- ▸ Primary gelling catalyst for flexible, rigid and microcellular polyurethane systems
- ▸ Accelerates the isocyanate-polyol (urethane) reaction to build the polymer network
- ▸ Workhorse PU catalyst, typically used as a solution/blend for handling
A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.
Request SDS →
TEDA (triethylenediamine, also known by the DABCO trade name) is the benchmark gelling amine catalyst for polyurethane — a strong, general-purpose tertiary amine that drives the gel (urethane) reaction across flexible and rigid foam and CASE systems. Identity: CAS 280-57-9.
What it is
TEDA (CAS 280-57-9, 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane) is a white crystalline solid bicyclic diamine. It is the most widely used amine catalyst in polyurethanes, supplied neat (flake/crystalline) and as solutions for easy dosing.
How it catalyzes
Its two bridgehead nitrogens are strongly basic and sterically accessible, so it powerfully accelerates the gel reaction (polyol hydroxyl + isocyanate → urethane) and, at higher levels, the trimerization to isocyanurate. It is often combined with a blowing catalyst to balance rise and set.
Applications
TEDA is used across flexible and rigid foam, and coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers (CASE), usually with a blowing catalyst such as BDMAEE or PMDETA. For easy dosing use the liquid TEDA-DPG solution.
Forms, grades and handling
TEDA is supplied as a crystalline solid (flake) and as solutions (e.g. in dipropylene glycol). Properties are typical reference values; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot you buy governs. Amine catalysts are typically corrosive and have a strong odor — handle per the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS). Each lot ships with CoA, TDS and SDS.
Bulk supply and RFQ
RawSource sources TEDA — Triethylenediamine direct from producers in bulk, with CoA, TDS and SDS per lot. Tell us your system (flexible/rigid foam, CASE), the reaction balance you need (gel vs blow), and any low-emission requirement, and we will quote the right catalyst or blend. See the full range and gel/blow selection logic in the polyurethane catalysts guide.
Typical Properties
Typical reference values, not a specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot governs.
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical / class | Polyurethane gelling catalyst (tertiary amine) |
| Catalyst action | Strong gelling (general) |
| CAS Number | 280-57-9 |
| Molecular Formula | C6H12N2 |
| Molecular Weight | 112.17 g/mol |
| Handling | Refer to the current SDS |
Regulatory & registration requirements
- TSCA (US):
- REACH (EU):
- EC number: 205-999-9
Source: EPA TSCA Inventory (July 2025 release) · ECHA CHEM — retrieved 2026-07-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TEDA (triethylenediamine) used for?
TEDA (DABCO, CAS 280-57-9) is the benchmark gelling amine catalyst for polyurethane, driving the urethane (gel) reaction in flexible and rigid foam and CASE systems; it is usually balanced with a blowing catalyst.
Is TEDA the same as DABCO?
Yes — TEDA (triethylenediamine / 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane) is the generic name; DABCO is a trade name for the same chemistry. We supply the generic equivalent.
What is the difference between a gelling and a blowing catalyst?
A gelling catalyst (like TEDA) favors the polyol-isocyanate urethane reaction that builds polymer; a blowing catalyst (like BDMAEE) favors the water-isocyanate reaction that generates CO2 for foaming. Balancing the two controls foam rise and set.
How is bulk TEDA supplied and quoted?
RawSource supplies TEDA in bulk with CoA, TDS and SDS per lot. Pricing is quote-based on grade and volume; submit an RFQ with your PU system and the gel/blow balance you need.
What is the REACH and TSCA regulatory status of TEDA — Triethylenediamine (1,4-Diazabicyclooctane)?
TEDA — Triethylenediamine (1,4-Diazabicyclooctane) (CAS 280-57-9) is subject to U.S. TSCA Inventory requirements; supplying it into the EU requires valid REACH registration ((EC) No 1907/2006). RawSource cannot verify a third-party supplier's registrations — buyers should require documented TSCA and REACH compliance for their jurisdiction and volume (EC 205-999-9).