Back in the first half of the 20th century, chemists looking for new building blocks in polymer research stumbled across Diethylenetriamine. DETA arrived as a cousin to ethylenediamine—a discovery that expanded possibilities for synthetic chemistry and helped shape modern industries. Companies adopted DETA as both a core material and a workhorse. The versatility of its three amine groups enabled industrial formulators to branch out into surfactants, curing agents, chelating compounds, and specialty resins. Expansion in synthetic polymers created fresh demand, and DETA proved up to the task, gaining a strong grip in emerging markets for adhesives, water treatment, and oilfield chemicals.
Chemists see DETA as a transparent, viscous liquid with a distinctly ammonia-like odor. Unlike simpler amines, this molecule carries two primary and one secondary amine groups, giving it much more chemical “grip.” Its unique layout supports applications from epoxy curing to fuel additives. Chemical manufacturers produce both reagent and technical grades, each batch tested for amine content, water, and the presence of related polyamines. Companies package the compound in steel drums or bulk tankers, protecting it with nitrogen to lock out moisture and oxygen.
Looking at DETA, you find a boiling point of about 207°C, a melting point below -30°C, and full solubility in water and many organic solvents. That makes it easy to deploy in many different settings. The molecular weight comes in at 103.17 g/mol, and the compound gives strong basicity. As an amine, DETA reacts with acids to form stable salts, and its lone pairs prove handy in binding metal ions. The viscosity, approximately 12 mPa·s at 20°C, helps balance flow and reactivity in industrial formulations. DETA has a flash point above 90°C, requiring basic safety protocols for flammable materials, though it does not present extreme fire risks compared to aromatic amines.
Labels on DETA should always display the chemical name, CAS number 111-40-0, the proper shipping name, and the hazard code. The most reputable manufacturers publish certificates of analysis noting the minimum purity (often not less than 98%), water content (typically below 0.5%), and the absence of related high-boiling polyamines. Storage labels reference workplace exposure limits and personal protective advice. As small leaks produce noticeable vapors, storage rooms need clear hazard signage and emergency instructions. DETA ships under UN 2071, recognized as a flammable liquid, and every drum moved in international commerce requires accurate labeling to comply with local and international safety rules.
The industrial route to DETA starts with ammonia and ethylene dichloride, bringing together heat, pressure, and nickel-based catalysts. The process yields a mixture—ethylenediamine, piperazine, and DETA among them. Fractional distillation follows, solubilizing and concentrating the DETA stream. As with other amines, trace contaminants remain a technical challenge, so quality checks ensure performance for precise applications. Improvements to catalysts, reactor design, and purification steps reduce waste and energy consumption, reflecting modern focus on sustainability.
DETA stands out as a nucleophile in chemical reactions. Its three nitrogen atoms attack electrophilic centers in epoxides, anhydrides, and alkyl halides. This lets manufacturers create epoxy resins, rendering hard coatings and adhesives. Reaction with fatty acids delivers amidoamines, used in corrosion inhibitors for pipelines and industrial water loops. DETA’s chelating power comes into play in water treatment and detergent additives, binding with calcium, magnesium, and transition metals. Scientists frequently modify DETA with ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, or acyl chlorides, customizing molecule size, polarity, or reactivity for niche applications.
DETA goes by several names—2,2'-Iminodi(ethylamine), N,N'-Bis(2-aminoethyl)amine, and Pentamethylenetriamine, among others. Trade channels offer product names from mainline chemical firms, like Hunstman’s DETA, BASF’s LUPASOL, and AkzoNobel’s Armeen series. Cross-referencing synonyms matters, ensuring a buyer or researcher receives exactly the needed compound, every time.
DETA’s strong alkalinity and vapor pressure demand respect in the workplace. Short-term exposure irritates the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. In my own years working with amine engineers, I learned how quickly a small spill can get someone’s attention. Nitrile gloves, chemical goggles, and local exhaust ventilation become routine, never optional. Long-term exposure links to dermatitis and sensitization, so occupational health monitoring creates safer workplaces. Emergency protocols focus on spill containment and first aid—clean-up with absorbent material and rinsing affected skin thoroughly with water. Facilities keep eyewash stations and safety showers close at hand in bulk handling areas.
DETA’s influence reaches across diverse markets. As an epoxy curing agent, it produces solid, durable structures in electronics, construction, and paints. Its ability to bind metal ions draws attention in water treatment and cleaning agents, where hard water scale can threaten system reliability. Oilfield engineers depend on DETA-based corrosion inhibitors to keep pipelines free of buildup. Polyamide resins, generated by reacting DETA with dimer fatty acids, show up in hot-melt adhesives and coatings. Laundry detergents, disinfectant formulations, and personal care manufacturers call on DETA for its chelating strength. In chemical synthesis, DETA acts as a building block for more complex molecules, yielding stabilizers, textile additives, and agricultural chemicals, many of which go unnoticed by end consumers but keep supply chains strong.
Research into DETA never quite sits still. Chemists experiment with modifications to tune water solubility, reactivity, or biocompatibility. Sustainable production gets a serious look, as teams search for lower-energy routes and ways to recycle waste streams. New DETA-derivatives help target applications in pharmaceuticals, medical diagnostics, and advanced battery electrolytes. Collaborations between universities and chemical firms uncover unexpected uses—such as specialty ligands for catalysis or separation materials for rare earths. Green chemistry initiatives now push for biodegradable amine-based chemicals, with DETA as the backbone of innovative new surfactants, corrosion inhibitors, and dispersants.
Toxicologists studying DETA point out the need for careful exposure controls. Acute studies in rodents indicate low oral toxicity, but eye and skin exposure creates serious irritation. DETA does not bioaccumulate or persist in soil, though discharge into water might harm fish and aquatic plants if not strictly monitored. Occupational medical teams run regular screening for contact dermatitis among frequent users, often switching to alternatives or maximizing engineering controls when staff report sensitivity. Chronic toxicity researchers look for genotoxic or reproductive risks, and international safety data point to little evidence as long as workplaces keep exposure well below recommended levels. Product stewardship programs urge responsible disposal—typically via incineration—to avoid release to watersheds.
DETA remains a cornerstone for specialty chemicals, but the future leans toward greener, more efficient production. Industry is under pressure to find catalysts that cut waste and reduce emissions. Regulatory agencies in the EU, US, and Asia expect higher standards for worker and environmental safety. In the next decade, biobased feedstocks may step up, with renewable ethylene as a starting point. Researchers on the materials science side eye new functionalized DETA derivatives for high-efficiency batteries, advanced composites, and water purification membranes. Directing every stage—production, application, disposal—toward circular economy goals can keep DETA both profitable and responsible for many years to come.
I’ve spent years navigating the chemistry behind things most folks overlook. Diethylenetriamine, or DETA, is one of those unsung molecules. It might sound intimidating, but its uses weave through regular life, from the paint on your fence to the pipes under your sink. Working with DETA isn’t abstract— it’s up-close, hands-on, and practical. Anyone who has dealt with adhesives or resins has encountered the fruits of its labor, even if they didn’t know it.
DETA carries three amine groups, packing plenty of chemical punch. That structure lets it act as a great building block. My time in lab environments has shown just how crucial it is in making epoxy hardeners. Without it, those two-part glues that stick together just about anything wouldn’t hold up so well. The molecule helps cure these epoxies, transforming them from a sticky paste to that rock-solid finish you want when things really need to last.
Water can ruin wood, corrode metal, and mess with concrete. DETA gets tossed into many corrosion inhibitors and chelating agents to slow all that damage down. In water treatment— whether it’s an industrial cooling system or a boiler in the basement— DETA keeps pipes cleaner and systems running smoother. Anyone who has faced leaks knows how important that is. These complex agents can bind up nasty metal ions, keeping equipment safer for longer.
