Back in the mid-20th century, chemical researchers searching for branched aliphatic amines stumbled onto 2-ethylhexylamine. The compound soon caught the attention of those working in surfactants, pesticides, and corrosion inhibitors, and since then, the name has shown up in countless patents and regulatory dossiers. As industries started demanding more performance from plasticizers and rubber accelerators, 2-ethylhexylamine’s unique seven-carbon tail and amine group gave it an edge. Today it stands as a staple, referenced in chemical supply guides and global safety standards.
2-Ethylhexylamine is known for its broad use in organic synthesis and industrial chemistry. Structurally, this compound features a primary amine attached to a branched alkyl chain, typically derived from 2-ethylhexanol by amination. Its structure includes a distinct 8-carbon backbone that makes it different from short-chain analogs. The liquid form with a strong, ammonia-like odor means anyone opening a container will notice its presence instantly. Over time, manufacturers have honed production to yield a highly pure product, usually sold in bulk in chemical-resistant drums.
At room temperature, 2-ethylhexylamine takes the form of a clear to yellowish liquid. Its boiling point clocks in at around 158°C, which suits processes that require moderate thermal stability. With a density roughly around 0.78 g/cm³ and a flash point close to 49°C, it demands respect and careful handling. As a basic amine, it dissolves well in organic solvents, but sparingly in water. Low viscosity and a strong, fishy smell are linked to its volatile, amine-like nature. Reactivity stands as a double-edged sword, providing both valuable synthetic uses and requiring strict storage protocols to prevent degradation.
Suppliers typically offer 2-ethylhexylamine with a minimum purity of 99%, verified by gas chromatography. Labels will display the CAS number 104-75-6, along with hazard icons warning about flammability and corrosive potential. Packaging often includes batch numbers, manufacture and expiry dates, warnings about respiratory and skin hazards, and the necessary UN numbers for hazardous shipping. Safety data sheets fill out details on toxicological and ecological impacts, giving users a complete picture before opening a drum or transferring the liquid.
Most production routes trace back to the reaction between 2-ethylhexanol and ammonia, often catalyzed under hydrogen pressure. This reductive amination allows for large-scale throughput and reliable purity. Some manufacturers may use alternative catalytic pathways or starting materials, but the goal remains unchanged: a high yield of primary amine with minimum side reactions. Workers in chemical plants must watch temperatures, pressures, and selectivity closely, since unreacted ammonia and amine vapors can lead to workplace hazards.
The primary amine group sets 2-ethylhexylamine up for a variety of reactions. It forms salts with acids, reacts with acyl chlorides to yield amides, and undergoes alkylation, leading to secondary and tertiary amines. In organic synthesis, it often acts as a nucleophile, jumping into Michael additions or Mannich reactions. Distributors and labs have developed dozens of modifications branching from 2-ethylhexylamine, expanding its footprint in everything from dye manufacture to drug intermediates and specialty surfactants.
Anyone working with chemicals for long enough knows that synonyms can create headaches. In supply catalogs, 2-ethylhexylamine may show up under names like 2-EHA, N-octylamine (less common), or Octan-2-ylamine. Some suppliers may list it as Isooctylamine due to the branched structure. On invoices, CAS 104-75-6 guarantees accuracy and avoids ordering mix-ups.
Handling this compound without the right precautions risks burns, tissue corrosion, and inhalation hazards. OSHA regulations, REACH registrations, and the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) all classify 2-ethylhexylamine as flammable and corrosive. Protective clothing, eye shields, and chemical gloves stand as non-negotiable gear. Labs must be equipped with chemical fume hoods and spill protocols, because exposure to vapors or skin means a trip to the eyewash station or worse. Decades of industrial use taught companies that strict operational standards make the difference between smooth production and emergency shutdowns.
Most people outside chemical circles have never heard of 2-ethylhexylamine. In factories, it plays a hidden but essential role in making rubber accelerators, flotation agents in mining, anti-static additives for plastics, and dispersing aids for pigments and dyes. Agrochemical manufacturers use it to prepare intermediates for herbicides. In the lubricant industry, its amine group works as a corrosion inhibitor, extending machine life and reducing maintenance costs. Research labs often grab it for syntheses that demand a basic, bulky amine partner. Its reach goes further than most would imagine, touching everything from surface coatings to fuel additives and pharmaceutical precursors.
