fatty foods, EU Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004, BfR Recommendation XXXVI for paper and board, and REACH registration obligations for the epichlorohydrin-derived polymer. In the production process, the resin is diluted from 12.5–25.0 % solids with process water and metered into a thin-stock system at pH 6.5–8.5; retention is often stabilised with an anionic polyacrylamide retention aid after the pressure screen, and the sheet is formed on a crescent former or fourdrinier at wire speeds exceeding 1,800 m/min. Cure is completed in the Yankee dryer and after-dryer sections at cylinder surface temperatures of 90–120 °C, with wet tensile strength measured according to ISO 1924-2 after water immersion and compared with TAPPI T 456 om-20 for wet tensile development. The process limitation is the formation of low-molecular-weight chlorinated by-products and adsorbable organic halogen in the whitewater; mills therefore operate with closed-loop wet-end conductivity limits and charge-demand instrumentation to avoid over-cationisation of the furnish. End product types include high-wet-strength kitchen towels, napkins, facial tissue, carrier board for beverage multipacks, and medical-grade absorbent paper where wet integrity prevents fibre release.
During the staged amidation of dimer fatty acids with triethylenetetramine, the production of reactive and non-reactive polyamide resins for flexographic ink binders and hot-melt adhesives is controlled by acid value reduction rate, viscosity build, and the tendency toward gelation when the amine-to-acid stoichiometry exceeds 1.05:1. In a typical stainless steel 316L reactor fitted with a 6:1 gearbox-driven anchor agitator, heat-transfer oil jacket, and vacuum stripping line, the TETA charge is calculated at 8–15 wt% of the dimer acid mass, adjusted by the acid value of the dimer acid at 190–200 mg KOH/g and the target amine value of the finished resin at 300–500 mg KOH/g. The reaction is staged to avoid solids entrapment: the dimer fatty acid is heated to 80–100 °C, TETA is added under nitrogen at a flow rate of 1–2 L/min, and the batch is ramped to 180–240 °C over 4–6 h while water of reaction is removed through a packed column. The process endpoint is confirmed by acid value titration according to ASTM D465-15 and amine value titration according to ASTM D2074-07, with typical final acid values below 5 mg KOH/g and ring-and-ball softening points of 90–135 °C per ASTM E28-18. Pot life limitations arise when free TETA remains above 2 wt% because the amine accelerates bodying in alcohol-borne flexo inks and can cause viscosity doubling within 24–48 h in a 40 % solids ethanol/n-propyl acetate blend. Compliance requirements include REACH polymer exemption under Article 2(9), EuPIA Good Manufacturing Practices for printing inks, Swiss Ordinance SR 817.023.21 for indirect food-contact printed films, and ISO 4629-1:2016 for hydroxyl value determination of binder systems. End product types are surface-printed LDPE shrink film inks, laminating inks for BOPP/PE structures, cold-set news ink vehicles, and low-application-temperature polyamide hot-melt adhesives for filter assembly and wire harness anchoring.
Electroless copper deposition onto FR-4 grade epoxy laminate has made TETA a functional complexant in high-alkaline build-up baths where cupric ion solubility and through-hole throwing power must remain stable during horizontal conveyorised processing. The working bath typically contains TETA at 15–30 g/L as the secondary chelating component alongside 30–60 g/L of a primary chelant, with copper sulphate pentahydrate at 8–12 g/L, formaldehyde at 3–6 g/L, and sodium hydroxide to maintain pH 12.2–12.8. The production line operates at 30–45 °C with continuous air sparging and filtration through 1 µm polypropylene bag filters to remove copper fines and palladium drag-in; bath control is performed by spectrophotometric copper analysis and pH titration every 30 min, with replenishment pumps tied to panel throughput. Industry compliance for the final printed circuit board surface includes IPC-4552A for electroless nickel/immersion gold compatibility, IPC-4101E for base laminate qualification, and IEC 62321-3-1:2013 screening for restricted substances in the finished assembly. The TETA complexant is preferred in operations where high metal turnover and low free-amine volatility are required, but it is incompatible with strong oxidising acids used in post-plating stripping and must be rinsed thoroughly to prevent copper salt precipitation in the microetch line. A key process boundary is the tendency of TETA to co-deposit trace organic carbon if the bath is over-replenished beyond 35 g/L; the automatic dosing loop therefore includes an upper concentration alarm, and any excursion above that limit triggers a bleed-and-feed cycle. End product types include multilayer printed circuit boards for automotive radar, semiconductor package substrates for flip-chip interposers, copper-clad laminates for high-frequency antenna modules, and electroless copper shielding layers on three-dimensional plastic housings.