Factories that deal with textiles or pulp know that color and texture matter. DETA stands out as one of those helpers in the dyeing step. It helps dyes pop and stay put. From firsthand chats with plant operators, I know stability and colorfastness mean fewer do-overs and less wasted fabric. DETA’s impact shows up in better quality and less pollution, since less dye ends up down the drain.
Walk down any aisle of industrial cleaners and the theme shows up again. DETA works hard in formulations aimed at removing grease or grime. Concrete floors, greasy engines, and stubborn residues tremble at the cleaning power made possible by chemicals like DETA. It brings a punch to products that need to break down and lift some serious dirt. Years spent on work crews taught me that without the right cleaner, jobs take twice as long and look half as good.
Using DETA responsibly can’t be taken lightly. It’s strong stuff. Studies link skin and respiratory irritation to mishandling. Industry standards call for solid training, gloves, and good air flow. People, safety teams, and manufacturers—from small towns to big cities—focus on these health aspects. Safeguarding workers creates a better workday and fewer injuries, something I’ve come to value after seeing accidents that didn’t need to happen.
The chemical story keeps unfolding. Less toxic substitutes and greener processes rise in demand. Labs around the world explore ways to recover, recycle, and replace traditional chemicals, including DETA, whenever possible. Talking with environmental specialists, it’s clear: people want the convenience and performance that DETA delivers, but they also want cleaner air, safer water, and healthier communities. That’s the challenge for chemists in the next decade.
Diethylenetriamine—often called DETA—shows up in a lot of industrial settings. It helps make epoxy resins tough, helps create chemicals for water treatment, and shows up in cleaning products. With something so common in the background, it's worth asking: what risk does DETA present to people and the planet?
Many who work in factories or chemical plants come across DETA by accident. Skin contact brings risk of irritation or even burns—not something anyone wants after a long shift. My old neighbor told me about a time he spilled a splash on his arm. He had to act fast and wash up completely. The rash he got stuck around for days.
This stuff doesn’t stop at minor irritation. If inhaled, DETA fumes can mean breathing difficulties or a sore throat. The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists noticed that long-term exposure may cause asthma-like symptoms and can harm the lungs. People handling these chemicals daily have to think ahead—good gloves, eye protection, and working near proper ventilation keep things safer. Some states in the U.S. list occupational exposure limits for DETA, and that signals a clear need for regular checks of the work environment.
Beyond skin and lungs, repeated exposure might make things worse over the years. Some researchers highlight that DETA can cause sensitization—basically, once your body reacts, it might overreact the next time you bump into the chemical. It’s a hazard that builds up, not just a one-off risk.
Chemicals that stir up trouble in the workplace often show up in rivers, soil, or even air after factories clean up. DETA acts as a base, which means it can change the pH of water if too much spills or drains into local streams. Aquatic life feels the hit first: fish and tiny water organisms can lose balance in their environment fast once chemistry changes.
No one wants to think about long-term bioaccumulation, but labs testing DETA find that it usually doesn’t stick around forever—it breaks down fairly quickly. Still, before breakdown, it poses a big enough threat for regulators to watch discharge limits. Europe’s ECHA and the U.S. EPA both keep DETA on their list of substances to monitor because spills or leaks can spark trouble.
The average user at home probably won’t ever touch pure DETA, but workplace safety depends on education and planning. Companies do well when they focus on engineering control—ventilation and closed transfer systems keep hands (and lungs) away. In one factory I visited, workers always worked in pairs when handling hazardous chemicals—one pours, the other watches for mistakes or spills. Simple team routines like that build a habit of alertness and cut down on trouble.
Environmental risk gets lower when plants treat wastewater on-site, breaking DETA down before it hits the pipes. Investing in cleanup technology may cost some money up front, but it keeps local rivers safer and avoids expensive fines after accidents. Tracking small leaks with sensors and training every worker to spot and report spills right away adds one more safety net.
At the personal level and on a bigger scale, care and accountability turn hazardous chemicals from big threats to manageable risks. That means not relying on luck, but thinking ten steps ahead—and acting before there’s a crisis.
DETA, short for diethylenetriamine, shows up as a clear, colorless liquid that usually comes with a strong ammonia-like smell. If you’ve ever used household cleaners or epoxies, you’ve likely run into something similar, as that sharp, nose-wrinkling odor is a pretty big indicator. Its boiling point reaches above 200°C, which means it sticks around even at high temperatures. Handling DETA at room temperature feels easy thanks to its low viscosity—imagine handling something even thinner than cooking oil.
One thing you figure out quickly: DETA loves water. Pour it into water, it blends right in and doesn’t settle out, which tells a lot about how chemists and engineers use it. That high solubility helps when diluting or using it in various chemical reactions, especially in places where water isn’t just around, but everywhere in the process. DETA also dissolves in alcohols and ketones, and that opens the door to applications in coatings and cleaning products. The density measures a little less than water, and those who work in chemical plants probably know exactly how much space a drum of DETA will fill on a shelf.
DETA acts as a polyamine, which means you get several “hands” (amine groups) that bolt onto molecules. Three nitrogen atoms give it multiple points to react with acids, epoxides, and carboxylic acids. In plain talk, DETA grabs on tightly when connecting to other molecules. That turns out especially handy during the production of epoxy resins, where DETA steps in as a hardener, making sure you walk away with more than just a weak goo. It snags carbon dioxide, forming stable carbamates, a trait that the oil and gas industry puts to use capturing greenhouse gases.
The highly basic (alkaline) nature of DETA is no small thing. Its pH creeps into high territory, which can irritate skin and eyes. Anyone working with it needs gloves, good ventilation, and probably a healthy respect for safety data sheets. If you’ve ever developed a rash from a stray splash, you know why chemical safety matters so much in workplaces that use DETA daily.
This isn’t just a story about lab tests and numbers on a data sheet. I’ve seen DETA get blended into corrosion inhibitors that keep pipelines from rusting up. Its ability to latch onto metals and minerals helps it shine in water treatment plants, snatching heavy metals out of polluted water. In adhesives and sealants, DETA steps in to create bonds that are both strong and long-lasting—think marine environments or high-strength flooring. Paint manufacturers, for instance, use DETA to get faster curing times and stronger end products.
Some sectors—like agriculture—use DETA when making chelating agents, compounds that let plants draw up nutrients more effectively from the soil. With fertilizer prices making news and farmers squeezed on budgets, efficient delivery of micronutrients using DETA-based formulas can keep food production ticking.
Rising use of DETA raises questions about waste streams and environmental health. Industrial discharge packed with amines finds its way into waterways. Regulators keep a close watch, and waste treatment has to catch up. Employing closed-loop systems and recovery methods cuts contamination and reuses DETA where possible. Plants that train workers to spot spills and safely contain leaks see fewer accidents and less community impact.
As we push for cleaner chemistry and tighter controls, DETA’s active, grabby nature serves as both opportunity and challenge. Tighter monitoring, more robust personal protective equipment, and research into less hazardous alternatives promise safer handling and storage. The way industry treats and reuses DETA makes a difference, not just for the folks in the plant, but for anyone living downstream.
Diethylenetriamine, or DETA, sits among those chemicals that you want to get right the first time. With a faint fishy odor and a habit of skin irritation, DETA demands respect for storage and daily handling. My own experience working near chemical storage yards taught me early on that the risks stem less from the label and more from a quiet corner where leaky lids and lazy memories mix.
DETA won’t sit quietly in any old container. Just look at the facts: it reacts with acids, oxidizers, and certain metals to give off heat, gas, and fumes. This isn’t just academic—the combination of a steel drum with some leftover water can spell trouble. Good practice leans on tightly sealed drums made from compatible materials like stainless steel or lined carbon steel. Over time, even a plastic drum can crack from DETA exposure, so supervision and regular inspection go hand in hand with safety.
DETA likes cooler, well-ventilated spaces. Heat speeds up its urge to release fumes, and good ventilation makes a real difference in keeping the workplace air safe. In my years working in industrial settings, I’ve seen both the best and worst of chemical storage rooms. The ones that get it right have concrete floors, secondary containment trays for spill control, and never skimp on airflow. A stuffy room means fumes swell without escape, and that’s an open invitation for headaches—both literal and administrative.
Climate makes a difference, too. High humidity can accelerate corrosion or spoil the integrity of storage barrels. It pays to monitor storage room conditions, with regular checks using simple hygrometers and thermometers. Companies with lower accident rates usually have the discipline to check logs and replace faulty lids or degraded containers immediately, not just during audits.
Regulations can list the right types of gloves and goggles, but experience shows the most valuable safety tool is a culture of honesty and consistency. DETA burns on contact with skin, so nitrile gloves, long sleeves, and full-face shields aren’t an option you weigh—they’re non-negotiable, from day one. Even a small splash during routine transfers can leave a lasting memory. Chemical burns don’t forgive a shortcut, and respirators become critical in areas where spills or vapor buildup threaten the lungs.
I’ve watched new hires learn to evaluate labels, date drums, and track shelf life. Simple habits—labeling every can, checking for leaks before moving a drum, and never eating or drinking in chemical zones—turn out safer results than any poster campaign or annual training video. Teams that build open communication, where anyone can stop a process if something feels wrong, protect both product and person.
Spills happen, no matter how tight your routine. The workers who respond best know the time for hesitation ended yesterday. I learned the value of clear spill response plans: absorbents stationed within reach, accessible exits, and emergency showers ready for use. Quick isolation of affected areas keeps minor mistakes from becoming major incidents.
Training may start with the details of what DETA likes and hates, but responsibility doesn’t end with the manual. Regular drills—real practice for real emergencies—help people develop muscle memory. That sort of repetition saves both lives and livelihoods.
Minimizing risk often means leaning on technology. Real-time vapor monitors and alarms, smart storage lockers with digital access logs, and temperature-controlled rooms have already changed how DETA gets managed in some forward-thinking plants. There’s equal value in open feedback, where suggestions from warehouse staff spark house-wide updates to gear or routines.
So much comes down to attitude: seeing rules as shields, not hoops, and treating each step as more than just box-ticking. Respect for DETA, built on clear facts and honest habits, keeps both product quality high and people out of harm’s way.
Walk into any chemical lab or industrial facility, and there's bound to be a container labeled “DETA” somewhere on a shelf. Diethylenetriamine, known to many as DETA, shows up in plenty of processes—from epoxy curing and lubricants to adhesives and fuel additives. It’s a workhorse for chemists and engineers. Plenty of workers learn to respect it because it’s not just another clear liquid. What makes it useful also demands close attention to detail when mixing with anything else.
DETA’s chemical structure brings lots of reactive sites. It's tempting to think, "Just mix it like any other amine," but experience and safety sheets tell a more complicated story. In college, we handled DETA for a project involving custom adhesives. Mixing even routine solvents like acetone sent off noticeable fumes, sometimes with strange colors if a student wasn't careful about order of addition. Those fumes aren't just annoying—they can signal creation of byproducts that cause headaches, skin irritation, or worse.
According to the European Chemicals Agency, DETA reacts strongly with acids, oxidizers, and certain plastics. Accidents involving heat release or even explosions appear in industrial safety records. Breathing the vapors can inflame respiratory passages. Mishandling turns a useful tool into a real risk for both small-scale chemists and factory workers. For me, that meant strict attention to instructions, keeping all acids well away, and making sure there was always a working hood before opening the bottle.
