The present invention relates to a method for producing an amidoamine by reacting a triacid derivative (I) with at least one amine (A), the at least one amine (A) being selected from the group consisting of diethylene triamine and a diamine (II). The molar ratio of the triacid derivative (I) to the at least one amine (A) is in the range of 1 : 2 to 1 : <3. The present invention further relates to the amidoamine as such, and to the use of said amidoamine as a cross-linking agent.
