Diallylamine didn’t just show up in a lab one day, nor did it catch the attention of researchers simply for its funky smell. Chemists started noticing allylamine derivatives in the early 20th century, pushing past simple amines to experiment with new molecules for plastics, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides. Researchers began synthesizing diallylamine specifically when industrial chemistry grew hungry for materials offering flexibility and reactivity. By the 1950s and 60s, companies like DuPont and BASF saw the value in scaling up diallylamine, using it to build molecular blocks for ion exchange resins and water treatment polymers. Demand only grew from there, and it’s easy today to trace the stuff through patents and technical literature in any chemical library.
Bottles labeled “diallylamine” might not mean much at first glance, but inside you’ll find a clear, almost colorless liquid with a smell you won’t soon forget—a punchy, fishy note that signals real potency. Chemists use diallylamine to form polyamines, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural chemicals, among other uses. Look for the chemical in catalogs of major suppliers; it turns up in lists for specialty monomers, as a base for water treatment products, or as a building block in chemical synthesis. Its versatility makes it a regular choice in R&D labs where scientists need to introduce amino groups in polymers or design new surface-active agents.
You won’t mistake diallylamine for water: it has a boiling point close to 111°C, a density of about 0.78 g/cm3, and mixes with water and other organics. The molecule itself—C6H11N—features two allyl (–CH2CH=CH2) groups attached to a central amine nitrogen. This structure breathes reactivity: the molecule lines up well for nucleophilic substitution, radical polymerization, or Michael addition, giving chemists plenty of avenues for further modification. Its refractive index lands near 1.44, and at normal temperatures, it stays in liquid form. Diallylamine isn’t especially stable in strong acids or oxidizing environments. Put it on the shelf in a tightly sealed container, keep it cool, and respect its volatility.
Resolution in labeling goes a long way in the chemical business. For diallylamine, bottles list its chemical formula (C6H11N), UN number (UN 3051), and hazard warnings for toxicity, corrosivity, and volatility. Buyers expect purity levels above 98%, often tested by GC or HPLC, with water content and residual bases below 1%. Industry standards run tight, especially for use in pharmaceuticals or fine chemicals, where trace impurities might wreck an entire synthesis. Product codes, batch numbers, and manufacturing dates appear on every package. Responsible suppliers include storage conditions (cool, dry, away from oxidizers), and ship with safety data sheets (SDS) that spell out hazards, first aid measures, and required PPE for safe handling.
Industrial diallylamine production relies on catalytic amination of allyl chloride with ammonia, sometimes in gas phase; copper or nickel catalysts drive the conversion. The process isn’t without challenges: chlorinated byproducts, polymeric gums, and resin formation need to be managed carefully. Some chemists get creative and use other routes, like hydrolysis of diallyl cyanamide or reduction of diallylnitrosoamine, but the amination of allyl chloride dominates due to economies of scale. Raw reactants, reaction temperatures above 150°C, and robust distillation systems separate pure diallylamine from co-produced triallylamine and residual ammonia.
In the lab, diallylamine performs like a workhorse. Its double bonds let it undergo radical polymerization for making specialty polymers—think water purification beads or flocculants. The amine nitrogen acts both as a nucleophile and a base, serving up alkylations or acylations to prepare surfactants, pharmaceuticals, or agricultural agents. Adding diallylamine to acrylonitrile leads to ion exchange materials, while hydrogenation creates saturated amines for specialty intermediates. You can also react diallylamine with alkyl halides, carboxylic acids, or even with epichlorohydrin to build cationic resins. This flexibility is the reason it keeps showing up across so many patents and process descriptions.
In catalogs or shipment manifests, diallylamine shows up as N,N-diallylamine or 2-propenylamine, and sometimes as allyl-2-amine. Don’t confuse it with triallylamine or monoallylamine—these sibling substances have their own quirks and uses. For anyone hunting through chemical suppliers, CAS number 124-02-7 often turns up as the key identifier. Major brands carry both lab grade and industrial bulk formats, listed under both “diallylamine” and systematic IUPAC names. In global markets, names in German (Diallylamin) or Japanese (ジアリルアミン) also come into play in procurement documents.