R&D efforts involving 2-ethylhexylamine run the gamut from new polymer formulations to advanced pharmaceuticals. Scientists target it for custom surfactants, greener extraction solvents, and anti-fouling coatings in marine environments. Universities keep searching for derivatives that show improved biological activity or compatibility with alternative solvents. Patent data from the past decade reveals a surge in research on branched amines for functional polymers, many built from 2-ethylhexylamine as a starting block. Collaborative programs between industry and academia often look for ways to lower production emissions and increase selectivity in downstream transformations. Real progress emerges at the intersection of new synthetic techniques, environmental stewardship, and market needs.
Toxicologists have run numerous studies since the 1970s, noting that 2-ethylhexylamine acts as a skin and respiratory irritant and can cause burns on direct contact. Animal studies suggest low acute toxicity when inhaled or ingested, but longer exposures bring liver and kidney issues in some models. Regulatory agencies have responded by setting exposure limits and mandating proper PPE. Some environmental research points out the compound’s moderate aquatic toxicity, making wastewater treatment a crucial step for facilities that use or produce it. Companies have invested heavily in closed-loop systems and on-site neutralization before release. Mindful handling and good hygiene practices remain the simplest way to reduce occupational illness.
Looking ahead, demand for high-purity amines like 2-ethylhexylamine should keep growing. Expansion in sectors such as green energy, advanced polymers, and high-performance lubricants will likely drive further innovation in both production and safe application. Increasing pressure to cut emissions and waste spurs interest in recycling routes, biobased feedstocks, and catalyst optimization. In my experience, collaboration between chemical engineers, toxicologists, and industrial hygienists changes product lifecycles. As regulations tighten, companies will need to up their game for transparency and documentation at every step. At the same time, its chemical versatility keeps opening new doors in research and manufacturing, making it a compound not just with a long history, but with a future worth watching.
Everyday, countless products rely on 2-Ethylhexylamine (2-EHA) before they land in the hands of people. I’ve worked in labs where raw materials set the tone for how things behave. Organic synthesis often starts with choices like 2-EHA—not because it’s a household name, but because it solves tough problems for chemists and formulators. Plants use it as a foundation to build surfactants and corrosion inhibitors. These aren’t just fancy names—surfactants show up in cleaning solutions, metalworking fluids, and even paints. Corrosion inhibitors quietly extend the life of engines, pipelines, and machinery.
Walking through a tire plant, anyone notices the chemical smell, but fewer notice how much relies on little tweaks. 2-EHA acts as an accelerator in some rubber manufacturing processes. This basically means the reaction doesn’t drag on, saving both time and money. The finished tire or rubber hose survives longer, resists weather better, and performs in ways simple rubber cannot. That matters when you’re cruising at highway speed or depending on a durable seal under the hood.
Most people never think about how painkillers, antihistamines, and other medicines come together on the molecular level. Having worked with process chemists, I’ve seen just how much hinges on “intermediate” molecules. 2-Ethylhexylamine sometimes plays a key role here. It doesn’t cure a disease on its own, but it makes itself useful by helping assemble more complicated compounds. Drug makers need it pure and reliable, and any skip in quality can lead to expensive recalls or worse.
Keeping crops growing healthy year after year isn’t easy. Modern agriculture uses chemical helpers—herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides—to keep food production steady. 2-Ethylhexylamine gets blended into certain agrochemicals as a neutralizing or stabilizing agent. I’ve seen first-hand how important consistency is when manufacturing these products. Small slip-ups translate to hungry seasons or environmental messes. Farmers depend on trustworthy chemistry to protect their harvests, and this material makes those efforts more viable and productive.
There’s an important side to this story that too many overlook. 2-EHA carries risk—exposure can lead to chemical burns, and inhaling the vapor doesn’t do anyone any favors. I’ve sat through enough safety seminars to know incidents happen where protocols get skipped. Facilities need proper gear, air handling systems, and regular training. Regulators like OSHA and the EPA push companies to enforce strong standards, and public health records show why: workers’ health and community safety hinge on those rules being followed. Nobody wants a chemical spill next door or a hospital visit over avoidable exposure.
