Chemical Properties
Colorless to slightly yellow liquid
Uses
N,N,N',N'-Tetramethylethylenediamine is used as polymerization accelerator in gel electrophoresis, solvent and oxidizing reagent. It is also used for the separation of proteins or nucleic acids. Further, it is employed as a ligand for metal ions like zinc and copper. It is actively involved in the formation of anionic organometallic complex.
Definition
ChEBI: N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine is an ethylenediamine derivative in which each nitrogen carries two methyl substituents. It is widely employed both as a ligand for metal ions and as a catalyst in organic polymerisation. It has a role as a chelator and a catalyst.
General Description
1,2-di-(dimethylamino)ethane appears as a water-white colored liquid with a fishlike odor. Flash point 68 °F. Less dense than water. Vapors heavier than air. Used to make other chemicals.
Air & Water Reactions
Highly flammable. Slightly soluble in water. Sensitive to heat and may be sensitive to air .
Reactivity Profile
N,N,N',N'-Tetramethylethylenediamine neutralizes acids in exothermic reactions to form salts plus water. May be incompatible with isocyanates, halogenated organics, peroxides, phenols (acidic), epoxides, anhydrides, and acid halides. Flammable gaseous hydrogen may be generated in combination with strong reducing agents, such as hydrides.
Health Hazard
May cause toxic effects if inhaled or absorbed through skin. Inhalation or contact with material may irritate or burn skin and eyes. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution.
Fire Hazard
HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids are lighter than water.
Safety Profile
Moderately toxic by ingestion. Mddly toxic by slun contact. A skin and severe eye irritant. Flammable when exposed to heat or flame; can react with oxidizing materials. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of NOx. See also MINES.
Purification Methods
Dry TMEDA partially with molecular sieves (Linde type 4A), then distil it in a vacuum from butyl lithium. This treatment removes all traces of primary and secondary amines and water. [Hay et al. J Chem Soc, Faraday Trans 1 68 1 1972.] Or dry it with KOH pellets, reflux for 2hours with one-sixth its weight of n-butyric anhydride (to remove primary and secondary amines) and fractionally distil it. Reflux it with fresh KOH, and distil it under nitrogen. [Cram & Wilson J Am Chem Soc 85 1245 1963.] It was also distilled from Na. Store it sealed under N2. The dipicrate has m 263o(dec). [Beilstein 4 H 250, 4 I 415, 4 II 690, 4 III 512, 4 IV 1172.]
