Material Safety Data Sheet: Diethylenetriamine (DETA)

Identification

Chemical Name: Diethylenetriamine
Synonyms: 2,2'-Iminodi(ethylamine), DETA
CAS Number: 111-40-0
Manufacturer: Industrial chemical suppliers
Recommended Use: Intermediate for organic synthesis, curing agent for epoxy resins, corrosion inhibitors, fuel additives
Emergency Contact Numbers: Refer to local emergency services and supplier hotlines

Hazard Identification

Classification: Skin Corr. 1B; Eye Dam. 1; Acute Tox. 4 (oral, inhalation, dermal)
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage, may cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties, harmful if swallowed, in contact with skin or inhaled
Pictograms: Corrosive, Exclamation mark, Health hazard
Precautionary Statements: Avoid all contact with eyes, skin, or clothing, avoid breathing vapors or mist, wash thoroughly after handling, wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye and face protection

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: Diethylenetriamine
Purity: 99+%
Impurities: Minor secondary and tertiary amines typically less than 1%
CAS Number: 111-40-0
EC Number: 203-865-4
Molecular Formula: C4H13N3
Molecular Weight: 103.17 g/mol

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove to fresh air, assist breathing as needed, seek immediate medical attention
Skin Contact: Immediately flush skin with large amounts of water, remove contaminated clothing and shoes, continue rinsing for at least 15 minutes, get medical help
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, continue rinsing, get urgent medical treatment
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth, call a poison center or doctor right away
Most Important Symptoms: Burning sensation, coughing, shortness of breath, possible severe tissue damage to eyes, skin, or respiratory tract

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, carbon dioxide, dry chemical
Unsuitable Media: Direct water stream can spread product
Hazards from Fire: May give off toxic fumes—nitrogen oxides, ammonia, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide
Protective Equipment: Firefighters wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Fire-Fighting Advice: Isolate hazard area, fight fire from upwind, prevent runoff into drains or waterways

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate unnecessary personnel, ventilate area, avoid breathing vapors
Protective Equipment: Appropriate respirator, gloves, chemical goggles, protective footwear and clothing
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so, do not discharge into drains, waterways, or soil
Cleanup Methods: Absorb with inert material (such as sand or earth), collect in suitable container for disposal, wash spill area after removal

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Use only with adequate ventilation, keep container tightly closed, avoid all skin and eye contact, do not inhale vapors, wear protective equipment
Safe Storage: Store in tightly closed, corrosion-resistant containers, in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances such as strong oxidizers and acids, keep away from heat and sources of ignition, store below 30°C
Storage Class: Corrosive materials

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: ACGIH TLV 1 ppm (4.2 mg/m3), OSHA PEL: none assigned
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, eye wash stations, safety showers
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or butyl rubber), splash-proof goggles or face shield, long-sleeved protective clothing, appropriate respirator (organic vapor/particulate filter) in absence of adequate ventilation

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Amine-like, fishy
Boiling Point: 207°C
Melting Point: -39°C
Flash Point: 93°C (closed cup)
Autoignition Temperature: 385°C
Vapor Pressure: 0.38 mmHg at 20°C
Solubility: Miscible with water
pH: Strongly alkaline
Density: 0.95 g/cm³ at 20°C
Viscosity: 3.5 mPa·s at 25°C

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Hazardous Reactions: Reacts violently with strong acids, oxidizers, halogenated compounds
Decomposition Products: Nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides, ammonia
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, open flame, incompatible materials, moisture
Polymerization: No hazardous polymerization reported

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): 1080 mg/kg; Dermal LD50 (rabbit): 1090 mg/kg
Inhalation: May cause respiratory irritation, possible asthma or allergic reactions
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Causes severe burns
Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes serious damage
Skin Sensitization: Evidence of allergic reaction from prolonged or repeated contact
Target Organs: Eyes, skin, respiratory system
Other Effects: Repeated exposure may cause dermatitis or sensitization

Ecological Information

Toxicity to Aquatic Life: EC50 (algae, 72h): 116 mg/L, LC50 (fish, 96h): 248 mg/L (bluegill sunfish), EC50 (Daphnia, 48h): 16 mg/L
Persistence/Degradability: Readily biodegradable by microorganisms
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low (log Kow -2.13)
Mobility in Soil: High due to water solubility
Other Adverse Effects: May raise pH in aquatic environments harming sensitive organisms

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Send to licensed chemical disposal facility with proper labeling and paperwork, containers thoroughly rinsed before discarding
Contaminated Packaging: Must be disposed of in compliance with national and local regulations, do not reuse uncleaned drums
Special Precautions: Do not flush into surface water or sanitary sewer, incineration preferred under environmentally controlled conditions

Transport Information

UN Number: 2079
UN Proper Shipping Name: Diethylenetriamine
Transport Class: 8 (Corrosive Substance)
Packing Group: II
Hazard Label: Corrosive
Environmental Hazards: Not classified as marine pollutant unless shipped in bulk
Special Precautions: Ensure secure and upright packaging, transport in accordance with regulations

Regulatory Information

US Federal Regulations: Listed on TSCA inventory; subject to SARA Title III, Section 313, and CERCLA
European Union: Classified under CLP Regulation EC No 1272/2008; REACH registered; workplace exposure limit (WEL) applies
Canada: WHMIS classification: D1B (Toxic Material), E (Corrosive Material)
Other Regulations: Not listed as a carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA; local regulations may apply to emissions, use, or discharge
Label Elements: Pictograms, signal word, hazard, and precautionary statements required on label