Tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA) MSDS – Material Safety Data Sheet

English Name: N,N,N′,N′-Tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA)

CAS No.: 110-18-9

Chromatographic Purity: ≥99.0%

Molecular Weight: 116.2

Flash Point: 50 °F

Physical Form: Liquid

Refractive Index: n20/D 1.4179 (lit.)

Density: 0.775 g/mL at 20 °C (lit.)

Applications: Pharmaceutical intermediate

1. Product Introduction

Tetramethylethylenediamine is a diamine compound with good coordination ability, widely used in organic synthesis reactions, especially in combination with organolithium or Grignard reagents, where it can significantly enhance the selectivity and efficiency of the reaction. This compound is volatile and flammable, and safety operation specifications must be strictly followed.

2. Hazard Overview

N,N,N′,N′Tetramethylethylenediamine is classified as a hazardous chemical with the following hazardous characteristics:

Flammable; its vapor can form explosive mixtures with air;

Irritating to skin and eyes; inhalation of vapor may cause respiratory discomfort;

Prolonged or repeated contact may cause skin dryness or defatting.

According to GHS classification, this product is classified as: Flammable liquid (Category 2), Skin irritant (Category 2), Eye irritant (Category 2A).

3. First Aid Measures

Inhalation: If inhaled, move the patient to fresh air immediately and keep breathing unobstructed. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention promptly.

Skin Contact: Immediately rinse the affected area with plenty of water and remove contaminated clothing. If redness or irritation occurs, seek medical advice.

Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes while keeping eyelids open. Seek medical attention if discomfort occurs.

Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. If the patient is conscious, give small amounts of water and seek medical help immediately.

4. Firefighting Measures

This product is flammable and will release toxic gases (such as nitrogen oxides) when burning. Suitable extinguishing media include dry powder, foam, carbon dioxide, or water spray. Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing to avoid inhaling smoke.

5. Accidental Release Measures

Small spills can be absorbed using inert absorbent materials (such as sand or soil) and placed in sealed containers for proper disposal. Ensure the area is well-ventilated and avoid inhaling vapors. Prevent spilled material from entering water sources or sewers.

6. Handling and Storage

During handling, wear appropriate protective equipment including gloves, safety goggles, and chemical-resistant clothing. The operation area must be well-ventilated, and open flames and high temperatures are strictly prohibited.

Store in a sealed container in a cool, dry place, away from heat sources and oxidizing agents. Containers should be tightly closed, leak-proof, and equipped with anti-static grounding measures.

7. Exposure Controls / Personal Protection

When handling or being exposed to N,N,N′,N′Tetramethylethylenediamine , take the following protective measures:

Respiratory Protection: If high concentrations of vapor may be inhaled, wear a respirator with organic vapor cartridges;

Eye Protection: Wear chemical splash goggles;

Hand Protection: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, such as nitrile or neoprene;

Body Protection: Wear long-sleeved work clothing and closed-toe footwear.

8. Physical and Chemical Properties

Tetramethylethylenediamine is a colorless to light yellow liquid with a pungent amine odor. It has moderate volatility at room temperature, a boiling point of approximately 121°C, a flash point of approximately 16°C, and a density of about 0.775 g/cm³ (20°C). It is miscible with water, alcohols, ethers, and many other organic solvents.

9. Stability and Reactivity

Stable under normal temperature and pressure, but avoid high temperatures, open flames, and contact with oxidizing agents. Under high temperature or combustion, it may produce harmful gases such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen oxides. Avoid contact with acids, strong oxidizing agents, or acidic metal salts.

10. Toxicological Information

Based on available data, tetramethylethylenediamine is strongly irritating to the skin and eyes. Inhalation of high concentrations of vapor may affect the central nervous system. The oral LD50 for rats is about 930 mg/kg, indicating moderate toxicity. No clear evidence of carcinogenicity or reproductive toxicity has been found, but long-term or repeated exposure should be avoided.

11. Ecological Information

N,N,N′,N′Tetramethylethylenediamine  is toxic to aquatic organisms and should not be discharged directly into natural water bodies. This compound can biodegrade in the environment, but the process is relatively slow. Large-scale spills should be avoided to prevent environmental pollution.

12. Disposal Considerations

Disposal should follow national hazardous waste management regulations. Do not pour into sewers or the environment. It should be handed over to qualified chemical waste disposal facilities for harmless treatment.

13. Transport Information

Tetramethylethylenediamine is classified as a hazardous chemical, UN Number 2372, Hazard Class 3 (Flammable liquid), Packing Group II. During transport, avoid light exposure, leakage, and fire sources. Operators must be licensed for transport.

14. Regulatory Information

N,N,N′,N′Tetramethylethylenediamine  is listed as a controlled hazardous chemical in several countries, and its use and storage must comply with the "Regulations on the Safety Management of Hazardous Chemicals" and other relevant laws and regulations. Enterprises should establish a complete chemical management system and provide training for users.

15. Other Information

This safety data sheet is compiled based on available information and is for reference only. In actual use, appropriate protective measures should be taken according to the specific operating environment. The user is responsible for ensuring that operations comply with local laws and safety regulations.