For hot-mix asphalt production, triethylenetetramine is converted into a long-chain amidoamine or fatty acid salt before injection into the binder because the free amine is too volatile for direct addition at paving temperatures. The formulated antistrip is dosed at 0.2–0.8 wt% based on bitumen mass, with exact dosage fixed after moisture sensitivity testing of the job mix according to AASHTO T 283 or EN 12697-12:2018. The additive is blended into the bitumen tank at 140–170 °C with a low-shear recirculation pump for 30–60 min before aggregate mixing, or it is injected directly into the pugmill during dry-mix cycles of 10–15 s and wet-mix cycles of 35–50 s. Compliance documentation for road construction includes EN 14023:2010 for polymer-modified bitumen, ASTM D6926-16 for laboratory compaction, and local CE marking requirements under EN 13108-1 for asphalt concrete. Solvent-free antistrip versions must remain above 230 °C flash point to avoid foaming at the bitumen pump, and any water content above 0.3 % will cause binder foaming during tanker loading. End product types include dense-graded highway base course, stone mastic asphalt for heavy traffic surfacing, airport apron pavements, and cold-mix patching materials where delayed aggregate adhesion is required.
Once TETA is condensed with tall oil fatty acid, the production of oilfield corrosion inhibitors begins with a thermal condensation at a molar ratio of 1.0:1.0 to 1.2:1.0, yielding an amidoamine/imidazoline intermediate with an amine value of 250–400 mg KOH/g. This intermediate is neutralised with acetic acid or dimer acid and formulated in an aromatic solvent or methanol carrier at 15–35 wt% active content before injection into produced water or crude oil gathering lines. Typical continuous injection rates are 5–50 ppm based on total produced fluid volume, with batch treatments applied at 100–250 ppm every 7–14 days for downhole tubing protection. Laboratory qualification is performed with linear polarisation resistance per NACE TM0112-2018, rotating cylinder electrode tests per ASTM G185-21, and pitting resistance evaluation per ASTM G48-11; field compliance is anchored to ISO 15156-2:2020 for sour service materials and NACE SP0192-2019 for monitoring corrosion in oilfield systems. The production process uses a glass-lined reactor at 180–220 °C under a nitrogen blanket, with water of condensation removed by a distillation column and the acid value monitored until it falls below 10 mg KOH/g. A critical boundary is the incompatibility of the free TETA-rich intermediate with high levels of carbon dioxide in the reactor headspace, which can form carbamate solids and plug the condenser; therefore, the headspace oxygen content is kept below 0.5 % and the nitrogen flow is maintained at 1–3 m³/h during the heating ramp. End product types include continuous-injection inhibitors for downhole carbon steel tubing, batch corrosion inhibitors for saltwater disposal well casings, squeeze treatment intermediates for oil-producing reservoirs, and top-of-line corrosion inhibitors for wet gas pipelines.
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Triethylenetetramine (TETA), CAS 112-24-3, EC 203-950-6, is an aliphatic ethyleneamine supplied as a clear, colourless-to-pale yellow, hygroscopic liquid. The commercial product is not a single molecular species but a technical mixture of linear and branched C6H18N4 oligomers. The linear isomer N,N′-bis(2-aminoethyl)ethane-1,2-diamine has a molar mass of 146.23 g/mol. Grade designations are supplier-specific and usually separate anhydrous technical grade, epoxy-curing grade with tighter oligomer distribution, and formulated adducts. Specification ranges for technical-grade material reflect this oligomer distribution: active TETA isomers by gas chromatography are controlled at ≥97.0%, residual diethylenetriamine at ≤1.0%, and tetraethylenepentamine at ≤2.0%. Viscosity at 25°C is 19–31 mPa·s by ISO 3104 or ASTM D445; density at 20°C is 0.975–0.985 g/cm³ by ASTM D4052 or ISO 12185; colour is ≤100 Pt–Co by ASTM D1209; water content is ≤0.5 wt% by ASTM D1364; total amine value is 1300–1500 mg KOH/g by non-aqueous titration. The liquid absorbs atmospheric carbon dioxide and moisture; open storage raises viscosity and produces carbonate haze.
