Tetraethylenepentamine
The five-amine member of the ethyleneamine family: TEPA's five nitrogen sites deliver the highest crosslink density in the series, prized by epoxy formulators, lubricant chemists and chelating-agent producers alike.
Chelora Chemicals supplies tetraethylenepentamine to epoxy, lubricant-additive and specialty-chemical manufacturers worldwide, with full documentation on every consignment.
Product identity
- CAS Number
- 112-57-2
- IUPAC-type name
- N,N'-Bis[2-(2-aminoethylamino)ethyl]ethane-1,2-diamine
- Molecular formula
- C₈H₂₃N₅
- Molecular weight
- ≈189.3 g/mol
- Boiling point
- ≈340 °C
- Melting point
- -40 °C
- UN Number
- UN 2320
- HS Code
- 2921 29*
* Confirm the current HS classification and import regulatory status for your destination with your own regulatory affairs team.
What Tetraethylenepentamine is used for
Tetraethylenepentamine is a viscous, pale yellow to amber liquid with an ammoniacal odour, extending the ethyleneamine chain to five nitrogen sites across four ethylene bridges. Commercial material is typically supplied as a mixture dominated by the linear isomer alongside smaller amounts of cyclic (piperazine-ring) ethyleneamine isomers, which is normal for this product class.
Industrially, TEPA's main use is as a high-functionality curing agent for epoxy resins, where its five amine groups give the densest crosslink network of the ethyleneamine series. It is also used as a chelating agent for transition-metal ions, as an intermediate in lubricant and fuel-additive dispersants, and as a building block for corrosion inhibitors and specialty surfactants.
Where it sits in the ethyleneamine family
- Triethylenetetramine (TETA) four amine groups — epoxy hardener and trientine backbone. See that page.
- Tetraethylenepentamine (this product) five amine groups — highest crosslink density, lubricant/chelate chemistry.
- Diethylenetriamine (DETA) three amine groups — the lighter homolog used across the same application families. See that page.
Appearance and handling character
Tetraethylenepentamine is corrosive to skin and eyes, consistent with the handling profile of the higher ethyleneamines. Published GHS hazard-statement data is limited for this grade; we reference the NFPA 704 hazard rating and DOT corrosive labelling alongside the batch SDS — see the Safety section below.
| Parameter | Typical value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Pale yellow to amber viscous liquid |
| Assay (as TEPA + isomers) | 90% min |
| Water content | 1.0% max |
| Colour (Hazen) | 150 max |
Important: the figures above are indicative of commercial material and are offered for planning only. The batch certificate of analysis is the governing document.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Physical state | Viscous, pale yellow to amber liquid; ammoniacal odour |
| Boiling point | ≈340 °C |
| Melting point | -40 °C |
| Specific gravity | 0.998 |
| Water solubility | Fully miscible |
| Amine class | Aliphatic pentamine (ethyleneamine) |
Physical constants compiled from public reference data for CAS 112-57-2 and rounded for readability. Treat them as orientation, not as a specification.
Where our customers put this pentamine to work
A five-nitrogen building block spanning epoxy chemistry, chelation and additive formulation.
High-functionality epoxy hardener
TEPA's five amine groups give the densest crosslink network of the ethyleneamine series.
- Technical grade specification
- Bulk & drum supply
- Technical desk review on request
Chelating agent
Forms stable complexes with transition-metal ions, used in metal-sequestering formulations.
- Technical-grade specification
- Documented batch traceability
- Contract & spot supply
Lubricant & fuel-additive intermediate
A precursor in dispersant and detergent additives for lubricants and fuels.
- Research & process-scale quantities
- Full documentation supplied
- Technical desk review on request
Corrosion-inhibitor precursor
Used as an intermediate in certain corrosion-inhibitor and water-treatment formulations.
- Packs from 25 kg drum / bulk
- Full analytical documentation available
- Retained sample held against the lot
Specialty surfactant building block
A multi-amine backbone for surfactants and specialty amine derivatives.
- Technical grade specification
- Documented batch traceability
- Technical desk review on request
Contract & scheduled supply
Epoxy and specialty-chemical plants running continuous consumption are supported with scheduled bulk delivery.
- Annual contracts with scheduled call-off
- Price held across the contract period
- Second source held in reserve
How we supply Tetraethylenepentamine
Chelora Chemicals is a supplier and sourcing partner, not a manufacturer. TEPA's commercial grades vary in linear-to-cyclic isomer ratio, which matters to downstream cure and chelation performance — that shapes how we manage this line.
