Tris(2-aminoethyl)amine

Synonym(s):2,2′,2′′-Nitrilotriethylamine;2,2′,2′′-Triaminotriethylamine;TAEA

CAS NO.：4097-89-6
Empirical Formula: C6H18N4
Molecular Weight: 146.23
MDL number: MFCD00008177
EINECS: 223-857-4
SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS)
Update Date: 2026-05-27 17:23:34

What is Tris(2-aminoethyl)amine?

Chemical properties

Colorless liquid

The Uses of Tris(2-aminoethyl)amine

Tris(2-aminoethyl)amine is a tetradentate chelating ligand and forms stable complexes with transition metals. It is also used as a carbon dioxide absorbent. Further, it acts as a reagent for cleavage of the fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (Fmoc) group in peptide synthesis. It reacts with aryl isocyanates and isothiocyanates to give tris-urea and -thiourea derivatives.

Definition

ChEBI: Tris(2-aminoethyl)amine is a tetramine.

General Description

Tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (TREN) is a water soluble tripodal ligand that is majorly used in co-ordination chemistry. It has three aminoethylgroups that attach with the surface atoms to provide a scaffold assembly.

Hazard

A poison by ingestion and skin contact.

Safety Profile

A poison by ingestion and skin contact. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic vapors of NOx.

Purification Methods

For a separation from a mixture containing 62% TRIEN, see entry under triethylenetetramine. Also purify it by conversion to the hydrochloride (see below), recrystallise it and regenerate the free base [Xie & Hendrickson J Am Chem Soc 109 6981 1987]. [Beilstein 4 H 256, 4 II 695, 4 III 545, 4 IV 1250.]

Properties of Tris(2-aminoethyl)amine

Melting point:	-16 °C
Boiling point:	114 °C/15 mmHg (lit.)
Density	0.976 g/mL at 20 °C (lit.)
vapor density	5 (vs air)
vapor pressure	0.02 mm Hg ( 20 °C)
refractive index	n20/D 1.497(lit.)
Flash point:	>230 °F
storage temp.	2-8°C
solubility	Chloroform (Sparingly), DMSO (Slightly)
form	saline suspension
pka	10.00±0.10(Predicted)
color	Clear yellow
Specific Gravity	0.977
Water Solubility	Miscible with water.
Sensitive	Hygroscopic
BRN	1739626
Stability:	Stable. Hygroscopic. Absorbs carbon dioxide from the air. Incompatible with strong acids, strong oxidizing agents.
CAS DataBase Reference	4097-89-6(CAS DataBase Reference)
EPA Substance Registry System	1,2-Ethanediamine, N,N-bis(2-aminoethyl)- (4097-89-6)

Safety information for Tris(2-aminoethyl)amine

Signal word	Danger
Pictogram(s)	Corrosion Corrosives GHS05 Skull and Crossbones Acute Toxicity GHS06
GHS Hazard Statements	H301:Acute toxicity,oral H310:Acute toxicity,dermal H314:Skin corrosion/irritation
Precautionary Statement Codes	P270:Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. P280:Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P301+P330+P331:IF SWALLOWED: Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. P303+P361+P353:IF ON SKIN (or hair): Remove/Take off Immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse SKIN with water/shower. P305+P351+P338:IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continuerinsing.