diethylenetriamine

Diethylenetriamine (abbreviated dien or DETA) and also known as 2,2’-Iminodi(ethylamine)) is an organic compound with the formula HN(CH2CH2NH2)2. This colourless hygroscopic liquid is soluble in water and polar organic solvents, but not simple hydrocarbons. Diethylenetriamine is structural analogue of diethylene glycol. Its chemical properties resemble those for ethylene diamine, and it has similar uses. It is a weak base and its aqueous solution is alkaline. DETA is a byproduct of the production of ethylenediamine from ethylene dichloride.

==Reactions and uses== Diethylenetriamine is a common curing agent for epoxy resins in epoxy adhesives and other thermosets. It is N-alkylated upon reaction with epoxide groups forming crosslinks. thumb|320px|left|Idealized structure of a triamine-cured epoxy glue. The resin's epoxide groups have all reacted with the N-H groups of the triamine hardener. The resulting highly crosslinked material contains many OH groups, which confer adhesive properties.