Diallylamine demands respect in handling. That strong smell isn’t just off-putting, it tags the chemical as volatile and hazardous. Toxic by inhalation or skin contact, diallylamine can irritate mucous membranes and the respiratory tract. Chronic exposures—especially in facilities without proper exhaust or PPE—pose significant health risks, including possible neurotoxicity. Safe operation calls for chemical goggles, gloves, long sleeves, and a good fume hood. Storage must stay cool and ventilated; containers need tight seals and must sit away from sources of ignition and oxidizing agents. Emergency protocols urge quick washing for skin contact and immediate evacuation for large spills. Regulatory frameworks like OSHA and the EU CLP Regulation push companies to monitor airborne levels, train workers, and log every transfer. In my own experience visiting chemical plants, compliance audits rarely let unsafe practices slide—one whiff in a closed area tells everyone they’re playing with fire.
It’s easy to overlook the products diallylamine helps create. Poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride), for example, works as a water treatment flocculant, purifying municipal and industrial effluents worldwide. Other derivatives serve in personal care, paper processing, and as antistatic additives in plastics and textiles. The pharmaceutical industry taps diallylamine for its synthetic flexibility, especially in making intermediates for antihypertensives and antimicrobials. Agricultural applications stretch from herbicide precursors to plant growth regulators. Even in oilfields, certain diallylamine polymers help control drilling fluid properties. That wide reach says something about its role as a foundation stone for countless products.
Current research teams aren’t done exploring diallylamine’s potential. Polymer scientists dig into new derivatives for water-soluble materials and superabsorbents. Medicinal chemists chase novel substitutions to design prototype drugs, betting on the molecule’s reactivity to build larger pharmacophores. In environmental chemistry, diallylamine-based flocculants get tweaked to remove heavy metals, dyes, and other persistent pollutants from water. Bio-based alternatives keep appearing as sustainability goals rise, pushing chemists to refine both the manufacturing and end-of-life breakdown of diallylamine-derived polymers. My conversations with academic researchers often revolve around greener process routes or finding new catalytic systems that minimize waste, cut costs, and shrink the environmental impact.
Toxicologists pay close attention to diallylamine’s health risks. Inhalation studies show that exposure even at low levels causes irritation, headaches, and breathing trouble. High doses prove fatal in rats and mice during lab experiments. Chronic effects, documented in longer-term studies, include organ toxicity and possible nerve damage. Researchers track environmental release, noting that diallylamine breaks down relatively fast in water with the help of microbes, but its initial toxic load poses risks for aquatic life. Regulatory bodies use these data to shape workplace exposure limits—OSHA recommends airborne concentrations below 10 ppm to keep people out of danger. Ongoing work in toxicogenomics searches for molecular mechanisms of toxicity, aiming to explain its effects at the cellular level and reduce risks further for both industry workers and the community.
Opportunities for diallylamine keep growing, especially as global needs shift toward better water treatment, smarter materials, and safer agriculture. One area worth watching is the push toward sustainable chemistry—process improvements that boost atom economy, use renewable feedstocks, and shrink the waste footprint of production plants. As regulatory landscapes tighten, manufacturers will race to automate and digitize safety controls, ensuring workers stay protected and emissions meet stricter limits. Possible new uses also pop up in advanced polymer composites, fuel cell membranes, and biocompatible coatings. For all the complexity diallylamine brings to the table, it’s the ongoing dialogue between industry, academia, and regulators that will steer its role in the next chapter of specialty chemicals. Decades spent tinkering with diallylamine have proven its adaptability; whether as a niche reagent or a workhorse in huge production runs, the molecule has a knack for fitting in—and changing with—the times.
Every industry using diallylamine faces a push for cleaner, safer alternatives. Green chemistry gets louder in labs, especially as researchers look for molecules that break down easily in nature. Some companies experiment with bio-based chemicals, hoping to cut out the hazards but keep the same results. Building new processes costs money, sure, but the long-term payoff comes in lower accidents and a smaller burden on local environments.
People may overlook where their clean water, medicines, or durable paints come from, but diallylamine stands out as an unsung ingredient in each step. Its value lies not just in its chemistry but in the daily impact on public safety, food production, and health. By making smarter choices and being willing to invest in safer handling, businesses can keep diallylamine working behind the scenes—quietly improving lives and making a difference that goes beyond the lab.
Diallylamine crops up in a variety of industries, from water treatment to pharmaceuticals. Its uses may stretch across sectors, but its hazards make it something to treat with care. People working with it every day deserve practical guidance, not scare tactics or vague warnings. Direct experience taught me that what looks like another clear liquid bottle in the lab can punch well above its weight, especially if people let their guard down.
