Aminoethylpiperazine (AEP) is a derivative of piperazine. This ethyleneamine contains three nitrogen atoms; one primary, one secondary and one tertiary. It is a corrosive organic liquid and can cause second or third degree burns. Aminoethylpiperazine can also cause pulmonary edema as a result of inhalation. It is REACH and TSCA registered.

Production

Ethylene dichloride is reacted with ammonia as a main method of production. This process produces various ethylene amines which can then be purified by distillation. These include ethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetramine, tetraethylenepentamine, other higher homologues and aminoethyl piperazine. AEP is also manufactured by reacting ethylenediamine or ethanolamine/ammonia mixtures over a catalyst.

Epoxy resin curing agent

A key use of AEP is as an epoxy curing agent. When used as an epoxy resin curing agent, it is usually used in conjunction with other amines as an accelerator as it only has 3 amine hydrogens for cross-linking. The tertiary amine on the molecule acts as an accelerator and the other three amine hydrogens allow sites for crosslinking the epoxy. This then allows coating systems to be formulated that prevent corrosion of steel and other substrates. Novolac resins may also be cured by this material and blends.

Other uses

Uses include inhibition of corrosion, surface activation, and as an asphalt additive. As AEP is alkaline and carbon dioxide is weakly acidic, it has been researched as a carbon dioxide sequestrant. This is part of ongoing research in Carbon capture and storage.

Toxicology

The toxicology has been extensively studied and is well understood.