We place your order with whichever qualified producer best matches your required grade, your price point and your delivery window.
We keep a second qualified source on this line, so a single-plant disruption never becomes your production problem.
- Isomer ratio confirmed before we quote. Linear-to-cyclic content matters to cure and chelation performance.
- UN 2320 logistics managed end to end. Classification, labelling and carrier compliance confirmed before booking.
- Corrosive-liquid documentation filed correctly. Every shipment carries the correct hazard declarations.
- Scheduled call-off scheduling. We hold contracted tonnage and release it against your consumption calendar.
- Batch traceability to the producing plant. Full chain of custody documentation on request.
- Export machinery handled in-house. Classification, approved packing, labelling, freight booking and customs paperwork are ours to manage.
Packed the way your plant receives it
Drum, IBC or bulk tank — tell us your preferred format and we will quote and classify to it.
200 L / 55 USG
Standard steel drums rated for UN 2320-classified liquid storage and transport.
Intermediate bulk containers
For mid-volume orders where drum handling becomes a logistics burden, factoring in TEPA's higher viscosity.
Epoxy-plant bulk volumes
Bulk liquid transport sized to continuous epoxy-hardener and additive plant consumption, with heated-line options where required.
Incoterms to suit you
Quoted on the Incoterm your purchasing team works to, with documentation filed before booking.
Trial / sample quantities
Small packs dispatched for process trials before a commercial order is placed.
Contracted call-off supply
We hold contracted tonnage and release it against your consumption calendar.
Corrosive and rated by NFPA 704
Published GHS classification data for tetraethylenepentamine is limited across public safety sources. Where full GHS hazard statements are not available, we reference the NFPA 704 fire-diamond rating and DOT corrosive labelling as orientation. The summary below is guidance only — the safety data sheet supplied with your specific batch is the authoritative document.
NFPA 704 hazard rating
Always read the SDS issued with your specific batch. A Health rating of 3 indicates material that can cause serious or permanent injury on short exposure. Handle with chemical-resistant gloves, splash goggles and adequate ventilation.
Storage
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from strong oxidisers and acids. TEPA's viscosity increases at lower temperatures — store above its practical handling temperature where facilities allow.
Handling
Use with local exhaust ventilation. Minimise skin and eye contact with appropriate gloves, splash goggles and protective clothing. Contain any spill to prevent waterway contamination.
Transport
Shipped as UN 2320 in accordance with its corrosive classification. We confirm and document packing group and exact classification for your specific shipment and destination.
Every batch, documented
We verify documentation before dispatch so there are no surprises at your incoming-goods bench.
Specification agreed
Assay and isomer-ratio profile confirmed against your process requirement before order placement.
Producer batch testing
The producing plant tests each batch against the agreed specification before release.
Documentation review
COA, SDS and transport paperwork checked by our desk before the shipment is booked.
Traceable dispatch
Each shipment is traceable to its producing batch, with full chain-of-custody records on request.
How TEPA is made
Tetraethylenepentamine is produced industrially as part of the same ethyleneamine process family as ethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine and triethylenetetramine, through successive ethylene-bridge extension reactions, followed by fractional distillation to separate the ethyleneamine homologues. Commercial TEPA is typically a mixture dominated by the linear isomer with minor cyclic (piperazine-ring) content, which is normal and expected for this product.
We do not publish operating process parameters here; this is background only. Full technical and safety documentation accompanies every shipment, and any process-specific detail you need is best confirmed directly with our technical desk.
| Chemical family | Aliphatic pentamine (ethyleneamine) |
|---|---|
| Nitrogen sites | Five amine groups |
| Reactivity | Multifunctional nucleophile; dense epoxy crosslinker, forms chelates |
| Related compounds | Triethylenetetramine (lower homolog), higher polyethyleneamine blends |
Explore the wider amine range
Tetraethylenepentamine, answered
What is tetraethylenepentamine used for?
How does TEPA compare with TETA and DETA?
Is tetraethylenepentamine hazardous?
What grade do you supply?
What packing do you offer?
Do you manufacture this yourself?
- Need a related amine? See our Triethylenetetramine and Diethylenetriamine pages.
Get a quote on Tetraethylenepentamine today
Send us your required grade, pack size and delivery window. We will come back with a firm quote, lead time and full documentation.