The direct contact with diallylamine can lead to burns, irritation, or even damage to deeper tissues. Breathing it in, even for a short stretch, brings sharp coughing and an angry feeling in the lungs. Some coworkers believed the vapor wouldn’t bother them in the rush of production—until headaches set in and their eyes watered for hours after. These are the sorts of moments you don’t soon forget: your body tunes you into dangers long before a safety manual explains them.
Splash-proof goggles and chemically resistant gloves matter more than most realize. Neoprene or nitrile gloves stand up the best—cotton or basic latex won’t last long once diallylamine hits. Aprons and full-length sleeves cut down on risk further. I’ve seen strong, smart folks shrug at lab coats or opt for cheaper gloves, only to regret it after their forearms reddened during cleanup.
Good air circulation draws fumes away and keeps headaches and chest pain at bay. At our shop, a basic fume hood gave everyone more peace of mind. Without proper ventilation, the risk of long-term problems climbs. Most people in the field know a fan in the window fixes little—a legitimate hood, ducted away, shields from mistakes you notice only by smell or sting in the back of the nose.
Diallylamine wants a cool, well-marked storage area—away from oxidizers or open flames. In one plant storage room, we’d see bottles with misplaced labels or missing caps, which led to a few close calls. Clear labels and tight caps make daily routines safer. Fire extinguishers and clear spill kits within arm’s reach set minds even more at ease, especially for new hires still learning the ropes.
Spills sneak up when you’re in a hurry. Once I watched a spill spread along a bench, catching a coworker's bare wrist. They washed for ten minutes under cold water. Emergency eyewash stations can feel like overkill—until someone’s vision depends on them. A good policy always tells workers to report and record near-misses, building a safer workplace row by row. It isn't just about the paperwork, either—every scare forces us to double-check the basics.
Regular safety drills beat reading a protocol once a year. Training also needs honesty about what can go wrong. Updates to storage protocols or even small fixes, like color-coded gloves, remind everyone that safety is not one and done. Chemical hygiene never works on autopilot. Don’t trust luck. Most of the disasters that make the news trace back to shortcuts mixed with silence.
You won’t find comfort in guessing — with diallylamine and chemicals like it, habits, not intentions, lead to safer shifts and healthy careers.
Diallylamine doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, but in labs and factories, this compound holds its own. Anyone reading a chemical label or a research paper has probably seen formulas like C6H11N and wondered what goes into arriving at those letters. In this case, Diallylamine’s chemical formula is C6H11N. This single line tells chemists almost everything they need to know to start figuring out what the molecule can do. You have six carbons, eleven hydrogens, and one nitrogen atom all working together in a pretty simple arrangement, at least on paper.
I remember the first time I drew Diallylamine’s structure in organic chemistry. In each molecule, two allyl groups attach to a single nitrogen atom. This setup lets the compound react in some unique ways, giving it a spot in the synthesis of polymers, drugs, and agricultural chemicals. Take a look at that formula—not just a random string of elements but the blueprint for some real-world impact. That nitrogen atom in the formula often becomes the MVP, bonding to other ingredients or carrying electrons during chemical reactions.
C6H11N isn’t just something for a chemical catalog; it helps make products that end up in paints, coatings, rubber, and even certain medicines. That’s a big reason to care about formulas like this. If you’ve handled a paint that goes on smoothly or seen specialty plastics resist water, there’s a chance Diallylamine chemistry played a part. In the last few years, researchers started experimenting with it in new polymer technologies, which could shape how industries use plastics or cure resins more efficiently.
With experience in the lab, I’ve learned that knowing your formulas means more than just getting an answer right in class. For instance, the presence of both nitrogen and double-bonded carbons in Diallylamine means this compound is quite reactive. It isn’t something you want to spill or inhale. Checking the material safety data, I saw eye and respiratory irritation listed as hazards—facts that push safety gear from optional to essential. People working with this chemical depend on reliable information about its formula and structure to protect themselves and the environment.
As new research highlights ways to use Diallylamine in greener manufacturing, more industries want substitutes for heavy metals and harsh solvents. Having a clear understanding of the C6H11N formula lets scientists tailor its use to cleaner processes. Stronger regulation and better education on safe handling could help cut accidental exposure and waste. From reading formulas to using smart chemical engineering, turning basic chemistry knowledge into practical change happens step by step, not overnight.