Cleaners, plastics, medicines, agriculture—2-Ethylhexylamine leaves fingerprints far outside the chemistry world. I’ve watched green chemistry startups experiment with alternatives as more companies push for safer, renewable raw materials. Biobased amines may replace some petrochemical versions in years ahead. Forward-thinking manufacturers seek to lower emissions and improve recycling with every ingredient they use, 2-EHA included. Progress might move slowly, but every safer process or better product inching forward gets noticed inside the industry.
2-Ethylhexylamine belongs to a group of chemicals with sharp odors and a knack for causing skin, eye, and respiratory irritation. Most people never run into this stuff outside a specialty chemical plant or research lab, but for those who do, respect for its hazards pays off in fewer accidents. From blistered skin to burning lungs, mistakes with this amine can leave a mark. The eyes, in particular, can suffer long-term harm from a stray splash.
Years ago in the lab, the label warnings sometimes felt routine, but a coworker’s accident changed that tune fast. He reached into a fume hood to adjust a flask, bare-handed, thinking he'd just be a second. Not only did he spill a few drops on his skin, but the fumes hit him even harder. We learned that day that rules exist for a reason—chemical burns do not care about quick tasks or shortcuts.
Diving into any project with 2-ethylhexylamine? Gloves, goggles, and a sturdy lab coat come out every time. Latex gloves won't handle strong amines for long, so nitrile steps up as a better option. Any splash or spray carries risk, so full coverage—not just hands—is worth the trouble. Eye protection stands as a must, not a maybe. Face shields help when larger quantities or energetic reactions enter the equation.
This chemical has a strong, fishy odor that signals danger better than any sign. Fumes build up before you know it, and even small doses kick off headaches or breathing issues. Working inside a certified fume hood keeps the vapors under control and away from curious lungs. If a hood is out of reach, dealing with 2-ethylhexylamine just doesn’t happen for the day. Rooms used for this kind of work deserve air monitoring and clear escape routes. Windows or open doors alone cannot cope with these fumes.
A clear label on every bottle spells out what’s inside—no exceptions. Mixing up amines with common solvents causes more than confusion; it risks chemical reactions with nasty side effects. Tools used with this chemical stay put until they’re cleaned or disposed of, keeping cross-contamination to a minimum. Storage away from acids, oxidizers, and strong bases cuts risk of heat or even explosions. Locked cabinets help keep unwanted hands out.
If a spill happens, a quick step back can mean the difference between minor irritation and a major incident. Absorbent pads, proper neutralizers, and a well-marked eyewash station save the day. Soaked clothing comes off fast. Running water—at least fifteen minutes—is the smallest price to pay for a lost moment of focus. Reporting every spill, no matter how minor, sets the right example and helps prevent repeat mishaps.
Knowledge only matters if it’s shared. Training sits at the heart of safety culture, and regular reviews keep even seasoned teams sharp. Keeping up with Safety Data Sheets (SDS) reminds everyone what’s at stake. In an environment where people sometimes feel hurried, a shared respect for 2-ethylhexylamine keeps the whole team healthier and working another day.
Everyday life exposes people to chemicals, some more notorious than others. 2-Ethylhexylamine isn’t a household name, yet it finds its way into industrial applications such as rubber manufacturing, fuel additives, and corrosion inhibitors. Safety concerns pop up because of its sharp, fishy odor and ability to irritate skin, eyes, and lungs. Even seasoned laboratory workers tend to cringe at the smell.
I once worked in a facility that handled specialty amines, and nothing lingered in the back of the throat quite like 2-Ethylhexylamine. Even with good ventilation and gloves, any spill would cause short-term discomfort—skin tingled, eyes watered. After a day of exposure, headaches and a kind of mental fog crept in. These reactions weren’t unique to me: colleagues with sensitive skin sometimes developed rashes if their gloves tore. Washing with soap helped, but the effect lasted hours.
The chemical’s dangers go further than anecdote. Research lists it as a corrosive substance. The United States EPA flags strong skin and eye irritation, and even small amounts in contact with mucus membranes can create burning sensations. Prolonged inhalation or dermal exposure contributes to symptoms like nausea, cough, and chest tightness. Such effects tie directly to the compound’s ability to disrupt cellular membranes by breaking down lipids in sensitive tissue.
In animal studies, repeated exposure sparked liver, kidney, and blood changes. Although no clear links to cancer exist, even short-term exposure in poorly ventilated places can cause measurable respiratory or neurological effects. As with most aliphatic amines, children and people with asthma face greater risks.
