TEMED is a complex compound used as a binder for metal ions and a catalyst for polymerizing polyacrylamide gel. It has a fishy odor, is soluble, and can be dangerous to health. It is stable but highly flammable and incompatible with many compounds.
Tetramethylethylenediamine (TEMED or TMEDA) is a complex compound obtained from ethylenediamine by replacing four groups with four other groups. This compound is frequently used as a binder or binding compound that binds to metal to create a coordination complex and as a catalyst to polymerize polyacrylamide gel. At room temperature, tetramethylethylenediamine is a liquid and has a boiling point similar to that of water; its smell is fishy. Although tetramethylethylenediamine is stable, it can easily catch fire and is incompatible with many compounds, such as oxidizing agents and acids.
Tetramethylethylenediamine is a chemically complex compound composed primarily of carbon and hydrogen, with some nitrogen. This compound is formed by first creating ethylenediamine, another hydrocarbon. After the ethylenediamine has been made, four of the nitrogen-hydrogen groups are removed and replaced with nitrogen-methyl groups. Its molecular weight is 116.20, making it quite a heavy compound.
This compound is frequently used in manufacturing plants as a binder for metal ions, especially lithium. A ligand is a molecule that attaches to the central atom in the metal and creates a coordination complex. In a molecular sense, this causes the metal ion to expand and become stronger. Tetramethylethylenediamine is also used in the polymerization process to create acrylamide and polyacrylamide gels. These gels are used in research to help move molecules around and to separate protein fragments.
When it comes to the physical properties of tetramethylethylenediamine, it is a colorless liquid that has a strong fishy odor. Its melting point is close to water, at 248° Fahrenheit (120° Celsius), and it is quite as thick as a vapor. At room temperature, TEMDA is a liquid and can combine with other liquids because it is soluble. It has a high degree of acidity and can be dangerous to your health if it touches the skin, is ingested, or enters the lungs or eyes. If TEMDA is encountered physically without protection, immediate medical attention should be sought.
Although tetramethylethylenediamine is a very stable compound and does not react to most other chemicals, it has many storage risks. The biggest risk is that TEMDA is highly flammable, so it comes with a red label, meaning it shouldn’t be stored in high temperatures or around equipment that can get hot. It is also incompatible with acids and acid chlorides, oxidizing agents, mercury and copper, so it should not be stored near any of these elements or compounds, just to ensure safety.
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