The chemical formula C6H11N for Diallylamine is more than just numbers to memorize for a test. In my own experience, knowledge about what’s inside a bottle or beaker shapes how confidently I can do my work—and how safely I can keep the lab. Staying curious about chemical formulas leads to safer practices, smarter products, and less risk for everyone in the chain from laboratory to warehouse to workshop.
Diallylamine shows up in places most people never think about. Industrial coatings, water treatment, medicines—this stuff weaves quietly through modern life. That’s not always common knowledge, and neither is just how volatile the liquid can get. I’ve been around enough shops and warehouses to know that a strong whiff burns more than your nose. The risks start to pile up if you leave a drum sitting in the wrong spot, or someone skips their due diligence. So, storing diallylamine takes some real care, not because compliance manuals say so, but because folks’ health and the business itself stay on the line every day.
Diallylamine catches fire easier than gasoline, and it turns vapor at room temperature. Leave an uncapped container near a heat source—an electric panel, sunlight through a window, or even just a faulty light—and there’s a real threat of fire. It’s not dramatic to say that a single spark can turn a slip-up into a disaster. I’ve seen shops burned down by less.
The headaches don't stop with flames. Breathing in the fumes over time messes with your lungs, and spills soak right into skin, causing burns or more serious effects. OSHA reports have covered the dangers around this chemical for years. NIOSH and other safety groups talk about neurological symptoms in cases of long-term exposure, so just “winging it” on storage feels reckless—especially when the science backs up the health risks.
I’ve moved thousands of gallons of chemicals—locked cabinets, well-marked drums, secondary containment bins, you name it. Diallylamine rewards that kind of caution. Put it in a strong steel drum, preferably lined to resist corrosion. Nearby, you want plenty of ventilation. The stuff shouldn’t share space with anything that sparks or heats up. Flame-proof cabinets work if you’re storing small containers. Drums on pallets, away from direct sun and any source of ignition, always feel safer. Concrete floors with spill berms catch anything that leaks before it hits drains or other workspaces. (I learned the hard way once: don’t trust aging floor paint to resist chemicals like this.)
Labels matter too—hazard symbols, handling instructions, and emergency contact info on every supply. Professionals under stress often skip labeling, but one missed sign can lead to someone grabbing the wrong drum, thinking it’s something harmless. I spent years training new hires to double-check every mark.
No shelf or drum can do much good if the crew hasn’t been through hands-on safety drills. Every plant safety officer I’ve worked with hammered that home. Workers should know exactly where the eyewash station and emergency showers sit. Gloves, goggles, and face shields fit snug, not loose. Vent hoods or fans in the storage area keep fumes down, and workplace monitoring helps catch any leaks before they turn into headaches.
Regular safety meetings keep information alive. It’s easy to fall into habits or let standards slip when shifts get busy. No one expects an accident to happen, but everyone’s glad for tight routines after a near-miss.
Rules exist for good reason, and regulatory groups such as OSHA and the EPA pay attention to storage protocols for chemicals like diallylamine. I’ve watched companies take shortcuts and face stiff fines, not to mention damaged reputations. Saving time on safety can backfire much harder on busy companies than the investment costs.
There’s one truth that sticks: real safety depends on everyone paying attention. Strong steel drums, vented rooms, fire suppression, well-informed workers—as plain as it sounds, skipping even one of those steps can cost lives or businesses. Lessons learned from mistakes, clear communication, and ongoing training offer protection no policy alone can guarantee.
Diallylamine crops up in a range of workplaces, from chemical plants to labs. Most people never spot its presence on a label, but for some, it’s part of the job. You can find it in products like resins, paper chemicals, and various specialty polymers. But few workers — or community members who live near certain factories — realize the health hazards it brings along. After two decades working in facilities with strong chemical smells in the air, I’ve seen plenty of folks who originally brushed off the idea that vapors can do real damage.
This chemical is a volatile liquid, so fumes escape at room temperature. That means airborne exposure kicks in fast, especially in closed spaces with poor ventilation. Splashing a bit on bare skin can have direct results too. One reason this is worrying: diallylamine zips through the skin barrier easily. Inhaling vapors or getting touched by a leaky container both deliver the stuff right into the bloodstream.