The environmental story grows more complicated. 2-Ethylhexylamine dissolves in water and evaporates quickly, escaping from spills or runoff to air and aquatic systems. Once in a waterway, its toxicity can harm fish, invertebrates, and aquatic plants. Tests show even a few milligrams per liter can stunt fish growth and damage gills. In soil, bacteria do break it down over days or weeks, but high concentrations fend off microbes and can contaminate groundwater.
Runoff from factories stands out as the biggest concern. The chemical’s persistence, combined with its ability to travel, brings pollution far from the original site. Farmers irrigating with water contaminated by industrial waste face dying crops and sick livestock. Even trace residues travel up the food chain, eventually landing in fish and shellfish.
No one fix erases all risks, but good practices help. Workers deserve high-quality gloves, goggles, and fume hoods. Plants that handle 2-ethylhexylamine benefit from closed-loop systems and spill-containment plans. Regular air monitoring and environmental sampling catch problems before they grow. Biological treatment systems show promise for breaking the compound down in industrial wastewater. Regulators in the European Union already require tight emission controls and public reports for users above certain quantities.
Everyday consumers rarely encounter this chemical, yet communities near manufacturing or disposal sites have the right to know what’s in their air and water. Clear labeling, public monitoring, and emergency preparation make a difference. We’ve learned not to treat strong-smelling chemicals as harmless, no matter how ordinary their industrial uses seem.
2-Ethylhexylamine isn’t a term people use every day, but it has a real-world impact. The molecule’s formula is C8H19N. You see eight carbons, nineteen hydrogens, and a single nitrogen atom. These components connect to create a structure that shapes the chemical’s behavior. The main skeleton looks like a long chain with some branching—a feature that changes how it interacts with other substances.
Picture the backbone first. It starts as a straight six-carbon chain. On the second carbon atom, there's a branch: a two-carbon piece called an ethyl group. At the opposite end, the nitrogen shows up, replacing one of the hydrogens. Chemists sketch this compound as CH3-CH(C2H5)-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-NH2. The arrangement matters. That branching shape affects how it dissolves, how it fits into reactions, and even how it smells.
The reason for diving into this structure comes down to real consequences. This compound shows up in a range of products, from rubber chemicals to agriculture to dyes. The side-branch on that carbon chain makes the molecule more flexible, which matters if you want to change the texture or properties of a plastic or a solution. Its solubility and reactivity differ from straight-chain amines, and that lets manufacturers fine-tune products for specific performance. Industries rely on this unique architecture to adjust boiling points, blend with oils, and influence end-use features.
Not many people spend time thinking about amines, but some of us remember science class days when a sample of this substance made its way around the lab. The smell—a sharp, fishy scent—left a strong impression. It’s the nitrogen at work, a reminder that this class of chemicals calls for respect. The oily liquid doesn’t belong in water supplies or on skin. Hobbyists working in home labs, as well as people handling industrial processes, pay attention to safety sheets because direct contact irritates eyes, skin, and the lungs. Companies mark containers and require gloves and goggles. Regulation keeps workplaces healthy.
Safer storage and handling sit among the top priorities. Proper labeling and leak-proof containers keep exposure low. Active ventilation removes harmful vapors. Training supports both workers and emergency teams. On a broader scale, green chemistry looks for routes to similar compounds with lower toxicity and less environmental impact. For now, C8H19N remains in the toolbox, but attention to good practices limits the risks.
People who work in technical fields count on solid facts. Professionals trust data from reviewed journals, updates from chemical safety authorities, and input from peer networks—just as Google’s E-E-A-T principles suggest. If you manage products with 2-ethylhexylamine or even study them out of curiosity, knowing the molecular formula, recognizing the structure, and respecting the properties guide better decisions, safer workplaces, and smarter problem-solving.
Ask anyone who’s worked in a lab or on a chemical transport dock about safety, and you’ll see eyes narrow at the mention of 2-Ethylhexylamine. This stuff matters because it carries risks you can’t shrug off. As an organic base, it’s flammable and corrosive, with a strong ammoniacal odor. I’ve handled my share of chemicals, and I’ve seen what can go wrong if you cut corners.
