| abstract |
A process is disclosed for preparing N,N,N',N'-tetra-(2-hydroxyethyl)-ethylenediamine in a solvent. Ethylenediamine is selectively reacted with ethylene oxide in the absence of water in one or several saturated C3-C9-alcohols at a temperature from 120 to 220 DEG C, under a pressure from 2 to 60 bars, at a molar ratio from 1:4, producing a high yield. The reaction is preferably carried out in isopropanol, isomeric C7-C9-alcohol mixtures, C8 or C9 alcohol mixtures at a temperature from 140 to 180 DEG C. |