Triethylenetetramine
Triethylenetetramine (TETA and trien), also called trientine (INN), is an organic compound with the formula [CH2NHCH2CH2NH2]2. This oily liquid is colorless but, like many amines, assumes a yellowish color due to impurities resulting from air-oxidation. It is soluble in polar solvents. The branched isomer tris(2-aminoethyl)amine and piperazine derivatives may also be present in commercial samples of TETA.[1]
Names | |
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Other names
N,N'-Bis(2-aminoethyl)ethane-1,2-diamine; TETA; Trien; Trientine (INN); Syprine (brand name) | |
Identifiers | |
3D model (JSmol) |
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605448 | |
ChEBI | |
ChEMBL | |
ChemSpider | |
ECHA InfoCard | 100.003.591 |
EC Number |
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27008 | |
KEGG | |
MeSH | Trientine |
PubChem CID |
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RTECS number |
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UNII | |
UN number | 2259 |
CompTox Dashboard (EPA) |
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Properties | |
C6H18N4 | |
Molar mass | 146.238 g·mol−1 |
Appearance | Colorless liquid |
Odor | Fishy, ammoniacal |
Density | 982 mg mL−1 |
Melting point | −34.6 °C; −30.4 °F; 238.5 K |
Boiling point | 266.6 °C; 511.8 °F; 539.7 K |
Miscible | |
log P | 1.985 |
Vapor pressure | <1 Pa (at 20 °C) |
Refractive index (nD) |
1.496 |
Thermochemistry | |
Heat capacity (C) |
376 J K−1 mol−1 (at 60 °C) |
Pharmacology | |
A16AX12 (WHO) | |
Hazards | |
GHS pictograms | |
GHS Signal word | Danger |
GHS hazard statements |
H312, H314, H317, H412 |
P273, P280, P305+351+338, P310 | |
Flash point | 129 °C (264 °F; 402 K) |
Lethal dose or concentration (LD, LC): | |
LD50 (median dose) |
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Related compounds | |
Related amines |
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Related compounds |
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Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). | |
Infobox references | |
Uses
The reactivity and uses of TETA are similar to those for the related polyamines ethylenediamine and diethylenetriamine. It is primarily used as a crosslinker ("hardener") in epoxy curing.[2]
The hydrochloride salt of TETA, referred to as trientine hydrochloride, is a chelating agent that is used to bind and remove copper in the body to treat Wilson's disease, particularly in those who are intolerant to penicillamine. Some recommend trientine as first-line treatment, but experience with penicillamine is more extensive.[3]
Cost
In the United States, Valeant Pharmaceuticals International raised the price of its Syprine brand of TETA from $625 to $21,267 for 100 pills over five years. The New York Times said that this "egregious" price increase caused public outrage. Teva Pharmaceuticals developed a generic, which patients and doctors expected to be cheaper, but when it was introduced in February, 2018, Teva's price was $18,375 for 100 pills. Aaron Kesselheim, who studies drug pricing at Harvard Medical School, said that drug companies price the product at what they think the market will bear.[4]
Production
TETA is prepared by heating ethylenediamine or ethanolamine/ammonia mixtures over an oxide catalyst. This process gives a variety of amines, especially ethylene amines which are separated by distillation and sublimation.[2][5]
Coordination chemistry
TETA is a tetradentate ligand in coordination chemistry, where it is referred to as trien.[6] Octahedral complexes of the type M(trien)Cl3 can adopt several diastereomeric structures, most of which are chiral.[7]
References
- "Ethyleneamines" (PDF). Huntsman. 2007.
- Eller, K.; Henkes, E.; Rossbacher, R.; Höke, H. (2005). "Amines, Aliphatic". Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. Weinheim: Wiley-VCH. doi:10.1002/14356007.a02_001. ISBN 3527306730.
- Roberts, E. A.; Schilsky, M. L. (2003). "A practice guideline on Wilson disease" (pdf). Hepatology. 37 (6): 1475–1492. doi:10.1053/jhep.2003.50252. PMID 12774027.
- Patients Eagerly Awaited a Generic Drug. Then They Saw the Price. By KATIE THOMAS. New York Times. FEB. 23, 2018
- Brydson, J. A. (1999). "Epoxide Resins". In J. A. Brydson (ed.). Plastics Materials (Seventh Edition). Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann. pp. 744–777. doi:10.1016/B978-075064132-6/50067-X. ISBN 9780750641326.
- von Zelewsky, A. (1995). Stereochemistry of Coordination Compounds. Chichester: John Wiley. ISBN 047195599X.
- Utsuno, S.; Sakai, Y.; Yoshikawa, Y.; Yamatera, H. (1985). "Three Isomers of the Trans -Diammine-[N,N′-bis(2-Aminoethyl)-1,2-Ethanediamine]-Cobalt(III) Complex Cation". Three Isomers of the Trans-Diammine-[N,N′-bis(2-Aminoethyl)-1,2-Ethanediamine]-Cobalt(III) Complex Cation. Inorganic Syntheses. 23. pp. 79–82. doi:10.1002/9780470132548.ch16. ISBN 9780470132548.