What is N,N,N',N'-Tetramethylethylenediamine?

Identification    

Name    N,N,N',N'-Tetramethylethylenediamine    

Synonyms    1,2-Di(dimethylamino)ethane; TEMED; TMEDA    

Molecular Structure    

Molecular Formula    C6H16N2    

Molecular Weight    116.20    

CAS Registry Number    110-18-9    

EINECS    203-744-6    

Properties    

Density    0.77    

Melting point    -55 ºC    

Boiling point    120-122 ºC    

Refractive index    1.4169-1.4189    

Flash point    21 ºC    

Water solubility    miscible    

1,2-di-(dimethylamino)ethane appears as a water-white colored liquid with a fishlike odor.  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.    

Application

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.

N,N,N',N'-Tetramethylethylenediamine is also used as polymerization accelerator in gel electrophoresis, solvent and oxidizing reagent.

Uses as as Reagent

N,N,N',N'-Tetramethylethylenediamine is used with ammonium persulfate to catalyze the polymerization of acrylamide and bis-acrylamide to get polyacrylamide gels. It is also used for the separation of proteins or nucleic acids. TEMED is a free radical stabilizer used as a catalyst with APS to promote polymerization of acrylamide gels 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.

TEMED (N,N,N′,N′-Tetramethylethylenediamine) is molecule which allows rapid polymerization of polyacrylamide gels. In the presence of ammonium persulfate, TEMED is responsible for the formation of free radicals from persulfate, thereby initiating the acrylamide polymerization process. However, excess concentration of TEMED can result in abnormal separation patterns.TEMED (N,N,N′,N′-Tetramethylethylenediamine) has been used for the preparation of acrylamide hydrogels and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels.

Hazard Information

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.

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.

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