Diethylenetriamine (DETA) Storage & Tank Compatibility

Storing Diethylenetriamine (DETA)? Start Here

Diethylenetriamine (DETA), CAS 111-40-0, is a colorless to pale-yellow, hygroscopic liquid with the formula C₄H₁₃N₃ and a molecular weight of 103.17. Structurally it is bis(2-aminoethyl)amine, carrying two primary and one secondary amine group, which makes it strongly basic and highly reactive. It is best known as an epoxy curing agent (hardener) and as a building block for chelants, fuel additives, lube dispersants, fabric softeners, ion-exchange resins and corrosion inhibitors. DETA is fully miscible with water and forms an alkaline solution. Because aliphatic polyamines are well tolerated by polyolefins, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) tanks provide a reliable, economical containment option for neat DETA and its aqueous solutions at ambient temperature, provided incompatible metals and elastomers are kept out of the wetted path.

Is Diethylenetriamine Compatible With Polyethylene Tanks?

Yes. Diethylenetriamine is compatible with both HDPE and crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) at ambient temperature. Polyethylene is a nonpolar, semicrystalline polyolefin that resists strong bases and aliphatic amines, so DETA does not swell, soften or chemically degrade it the way aromatic solvents, chlorinated solvents or strong oxidizers would. This places DETA in the same satisfactory-rated family as related amines and chelants such as ethylenediamine and triethanolamine. Two practical cautions apply. First, DETA is hygroscopic and reacts readily with atmospheric carbon dioxide to form carbamates, so storage tanks should be sealed and, where appropriate, blanketed with dry nitrogen to preserve product quality. Second, while the polyethylene resin itself is satisfactory, the strong base aggressively attacks copper, brass, aluminum and zinc/galvanized hardware and degrades fluoroelastomer (Viton) seals; specify EPDM gaskets and 316 stainless or compatible polymer fittings. For elevated-temperature or high-purity service, confirm the rating against the manufacturer chemical resistance chart and your specific concentration.

Material compatibility at a glance

Diethylenetriamine is a strongly alkaline aliphatic polyamine that is fully compatible with high-density and crosslinked polyethylene at ambient temperature, making HDPE and XLPE tanks a sound choice for bulk storage. EPDM and 316 stainless steel suit gaskets and fittings. Avoid copper, brass, aluminum, zinc/galvanized hardware and fluoroelastomer (Viton) seals, all of which the base attacks.

Ratings: S suitable · C conditional / limited · U unsuitable. Verify against the cited resistance charts and your concentration/temperature before specifying.

The safety that actually matters

• Corrosive base: causes severe skin burns and serious eye damage (H314/H318). Wear chemical-splash goggles, a face shield and amine-resistant gloves and apron.
• Fatal if inhaled (H330) and a respiratory/skin sensitizer (H334/H317); handle in well-ventilated areas or under local exhaust and use appropriate respiratory protection for vapors and mists.
• Reproductive hazard (H360); follow employer exposure controls and medical-surveillance requirements.
• Keep away from acids, oxidizers and carbon dioxide; store sealed and consider dry-nitrogen blanketing to limit carbamate formation and moisture pickup.
• Do not store or transfer through copper, brass, aluminum, zinc or galvanized components; use compatible polyethylene, 316 stainless or EPDM-sealed equipment.
• Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects (H411); provide secondary containment and prevent release to drains, soil and waterways.

Common questions

Can I store diethylenetriamine in an HDPE or XLPE tank?

Yes. DETA is rated satisfactory with both high-density and crosslinked polyethylene at ambient temperature. Polyethylene resists the strong base without swelling or degrading, so it is a common, economical choice for neat DETA and its aqueous solutions. Seal the tank and avoid incompatible metal and elastomer hardware in the wetted path.

What materials should I keep away from DETA?

Avoid copper, brass, aluminum and zinc or galvanized steel, which the base corrodes, and avoid fluoroelastomer (Viton) seals. Use polyethylene, polypropylene or 316 stainless steel for the tank and wetted parts, with EPDM gaskets.

Why does my stored DETA form solids or skin over?

DETA is hygroscopic and reacts with atmospheric carbon dioxide to form solid carbamates and with moisture to dilute the product. Keep the tank sealed and, for quality-sensitive uses, blanket the headspace with dry nitrogen.

What are the main hazards of diethylenetriamine?

It is a corrosive base that causes severe skin and eye burns, is fatal if inhaled, is a skin and respiratory sensitizer, carries a reproductive hazard and is toxic to aquatic life. Use full splash PPE, ventilation or respiratory protection, and secondary containment.