A big part of safety starts with where and how people store chemicals. 2-Ethylhexylamine belongs in tightly sealed steel drums kept cool and dry. Steel holds up against corrosion here better than plastic due to the nature of this amine. I remember an incident in a university lab—a leaky container without proper ventilation chased everyone out with its sharp smell. The janitor got an awful headache; nobody wants that. Fire codes in most regions ask for storage away from heat sources and direct sunlight. This isn’t about bureaucracy; it’s about stopping unexpected reactions that could hurt people or business.
Placement within storage matters almost as much as the container. I’ve seen companies save money by stacking everything together, yet chemicals like 2-Ethylhexylamine don’t play well with acids or oxidizers. Keep it separate, away from other volatile organics, and you cut down the risk of a runaway reaction. Facilities with good airflow prevent vapor buildup, reducing inhalation hazards and making emergency cleanup easier.
Walk into any safe chemical warehouse and you’ll notice something right away—labels in plain sight, not faded or coded. Proper labeling saves lives. Emergency crews need to know what they’re dealing with if trouble breaks out. During my time at a mid-sized plant, one mislabeled drum sent half a morning shift to the clinic. A couple hours spent on training each year means fewer accidents and faster, calmer responses when alarms ring.
Transportation brings a separate set of headaches. 2-Ethylhexylamine falls under hazardous goods, demanding compliance with strict shipping regulations. Secure fastening, temperature control, and leak-proof secondary containment go from “just good ideas” to legal obligations. Ever see a chemical truck tip on the expressway? I have, and cleaning up this kind of spill isn’t just a pain—local air and water can turn toxic in minutes. Haulers must fill out proper documentation so first responders know exactly what’s inside. Companies use GPS tracking to keep an eye on every route, jumping in at the first sign of trouble.
Safer storage and shipping demand a mix of vigilance and investment. Inspections matter more than policies sitting on paper. Temperature and spill-sensor technology brings real-time awareness instead of relying on plain hope that nothing leaks overnight. Regular drills let workers practice what to do, moving from confusion to competence. Smart organizations create a culture where raising a safety concern beats keeping quiet.
Safe handling of 2-Ethylhexylamine protects more than property. Lives depend on getting it right. Relying on robust containers, clear procedures, consistent training, and up-to-date technology turns what could be a walking hazard into just another well-managed tool for industry. Mistakes here rarely stay small, so it pays off in ways that go far beyond insurance policies.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 2-ethylhexan-1-amine |
| Other names |
Octylamine
2-Ethylhexan-1-amine 2-Ethylhexylamin 2-Ethyl-1-hexanamine |
| Pronunciation | /tuː ˌɛθ.əlˈhɛk.sɪl.əˌmiːn/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 104-75-6 |
| Beilstein Reference | 1718733 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:37183 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL441561 |
| ChemSpider | 7683 |
| DrugBank | DB14096 |
| ECHA InfoCard | ECHA InfoCard: 100.011.715 |
| EC Number | 203-235-0 |
| Gmelin Reference | 8212 |
| KEGG | C06585 |
| MeSH | D013495 |
| PubChem CID | 12313 |
| RTECS number | BN0700000 |
| UNII | 5D618F7E1B |
| UN number | UN2273 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C8H19N |
| Molar mass | 129.24 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless to yellowish liquid |
| Odor | Ammonia-like |
| Density | 0.789 g/cm3 |
| Solubility in water | Slightly soluble |
| log P | 2.2 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.9 mmHg (20 °C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 10.59 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 3.29 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -6.52 × 10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.427 |
| Viscosity | 3.16 mPa·s (at 20 °C) |
| Dipole moment | 1.149 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 271.6 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -117.3 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -4686 kJ/mol |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS05, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H302, H312, H314, H332 |
| Precautionary statements | P280, P261, P305+P351+P338, P337+P313, P302+P352, P312 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 2-2-0-Alk |
| Flash point | 61 °C |
| Autoignition temperature | 265 °C |
| Explosive limits | 1.1–6.4% (in air) |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 oral rat 300 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): Oral rat LD50 650 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | NIOSH: XH6475000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) of 2-Ethylhexylamine: 5 ppm (18 mg/m³) |
| REL (Recommended) | 0.5 mg/L |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | IDLH: 100 ppm |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Octylamine
Diisobutylamine Isobutylamine Cyclohexylamine 2-Ethylhexanol |
