and others (primarily tricyclic and tetracyclic compounds related to phenothiazines, tricyclic antidepressants, as well as the cyproheptadine-phenindamine family) Role in polymers Ethylenediamine, because it contains two amine groups, is a widely used precursor to various polymers. Condensates derived from formaldehyde are plasticizers. It is widely used in the production of polyurethane fibers. The PAMAM class of dendrimers are derived from ethylenediamine. Tetraacetylethylenediamine The bleaching activator tetraacetylethylenediamine is generated from ethylenediamine. The derivative N,N-ethylenebis(stearamide) (EBS) is a commercially significant mold-release agent and a surfactant in gasoline and motor oil. Other applications as a solvent, it is miscible with polar solvents and is used to solubilize proteins such as albumins and casein. It is also used in certain electroplating baths. as a corrosion inhibitor in paints and coolants. ethylenediamine dihydroiodide (EDDI) is added to animal feeds as a source of iodide. chemicals for color photography developing, binders, adhesives, fabric softeners, curing agents for epoxies, and dyes. as a compound to sensitize nitromethane into an explosive. This mixture was used at Picatinny Arsenal during WWII, giving the nitromethane and ethylenediamine mixture the nickname PLX, or Picatinny Liquid Explosive. Coordination chemistry Ethylenediamine is a well-known bidentate chelating ligand for coordination compounds, with the two nitrogen atoms donating their lone pairs of electrons when ethylenediamine acts as a ligand. It is often abbreviated "en" in inorganic chemistry. The complex [Co(ethylenediamine)3]3+ is an archetypical chiral tris-chelate complex. The salen ligands, some of which are used in catalysis, are derived from the condensation of salicylaldehydes and ethylenediamine. Related ligands Related derivatives of ethylenediamine include ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA), and tetraethylethylenediamine (TEEDA). Chiral analogs of ethylenediamine include 1,2-diaminopropane and trans-diaminocyclohexane. Safety Ethylenediamine, like ammonia and other low-molecular weight amines, is a skin and respiratory irritant. Unless tightly contained, liquid ethylenediamine will release toxic and irritating vapors into its surroundings, especially on heating. The vapors absorb moisture from humid air to form a characteristic white mist, which is extremely irritating to skin, eyes, lungs and mucus membranes. References External links IRIS EPA Ethylenediamine CDC - NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards Chemical data Diamines Amine solvents Chelating agents Fuel antioxidants Corrosion inhibitors Commodity chemicals Ethyleneamines Foul-smelling chemicals Organic compounds with 2 carbon atoms