One-Pot High-Yield Synthesis of a Tripodal Triamine Building Block in an Ammonia Ethanolic Solution

An improved, one-pot synthesis of tripodal triamine 1,1,1-tris(aminomethyl)ethane (tame), CH3C(CH2NH2)3, is reported, achieving a high yield of 70%. This method addresses the limitations of the existing low-yield (15%) route by systematically eliminating side reactions. The synthesis involves reacting 1,1,1-tris(bromomethyl)ethane, CH3C(CH2Br)3, with ammonia in ethanol at 150 °C, above the critical temperature of neat ammonia, for an extended period to suppress byproducts. The tame·3HBr salt is isolated via crystallization without column chromatography, yielding a SC-XRD quality material.