Ethylenediamine (CAS 107-15-3): Chelation Chemistry, Polymer Curing, and Sourcing Guide
Ethylenediamine (EDA) is the smallest of the common α,ω-diamines and a cornerstone of coordination chemistry: its two nitrogen donors bind metals in stable five-membered chelate rings, a motif that scales all the way to EDTA and multi-dentate ligand families. In industry the same bifunctionality makes EDA a chain extender, crosslinker, and intermediate for chelants, surfactants, and corrosion inhibitors.
Because the compound is corrosive, hygroscopic, and amine-odorous, logistics and packaging choices (drums, ISO containers, nitrogen blanketing) are genuine procurement considerations alongside purity.
Chemical Identity and Key Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 107-15-3 |
| Molecular Formula | C2H8N2 |
| Molecular Weight | 60.07 g/mol |
| Density | 0.898 at 77 °F (EPA, 1998) - Less dense than water; will float |
| Solubility | greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 63 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Typical Purity | ≥99% |
Chelation and Ligand Chemistry
EDA forms stable complexes with Cu, Ni, Co, Zn, and platinum-group metals; the bis(ethylenediamine) and tris(ethylenediamine) complexes are classic undergraduate preparations but also industrially relevant for electroless plating baths and catalyst systems. Alkylation with chloroacetic acid yields EDTA — still the reference chelant for water treatment, cleaning formulations, and analytical titrations.
Polymer and Coatings Applications
Epoxy Curing
EDA and its adducts cure epoxies at ambient temperature with short pot life; excess amine bloom and exotherm control favor adducted or diluted formulations in practical shop-floor systems.
Polyamide Resins
Reaction with fatty-acid dimers produces polyamide curing agents and adhesives.
Surfactants and Fuel Additives
Ethoxylated EDA derivatives serve as emulsifiers; polyisobutenyl succinimides built on EDA cores are detergent additives in lubricants.
Handling and Safety
EDA is corrosive to skin, eyes, and the respiratory tract (sensitizer risk with repeated exposure) and should be handled with appropriate ventilation, PPE, and transfer equipment designed for amines. Storage stability is good in sealed, dry systems; color drift indicates oxidation or contamination.
Frequently Asked Questions
What purity grades of ethylenediamine are available?
Standard industrial EDA is ≥99%; lower-assay material with diethylenetriamine and piperazine by-products suits some synthesis uses but not chelant production.
What packaging options exist?
Drums and ISO tanks with nitrogen blanketing for moisture-sensitive applications; CoreyChem supports both export packaging formats.
Can CoreyChem supply ethylenediamine derivatives?
Yes — custom synthesis of EDA derivatives, chelants, and related diamines from gram to kilogram scale with full analytical documentation.
Source from CoreyChem
CoreyChem supplies Ethylenediamine (CAS 107-15-3) with lot-specific COA and MSDS documentation. Custom synthesis, higher purity grades, and bulk packaging are available on request — contact our technical team with your target specification and quantity for current lead time and pricing.