Table 1. Typical technical-grade specification ranges for commercial triethylenetetramine.
| Property | Typical range | Test method |
|---|---|---|
| Active TETA isomers | ≥97.0% | Gas chromatography, FID |
| Viscosity at 25°C | 19–31 mPa·s | ISO 3104 / ASTM D445 |
| Density at 20°C | 0.975–0.985 g/cm³ | ASTM D4052 / ISO 12185 |
| Colour | ≤100 Pt–Co | ASTM D1209 |
| Water content | ≤0.5 wt% | ASTM D1364 |
| Total amine value | 1300–1500 mg KOH/g | Non-aqueous titration |
| Refractive index nD20 | 1.496–1.500 | ASTM D1218 |
The reaction proceeds by nucleophilic ring-opening of oxirane groups. The linear TETA molecule has six active amine hydrogens, giving a theoretical amine hydrogen equivalent weight of 24.4 g/eq; technical-grade TETA is normally formulated at 25–28 g/eq because branched isomers and higher homologues reduce the available active-hydrogen density. With a standard liquid bisphenol-A diglycidyl ether resin of epoxide equivalent weight 188 g/eq, stoichiometric loading is 13–15 phr. Ambient-cure floor coatings frequently use 12–14 phr and accept a slight epoxy excess to lower unreacted surface amine. In 100-g masses, gel time by ASTM D2471 commonly falls between 20 min and 40 min at 25°C; peak exotherm in poured sections can exceed 150°C. Mix-ratio tolerance is narrow: a deviation of ±2 phr from calculated stoichiometry produces either amine bloom or lower crosslink density, with a measurable reduction in methyl ethyl ketone rub resistance under ASTM D5402 after 24 h. Thin coatings at 23°C are hard enough for light traffic within 12–18 h, but full adhesion and solvent resistance require 7 days of ambient post-cure. The resulting network has high resistance to aliphatic hydrocarbons and dilute aqueous acids, but limited elongation and poor resistance to strong oxidising acids. Amine blush is a known failure mode: at relative humidity above 70%, primary amine groups can react with atmospheric carbon dioxide to form carbamate, creating a waxy surface layer that reduces recoat adhesion. Recoat performance is commonly assessed by ASTM D3359 or ISO 2409 after a 24 h cure at 85% RH; adducted TETA grades reduce free primary amine availability and are specified where recoatability is a quality gate.
Production-scale mixing of unmodified TETA requires thermal control. In a 500-kg high-shear disperser batch, initial resin temperature is usually maintained below 30°C, and the amine is added slowly to keep localised mix temperature below 50°C. On twin-screw compounding lines, TETA is introduced through a downstream liquid injection port because adiabatic mastication in the barrel can initiate premature gelation before wet-out is complete. Published data for this specific configuration is limited; end users should measure exotherm behaviour and pot life on the actual mixed mass by ASTM D2471 and ISO 9514.
Against diethylenetriamine (DETA), TETA has higher molar mass, higher amine functionality, and lower vapour pressure. DETA at 20°C is reported near 0.37 hPa, whereas technical TETA is commonly below 0.02 hPa. This difference reduces airborne amine exposure during open hand lay-up but does not remove the requirement for local exhaust ventilation. The additional secondary amine in TETA increases crosslink density, producing higher hardness and chemical resistance than DETA, while lowering impact resistance and elongation. Compared with tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA), TETA has lower AHEW and lower formulation viscosity, which improves wet-out of glass fibre and early hardness development at 10°C. TEPA gives longer pot life and a reduced tendency for amine blush because fewer low-molecular-weight primary amines remain available for surface migration during cure. Compared with polyamide hardeners based on dimerised tall oil fatty acid, TETA produces a harder, more chemical-resistant film but lower flexibility, greater moisture sensitivity during cure, and higher dermal-irritation potential. Compared with polyetheramines, TETA gives faster ambient cure and higher modulus but less fracture toughness and more tendency to yellow under ultraviolet exposure.
Table 2. Comparative technical data for unmodified ethyleneamine curing agents.
| Parameter | DETA | TETA | TEPA |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAS number | 111-40-0 | 112-24-3 | 112-57-2 |
| Molar mass | 103.17 g/mol | 146.23 g/mol | 189.30 g/mol |
| Theoretical AHEW | 20.6 g/eq | 24.4 g/eq | 27.1 g/eq |
| Viscosity at 25°C | 5–10 mPa·s | 19–31 mPa·s | 40–65 mPa·s |
| Vapour pressure at 20°C | 0.37 hPa | 0.02 hPa | 0.01 hPa |
| Film character | Low crosslink density; soft film; fast skin cure | High hardness; moderate brittleness; fast ambient cure | Longer pot life; lower blush tendency; higher viscosity |
In aqueous solution, linear TETA behaves as a tetradentate nitrogen donor ligand. The four amine donors form a mixed ring system—two five-membered rings and one six-membered ring when fully coordinated—and produce high formation constants for Cu2+ and Ni2+. Published stability-data compilations report log K for Cu2+ in the range 20–21 and for Ni2+ near 14; the values are higher than the corresponding ethylenediamine complexes and comparable to EDTA under a narrow pH window. This chemistry is used in electroless copper-plating baths, where TETA complexes cupric ion, controls deposition rate, and stabilises the bath against copper hydroxide precipitation at pH 11–12. The usable pH window is bounded. Below pH 3, progressive protonation of the amine donors suppresses chelation, while in strongly alkaline oxidative media the ligand can undergo dealkylation and the metal complex can precipitate as hydrous oxides. Printed-circuit-board electroless baths are operated at 35–55°C; bath life is shortened by drag-in of persulphate or permanganate, which oxidises the amine and degrades complexing capacity. In cooling-water and metal-finishing applications, TETA is dosed at 5–25 mg/L to sequester soluble copper and nickel. Control is based on free metal ion activity rather than total amine concentration because hardness cations compete for amine donors and TETA is not selective for a single metal.