Right away, the eyes start watering and itching. People describe it like a harsh onion — redness, swelling, and a burning sensation set in almost at once. Breathing in even small amounts stings the nose and throat, sometimes leading to coughing fits or a raw, sore feeling in the chest. Folks working in tight, poorly ventilated rooms often talk about headaches or dizziness if concentrations tick up.
On the skin, any contact with diallylamine can lead to blisters or rashes. Some workers tell stories of their hands looking sunburned by the end of a long shift, despite gloves. Stories come up about folks not realizing the gloves they use aren’t chemical-resistant and landing with mild burns that heal slowly.
Over months or years, repeated exposure can wear down the body’s defenses. The chemical has links to chronic lung irritation, a lingering cough, and the kind of chest tightness that doesn’t go away. Some research flags long-term intake for raising cancer risk, though real-world numbers on this front are scarce partly because many chemicals get used together and tracking leads back to a single culprit is tough.
Then, there’s the unpredictable world of allergies. Sensitization doesn’t always happen at first exposure. The immune system might stay quiet for weeks or months before one day flaring up dramatically, leaving a worker unable to tolerate even a whiff of the stuff. This means someone who handled diallylamine for years without trouble can suddenly land in the ER.
The biggest help comes from proper ventilation. Fume hoods, air exchangers, and open doors cut down vapor buildup. Workers benefit from heavy-duty gloves and face shields, not just flimsy latex. Regular air monitoring with handheld detectors sends a clear message if indoor limits creep up. In shops I’ve visited, switching to closed-system transfers and automating pump systems cut down spills and splashes almost overnight.
Simple habits matter, too. Showering right after a shift instead of waiting to get home makes a difference. Managers can swap out diallylamine for safer substitutes in a surprising number of cases — and whenever that swap works, health complaints drop fast. For those who must work around this chemical, up-to-date training and a culture that encourages reporting near-misses have saved careers and likely lives.
It’s not just workers who watch for leaks. Factories set up air sampling stations and share reports with town officials when they store large volumes of dangerous chemicals. Local health departments sometimes field calls about strange odors or lingering headaches in neighborhoods downwind of industrial sites. Public access to safety data sheets and honest reporting on spills helps build trust, especially for folks with kids or elderly relatives nearby.
The stakes go beyond one job or one building. How we handle diallylamine today sets a bar for managing future chemicals — some known and some that haven’t hit the market yet. Good habits learned now keep people out of emergency rooms and give peace of mind to families living near the fence line.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | N,N-diprop-2-enylamine |
| Other names |
Di-2-propenylamine
N,N-Diallylamine Diallylamin Diallylamine N,N-2-Propenylamine |
| Pronunciation | /daɪˈælɪlaɪmɪn/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 124-02-7 |
| Beilstein Reference | 1209244 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:51912 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL140659 |
| ChemSpider | 5293 |
| DrugBank | DB14016 |
| ECHA InfoCard | ECHA InfoCard: 100.003.989 |
| EC Number | 203-815-1 |
| Gmelin Reference | 7237 |
| KEGG | C06390 |
| MeSH | Diallylamine |
| PubChem CID | 31241 |
| RTECS number | LX5600000 |
| UNII | 9G1K12H3KN |
| UN number | 2612 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C6H11N |
| Molar mass | 85.15 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless to yellow liquid |
| Odor | amine-like |
| Density | 0.789 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.) |
| Solubility in water | miscible |
| log P | 0.97 |
| Vapor pressure | 3.5 kPa (20 °C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 10.0 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 2.57 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -10.2×10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.429 |
| Viscosity | 0.755 cP (20°C) |
| Dipole moment | 1.35 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 322.85 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -15.6 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -3371 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | D04AX |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS05, GHS06 |
| Pictograms | GHS02,GHS06 |
| Signal word | Danger |
| Hazard statements | H301 + H311 + H331: Toxic if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled. H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. H411: Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
| Precautionary statements | P261, P280, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P312, P337+P313, P405, P501 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 3-3-2-W |
| Flash point | 49 °C (120 °F; 322 K) |
| Autoignition temperature | 390 °C |
| Explosive limits | 1.8% - 10.1% |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD₅₀ (oral, rat): 188 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): Oral rat LD50 = 163 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | SN4550000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) for Diallylamine: "10 ppm (35 mg/m³) as TWA |
| REL (Recommended) | REL (Recommended): 5 ppm (15 mg/m3) TWA |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | 100 ppm |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Allylamine
Methallylamine Trimethylamine Diethylamine Dipropylamine |
