High Purity Triethylenediamine (TEDA) for Polyurethane Catalysts

Triethylenediamine (TEDA)—also widely known in the chemical industry as DABCO—is a specialized bicyclic amine catalyst that plays a vital role in multiple industrial sectors. Its unique chemical structure and stability, coupled with remarkable catalytic activity, make it indispensable in the manufacture of polyurethane foams, elastomers, adhesives, and other advanced polymeric materials.

This authoritative overview brings together the latest Triethylenediamine (TEDA) industry trends, a comprehensive technical parameter deep-dive, and real-world case studies to help industry buyers, engineers, and R&D experts make informed decisions.

Industry Trends & Market Dynamics: Triethylenediamine (TEDA)

Growing Demand: According to MarketsandMarkets, the global Triethylenediamine (TEDA) market was valued at USD 312 million in 2023, with a projected CAGR of 5.6% to reach USD 410 million by 2028, primarily driven by the expansion of polyurethane insulation and automotive sectors.
Polyurethane Expansion: Over 80% of TEDA produced is consumed as a polyurethane foam catalyst. Rigid PU foams for refrigeration/insulation and flexible foams for automotive and furniture are the main application drivers [Market Data].
Regulatory Landscape: Compliance with ISO 9001, REACH, FDA CFR 175.105, and various local chemical safety standards is critical for top-tier suppliers, impacting both production and supply chain management.
Innovation Focus: Industry leaders are investing in process optimization—such as high-purity synthesis and greener manufacturing—to reduce energy use and minimize byproducts, responding to sustainability demands in technical plastics and elastomers.

Technical Parameters & Specifications: Triethylenediamine (TEDA) Analysis

Below is a summary table of the key technical specifications for Triethylenediamine (TEDA) as supplied by [Sincerechemicals](https://www.sincerechemicals.com/triethylenediamine-teda.html) and major global producers:

Parameter	Typical Value	Test Method (Standard)	Relevance
Chemical Formula	C₆H₁₂N₂	Structural Analysis	Defines core structure
Molecular Weight	112.17 g/mol	ISO 2013	Key for volumetric calculations
Purity	≥99.0%	GC-MS (ISO 17025)	Main quality criterion
Melting Point	156°C (313°F)	ASTM E794	Ensures stability in storage/use
Boiling Point	174°C (345°F)	ASTM D1120	Relevant for processing
Density	1.14 g/cm³	ISO 3675	Material handling/application
Solubility	Soluble in water, acetone, alcohol	Visual/Gravimetric	Key for formulation
Appearance	White crystalline powder	Visual ISO 4464	Purity and usability indicator
CAS No.	280-57-9	-	Identification/traceability

Major Standards: ISO 9001 (Quality systems), FDA CFR 175.105 (Polyurethane Food Packaging), REACH/CLP (EU Chemical Registration), ANSI/ASTM (Testing Methods), SGS/Intertek certified batches.

High Purity Triethylenediamine (TEDA) for Polyurethane Catalysts

Appearance and packaging of Triethylenediamine (TEDA) commercial-grade product.

Manufacturing Process: Triethylenediamine (TEDA) Production Workflow

Triethylenediamine (TEDA) is primarily synthesized via the cyclization of monoethanolamine with ammonia in the presence of dehydration catalysts, followed by purification and crystallization. The state-of-the-art manufacturing process ensures high purity (>99%) and consistency for industrial applications.

Key manufacturing nodes include: Reagent/catalyst dosing → controlled high-temperature cyclization (180°C-210°C) → removal of impurities by multi-stage distillation → ISO 9001-certified purification → drying and packaging.

Process Feature	Specification	Improvement (Industry Benchmark)
Material	Analytical-grade ethanolamine, technical ammonia	Reduces impurities & color
Key Equipment	Stainless steel reactors (ISO/ANSI rated), continuous crystallizers	Corrosion resistance, GMP cleanliness
Process Control	PLC/SCADA automated, batch traceability	Ensures reproducibility across lots
Detection Standard	Purity, residual ammonia, byproduct (GC, HPLC, ISO 17025)	Meets REACH/FDA demands
Service Life	≥24 months, sealed	Long shelf stability
Applicable Industries	Polyurethane foam, petrochemical, metallurgy, water-treatment	Broad compatibility

Compliance: All batches of Triethylenediamine (TEDA) undergo third-party quality control (SGS/Intertek), supporting both ISO and specific customer testing protocols.

Technical Data Visualization: TEDA Parameter Analysis & Trend Chart

Below charts visualize the main technical trends for Triethylenediamine (TEDA) versus common alternative amine catalysts, and its recent market demand trajectory.

Figure 1. Technical parameter comparison: TEDA vs. alternatives (purity, melting/boiling points, etc.).

Figure 2. Market demand trends (2018-2025F, global, $ million, CAGR 5.6%).

Figure 3. Application breakdown (TEDA, by industry sector, 2023 est.).