TETA is used as a branching agent and chain extender in the synthesis of polyaminoamide intermediates for paper wet-strength resins. The amine is condensed with dibasic acids, typically adipic acid or adipic–glutaric acid blends, at 160–200°C under nitrogen with removal of water. The secondary amine content of TETA introduces branching, which raises cationic charge density and increases wet-strength development after cellulose crosslinking. The resulting polyaminoamide is then reacted with epichlorohydrin to form azetidinium chloride groups that crosslink cellulose fibres during paper drying at pH 6–8. Compared with DETA-based polyaminoamides, TETA-modified resins produce a more crosslinked network at equal addition level but show lower storage stability of the activated resin at elevated temperature; suppliers blend DETA and TETA to balance wet strength against viscosity stability. Paper and paperboard treated with these resins are assessed under food-contact frameworks, including FDA 21 CFR 176.170 for aqueous and fatty foods, and EU Regulation 1935/2004 compliance declarations. Residual epichlorohydrin and dialkylamine levels are monitored by chromatographic methods specified in food-contact testing protocols. On a paper machine, full wet strength develops only after the web reaches 90–110°C at 5–8% moisture; no external catalyst is required at neutral pH. High amine content also increases sensitivity to anionic furnish contaminants, so low-anionic-trash white-water loops are preferred.
In lube-oil additive manufacture, TETA is condensed with polyisobutenyl succinic anhydride to form polyisobutenyl succinimide dispersants. The amine group anchors to polar surfaces and the polyisobutene tail supplies oil solubility. Reaction temperatures are typically 140–180°C with vacuum stripping below 5 kPa; excess TETA is removed to control free amine content in the finished dispersant. In asphalt emulsification, TETA is amidated or imidazolined with fatty acids and protonated with hydrochloric or acetic acid to produce cationic rapid-set emulsifiers. Dosage of the TETA-derived emulsifier is usually 0.2–0.8 wt% of asphalt, depending on aggregate surface area and emulsion grade. This application consumes technical grade rather than epoxy-curing grade because colour and oligomer distribution have less influence on emulsion performance.
High-solids epoxy flooring and tank-lining formulations based on TETA adducts are selected where rapid return-to-service and resistance to aliphatic solvents, caustic, and dilute non-oxidising acids are required. Pot life of a 100% solids system at 23°C is typically 15–25 min for unmodified TETA; adducted versions extend pot life to 40–60 min while reducing amine blush. Substrate temperatures below 10°C slow cure disproportionately and can produce tacky films for more than 24 h, while substrate temperatures above 35°C shorten pot life below 10 min and require reduced film thickness to avoid bubble formation. Adhesion on concrete is verified by ASTM D4541 or ISO 4624; solvent resistance is checked by ASTM D5402; chemical resistance is assessed by ASTM D1308 or ISO 2812-1. In immersion service, the cured network is generally restricted to pH 2–12 at ambient temperature. Concentrated sulphuric acid, concentrated nitric acid, and wet chlorine degrade the cured network through oxidation and chain scission. Exterior glossy topcoats based on unmodified TETA are usually avoided because of amine blush and UV yellowing; aliphatic amine adducts or hydrogenated hardeners are selected for colour-stable finishes.
Storage of TETA requires closed containers under dry nitrogen. The liquid absorbs atmospheric carbon dioxide and moisture, forming carbonate residues and increasing viscosity; bulk storage in carbon steel or stainless steel 316L is suitable, whereas copper, zinc, and galvanised surfaces must be excluded. The product is corrosive and can cause severe skin burns and eye damage; exposure control relies on engineering ventilation and closed transfer. It is incompatible with strong oxidisers, epichlorohydrin, isocyanates, and concentrated mineral acids; mixing with sodium hypochlorite can generate heat and chloramine vapours. Waste disposal is governed by local and regional controls, and amine neutralisation with dilute acid should be performed only after exotherm assessment.
