What kind of substance is triethylenediamine?

Description

Triethylenediamine (TEDA; IUPAC name: 1,4-diazabicyclo(2.2.2)octane) is a pure white powdered crystal under standard conditions. TEDA exhibits unusual properties due to its bicyclic or “cage” structure. It is an important intermediate and end product in the chemical industry, and it is used mainly as a catalyst in the production of polyurethane foams.

Solubility

The solubilities of triethylenediamine in methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, 1-butanol, and ethyl acetate between 276.15 K and 363.15 K were measured using a synthetic method at atmospheric pressure[1]. (1) The solubilities of TEDA in methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, 1-butanol, and ethyl acetate all increase with increasing temperature. (2) The solubility of TEDA in methanol is higher than in ethanol, isopropanol, and 1-butanol. The solubility of TEDA in ethyl acetate is the lowest. The solubility of triethylenediamine in the above solvents increased in the order methanol > ethanol > isopropanol > 1-butanol > ethyl acetate. (3) The solubility of TEDA decreased according to the decrease of polarity of solvents at the same temperature.

Uses

Over the years, DABCO (Triethylenediamine) catalysts have produced most of the world's polyurethane foam. But DABCO is more than a urethane catalyst. This uniquely structured ditertiary amine has been used in a number of chemical applications outside of the urethane field. For example, triethylenediamine is an excellent reactant and can form various metal complexes, quaternary ammonium compounds, and addition compounds of bromine and iodine. It's also used as a cocatalyst for polymerization and oxidation. Many other potential application possibilities exist[2].

Hazard

According to the classification provided by companies to ECHA in REACH registrations, this substance is a flammable solid, is harmful if swallowed, causes serious eye damage, and causes skin irritation.

References

[1] Dishun Zhao. “Solubility of Triethylenediamine in Methanol, Ethanol, Isopropanol, 1-Butanol, and Ethyl Acetate between 276.15 K and 363.15 K.” Journal of Chemical Engineering Data 54 7 (2008): 2151–2152.

[2] “DABCO™ Triethylenediamine. It’s more than just a urethane catalyst. Much more.” C EN Global Enterprise 60 3 (1982): 43.