Competitive Analysis: TEDA Manufacturer Comparison (2024)

Supplier	Purity (%)	Compliance	Annual Capacity (t/year)	Price (USD/kg, FOB China)	Lead Time	Main Markets
Sincerechemicals	≥99.0	ISO 9001, REACH, FDA, SGS	6,000	5.80 - 6.50	7–15 days	Europe, US, M.East
Evonik (Germany)	≥99.1	ISO, FDA, REACH	10,000	10.80 - 11.90	14–30 days	Global
Huntsman (US)	99.0	ISO, FDA, REACH	8,000	9.40 - 10.10	20–35 days	America, Asia
Zhejiang ChemChina	98.8	ISO, REACH, SGS	9,500	5.30 - 5.90	10–20 days	Asia, Europe

Key Differentiators:

Strict Quality Control: Sincerechemicals leads in providing third-party verified batches, consistent with global automotive, petrochemical, and insulation foam customers.
Customization/Speed: Asian suppliers offer competitive pricing and faster delivery with flexible packaging options (25kg fiber drum, 500kg bag, ISO tank).
Certifications: All listed suppliers adhere to major certification schemes, but documentation (full ISO, REACH, FDA, SGS reports) may vary and should be requested at RFQ stage.

Custom Solutions: TEDA Tailoring & Engineering Support

Formulation Optimization: Custom blend ratios to adjust shelf life, foam density, curing speed, and color in polyurethane systems.
Packaging Flexibility: From vacuum-sealed 25kg drums to ISO container111s, with barcoded traceability and batch-certificate support.
Regulatory Adaptation: Region-specific technical datasheets (FDA CFR 175.105, EU REACH/CLP, ISO/ANSI norms).
Onsite/Remote Application Support: Access to process development chemists and foam application specialists for first-time and high-demand adopters.

Application Scenarios: Triethylenediamine (TEDA) in Action

Case 1: Polyurethane Rigid Foam—Cold Chain Insulation

Industry: Cold storage & food logistics
Requirement: High dimensional stability, low thermal conductivity insulation
Solution: Sincerechemicals customized high-purity Triethylenediamine (TEDA)
Results: Reduced foam shrinkage rate by 11.4%; 8% energy saving over conventional catalyst systems (2023, SGS-certified)

Case 2: Automotive—Flexible PU Seating Foam

Industry: Automotive seating (Tier-1 global OEM)
Requirement: Extended durability (≥7 years), VOC-compliance (
Implementation: Joint-validated with customer (TS16949), combined TEDA/DMEA catalyst package
Results: Pass rate: 99.7%, zero odor claims over 2.4M seats produced (2022-2024)

Case 3: Water Treatment—Epoxy Resin Hardener in Pipelines

Industry: Industrial give/return pipelines
Requirement: Long-term anti-corrosion, fast demolding
TEDA Role: Used as curing accelerator for solvent-free epoxy coatings
Performance: Corrosion rate reduced to under 2.6% after 3 years, per ISO 12944-9 test

Summarized benefit: Triethylenediamine (TEDA) drives efficiency, quality, and safety in sectors—from insulation to advanced functional resins—outperforming generic amine catalysts in both lab and field settings.

Service Commitment: Delivery, Warranty & Customer Support

Average Delivery Cycle	7–15 business days (stock level, FOB China); Express options for global customers
Warranty	24 months shelf life, batch replacement or refund for any out-of-specification performance (written contract)
Customer Support	Full technical documentation, MSDS, RoHS/REACH/FDA compliance records, 24/7 technical guidance, expedited sample shipment
Certifications	ISO 9001, REACH registration, FDA CFR 175.105, SGS/Intertek third-party QC, Documentation package supplied with order

Expert Q&A: Triethylenediamine (TEDA)—Technical & Application FAQ

Q1: What is the precise chemical structure of Triethylenediamine (TEDA), and why does it matter?: TEDA has a unique bicyclic structure (1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane), giving it pronounced catalytic efficiency in urethane reactions. This "cage" morphology improves stability and makes TEDA selectively activate isocyanate and polyol functional groups in PU foaming.
Q2: What purity and detection standards apply to industrial TEDA?: Industry norm is ≥99% by GC or GC-MS, with batch certification to ISO 17025/9001 or local metrology bureaus. Purity assures minimal side reactions and reliable physical properties.
Q3: What packaging options are available for TEDA shipments?: Standard: 25kg fiber drum (sealed liner), 500kg supersack, and ISO tank (custom bulk). All packaging must comply with chemical transport and anti-contamination standards (UN/IMDG). Barcoding and batch traceability are available.
Q4: Which installation and safety standards must be followed for TEDA use in polyurethane foam?: Processes must adhere to ANSI/ISO 9001 for production environments and local occupational safety (OSHA/EU-OSHA/GHS), especially for catalyst dosing, mixing, and ventilation to minimize amine vapor exposure.
Q5: How does TEDA compare to DMEA and TMEDA in catalytic activity?: TEDA exhibits higher and more selective catalytic activity in reactions involving tertiary amines. Laboratory studies report TEDA's activity index at 9.7 (relative), significantly above DMEA (5.3) and TMEDA (5.8), facilitating faster and more efficient foam rise and curing.
Q6: Is Triethylenediamine (TEDA) suitable for food-contact or medical device polyurethane?: Yes, provided it is supplied with FDA CFR 175.105 or EU Regulation 10/2011 compliance documentation, and passes extractables/migrables testing. Always request full regulatory dossier from your supplier.
Q7: What is the expected shelf life and optimal storage recommendation for TEDA?: Industry standard: 24 months (sealed, low-humidity, cool, well-ventilated warehouse). Avoid exposure to acids/oxidizers and keep packaging intact to retain crystallinity and catalytic performance.

Conclusion & References

With robust technical parameters, certified quality, and wide-ranging customizable options, Triethylenediamine (TEDA) remains the preeminent choice for demanding polyurethane and functional materials applications. From engineering support, documented compliance, to in-depth technical data, leading suppliers ensure both high-quality product and comprehensive after-sales service.

Authoritative resources and discussion links: