Diethylenetriamine (DETA) is a colorless, hygroscopic, organic liquid that's used in a variety of applications:
- Chemical synthesis: Used as a solvent for plastics and dyes, and in the synthesis of chelating agents, surfactants, and fabric softeners
- Epoxy resins: Used as a hardener for epoxy resins, or as a building block for polyamidoamines
- Adhesives: Used in hot-melt, pressure-sensitive, and heat-seal adhesives for leather, paper, plastic, and metal
- Polyamide resins: Used in the production of polyamide resins, which are used as binders in flexographic printing inks
- Oil industry: Used as a solvent for sulfur and extraction of acid gas