Material Safety Data Sheet: Diethylenetriamine (DETA)

Identification

Chemical Name: Diethylenetriamine
Synonyms: 2,2'-Iminodi(ethylamine); DETA; N-(2-aminoethyl)ethane-1,2-diamine
Molecular Formula: C4H13N3
Molecular Weight: 103.17 g/mol
CAS Number: 111-40-0
Manufacturer: Various industrial and chemical suppliers
Use: Production of chelating agents, epoxy curing, and rubber chemicals

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Acute toxicity (Oral, Dermal, Inhalation), Skin corrosion, Eye damage, Respiratory sensitization
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed; causes severe skin burns and eye damage; may cause allergic skin reactions; toxic by inhalation; risk of serious damage to eyes; may cause respiratory irritation
Pictogram: Corrosive, Exclamation Mark, Health Hazard
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, Skin, Eyes, Ingestion
Potential Health Effects: Burning sensation, coughing, sore throat, redness or blistering on skin, eye pain, blurred vision, nausea, shortness of breath, chronic exposure may cause dermatitis and respiratory issues

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Substance: Diethylenetriamine
Concentration: Greater than 99% (for technical grade material)
Impurities: Trace levels of triethylenetetramine or tetraethylenepentamine depending on production
Other Names: DETA; N,N-Di(2-aminoethyl)amine
Ingredient Classification: Corrosive liquid; Toxic to skin and eyes; Not considered persistent in the environment

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air; monitor breathing; provide artificial respiration if breathing stops; seek medical help immediately
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing and wash exposed skin with copious water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical attention for burns or persistent irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; hold eyelids apart during flushing; seek immediate medical attention
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; rinse mouth with water; never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person; seek emergency medical attention
Symptoms to Watch: Severe irritation, delayed blistering, burns, coughing, chest tightness, breathing difficulty, nausea

Fire-Fighting Measures

Flammability: Combustible liquid, may ignite at high temperature
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide, foam, water spray
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Straight water streams; risk of spreading burning chemical
Special Hazards: Produces toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides and ammonia on burning; heat may cause pressure build-up in closed containers
Protective Equipment: Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), chemically resistant protective clothing for firefighters
Advice for Firefighters: Avoid inhalation of combustion products; isolate fire area; use water spray to cool containers near fire; prevent runoff

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate unprotected persons from spill area; limit personnel to trained responders with suitable PPE
Environmental Precautions: Prevent leakage or spillage into water courses, drains, or soil; toxic to aquatic life at high concentrations
Spill Containment: Use inert absorbents (e.g., sand, vermiculite); collect and place in tight containers for disposal
Clean-up: Neutralize residue with dilute acid; ventilate area; use non-sparking tools for handling; avoid direct contact with material
Emergency Procedures: Notify emergency services if spill is large or uncontrollable; avoid further handling until clean-up is complete

Handling and Storage

Handling: Ensure adequate ventilation; keep away from sources of ignition; avoid breathing vapors and direct skin or eye contact; wear appropriate protective gear including gloves, goggles, and chemical resistant clothing
Storage: Keep in tightly closed containers made of compatible materials (steel, high-density polyethylene); store in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas; separate from acids, oxidizers, and food items
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidants, acids, halogenated compounds, copper alloys
Special Precautions: Use spark-proof equipment and explosion-proof electrical fixtures in storage and handling areas
Container Advice: Label containers clearly; check for leaks or corrosion regularly; store away from direct sunlight or heat sources for safety

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: ACGIH TLV: 1 ppm (4.2 mg/m3), skin; OSHA PEL: none established
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust or fume extraction; ensure eyewash stations and emergency showers are nearby
Personal Protection Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, butyl rubber), safety goggles, face shield, flame-resistant clothing, boots
Respiratory Protection: Approved respirators (NIOSH MSHA) for airborne concentrations above permissible exposure limits; air-purifying or supplied-air respirators depending on level of exposure
Hygiene Measures: Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in handling area; wash thoroughly after handling; remove and wash contaminated clothing prior to reuse

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Ammoniacal, pungent odor
Melting Point: -35°C
Boiling Point: 207°C - 218°C
Flash Point: 93°C (Closed cup)
Auto-ignition Temperature: 385°C
Vapor Pressure: 0.13 mmHg at 25°C
Vapor Density: 3.56 (air = 1)
Specific Gravity: 0.95-0.97 (water = 1) at 20°C
Solubility: Completely miscible in water
pH: Strongly alkaline in aqueous solution
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): -2.04
Viscosity: 7.7 mPa.s at 25°C
Evaporation Rate: Not rapid

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under standard conditions of use and storage
Conditions to Avoid: High heat, flames, direct sunlight, incompatible materials
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, acids, halogens, copper, copper alloys
Polymerization: Not known to polymerize under normal temperatures
Decomposition Products: Ammonia, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide at high temperatures
Reactivity: Strong base; reacts vigorously with acids and acid chlorides; attacks certain plastics and rubbers

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): 1080 mg/kg; Dermal LD50 (rabbit): 1090 mg/kg; inhalation may cause respiratory damage
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Causes severe burns, persistent dermatitis possible
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes severe damage; risk of blindness
Respiratory Sensitization: Excess inhalation can cause asthmatic symptoms
Chronic Toxicity: Prolonged or repeated exposure leads to skin sensitization and permanent respiratory discomfort
Carcinogenicity: No known significant effects (not listed by NTP, IARC, OSHA as carcinogen)
Mutagenicity/Teratogenicity: Data insufficient, not recognized as mutagenic or teratogenic
Other Data: No evidence for reproductive toxicity; chronic exposure can worsen existing liver or kidney conditions

Ecological Information

Toxicity to Aquatic Life: Harmful in high concentrations, EC50 (Daphnia magna, 48h): 16 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable by adapted bacteria
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low, due to low log Kow; does not accumulate significantly in organisms
Mobility in Soil: High, substance moves rapidly through soil and can leach into groundwater
Environmental Fate: Decomposes in water and soil over time, main risk from large spills
Other Adverse Effects: Fish and aquatic organisms sensitive to pH changes caused by alkaline nature of product

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal: Treat as hazardous chemical; use approved incinerator or licensed chemical disposal facility; neutralize with dilute acid before disposal as per regulatory guidelines
Container Disposal: Rinse thoroughly, puncture, and dispose of as hazardous waste container; never reuse for food, water, or animal feed
Precautions: Prevent release to environment; comply with local, regional, and national regulations; maintain documentation of all disposal actions
Recycling: Not feasible for contaminated product due to toxicity and regulatory controls

Transport Information

UN Number: 2079
Proper Shipping Name: Diethylenetriamine
Transport Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive substances)
Packing Group: II
Labels Required: Corrosive
Transport Regulations: IMDG, IATA, ADR all restrict transport due to corrosive and toxic properties; attach shipping documents and emergency response information
Special Precautions for Transport: Protect containers from damage and leakage; keep upright; do not transport with acids or foodstuffs; identify vehicle as containing corrosive substances

Regulatory Information

TSCA Status: Listed on U.S. Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory
SARA Title III: Subject to reporting under sections 302 (EHS), 311/312 (hazard categories: acute, chronic health hazard); not listed as an extremely hazardous substance
REACH Status (EU): Registered; subject to specific restrictions on use and discharge
OSHA: Classified as hazardous chemical; training and hazard communication required
Canadian WHMIS: Listed as Class D2B (Toxic), Class E (Corrosive)
State Regulations: Present on California Proposition 65 list for workplace exposure
Other Regulatory Data: Product classified for marine transport hazards; must meet federal, state, provincial, and local chemical inventory and safety standards at all times