N,n,n',n'-tetramethylethylenediamine

N,N,N',N'-Tetramethylethylenediamine (CAS 110-18-9), commercially known as TMEDA or TEMED, is a chelating diamine used as a ligand and catalyst activator across organometallic chemistry, polymer production, and life sciences. It coordinates strongly with metal ions and alkyllithium reagents, enabling controlled reactivity in synthetic and industrial processes. In organolithium chemistry, TMEDA activates n-BuLi and similar reagents by breaking aggregates.

This improves reaction selectivity in pharmaceutical intermediate synthesis. Polymer manufacturers use it as an accelerator in acrylamide gel polymerization, most notably in PAGE gel systems for electrophoresis in biotech and diagnostic workflows. In coordination chemistry and catalyst preparation, it acts as a bidentate ligand to stabilize metal complexes used in polymerization and fine chemical production. Specialty resin and rubber producers also employ it as a tertiary amine catalyst.

This helps to drive urethane and epoxy cure reactions. TMEDA is supplied as a colorless to pale yellow liquid, typically at 99%+ purity for synthesis-grade applications. Electrophoresis-grade material is available for life science users. This material is designed to meet the tighter purity requirements of diagnostic end users. Bulk quantities are offered in drums and IBCs for industrial buyers, with smaller packaging available for laboratory and pharmaceutical procurement.