Some ingredients pair well for certain tasks—solvents like methanol or ethanol can help dissolve DETA for coatings and cleaning, as long as fire risks are controlled. Water mixes easily, though the reaction may get unexpectedly warm. On the other hand, mixing DETA with strong acids does not just produce heat; it generates ammonia and other dangerous gases. Pooling DETA into strong oxidizers (like sodium hypochlorite or hydrogen peroxide) creates explosive scenarios, far worse than anything TV chemistry portrays. Even some metal salts, like copper(II) chloride, can trigger hazardous reactions.
Every chemist who’s spent time near DETA develops habits that make a real difference: double-checking compatibility charts before mixing, never storing it near acids or chlorinated solvents, and always labeling mixed containers with dates. Supervisors encourage clear labeling and isolation away from reactive partners. Some companies require additional ventilation and personal protective equipment, like layered gloves and splash goggles, anytime DETA leaves storage. Mistakes come from shortcuts. Better to take an extra minute checking SDS guidelines than risk burns or worse. The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) stresses prevention: good air handling, spill controls, and clear emergency procedures all reduce risk when someone forgets the rules.
Mixing chemicals never ranks as a quick decision. In settings I’ve worked, sharing experiences and learning from past close calls made the biggest improvements. One operator shared how static buildup at the drum led to a flash fire when he tried to dump DETA into an open container of alcohols. Now, proper grounding wires hang near every mixing station. Regular training and easily available Material Safety Data Sheets keep everybody ready to ask questions or push pause. If there’s ever doubt, the lab manager always says, “You only mix once—you can never un-mix.” Responsibility and respect for DETA’s power shape both safer habits and healthier lives in every setting it appears.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 2,2'-Iminodi(ethylamine) |
| Other names |
N,N’-Bis(2-aminoethyl)amine
2,2’-Iminodi(ethylamine) 1,4,7-Triazaheptane Bis(2-aminoethyl)amine Diethylenetriamine |
| Pronunciation | /daɪˌɛθ.ɪˌliːnˈtraɪ.əˌmiːn/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 111-40-0 |
| Beilstein Reference | 1209247 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:30356 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL155472 |
| ChemSpider | 6880 |
| DrugBank | DB01999 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03e3b849-629a-4b21-9b8e-d975b1828c0d |
| EC Number | 203-865-4 |
| Gmelin Reference | 5833 |
| KEGG | C01876 |
| MeSH | D003975 |
| PubChem CID | 8030 |
| RTECS number | KK4300000 |
| UNII | NJ2P34N7S1 |
| UN number | UN2071 |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DTXSID8020210 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C4H13N3 |
| Molar mass | 103.17 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow transparent liquid |
| Odor | Ammonia-like |
| Density | 0.954 g/cm3 |
| Solubility in water | miscible |
| log P | -2.04 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.37 mmHg (20°C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 10.8 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 2.89 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | −12.2×10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.485 |
| Viscosity | 10 mPa·s (at 25 °C) |
| Dipole moment | 2.53 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 524.7 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -53.6 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -3531.7 kJ/mol |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS05, GHS06, GHS07, GHS08 |
| Pictograms | GHS05,GHS07,GHS08 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H302, H314, H317, H319, H332, H412 |
| Precautionary statements | P260, P261, P264, P280, P301+P330+P331, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P310, P311, P321, P363, P405, P501 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 3-1-0 |
| Flash point | > 94 °C |
| Autoignition temperature | > 385°C |
| Explosive limits | 1.6% - 10.8% |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 (oral, rat): 1080 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): 1080 mg/kg (oral, rat) |
| NIOSH | KKQ150 |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) of Diethylenetriamine (DETA): **1 ppm (4.2 mg/m³)** |
| REL (Recommended) | 0.02 mg/m3 |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | 900 ppm |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Ethylenediamine
Triethylenetetramine Tetraethylenepentamine Piperazine |
