N,N-Diethylhydroxylamine started showing up in scientific literature in the first half of the 20th century, around the same time folks rolled up their sleeves to solve big problems in synthetic chemistry and industrial processes. Chemistry needed something reliable for controlling reactions, especially reduction ones where even minor fluctuations could ruin a batch and cost money or worse, safety. DEHA filled that gap. Researchers and engineers valued it for its stability and predictability compared to other amine-based reducers, and it soon earned a permanent place in chemistry labs and industrial settings. Over the years, new synthetic techniques emerged, refining the product and making it purer and safer for broader use. Seeing those early applications expand, from just playing a supporting role in chemical processes to the backbone of everything from water treatment to photography, makes it clear the industry will chase reliable tools.
This compound shows up in many forms, but commercial supply usually means a clear, light-ish liquid. Its smell is not exactly pleasant, and it can remind people of other amine-based chemicals, which often catches newcomers off guard. DEHA's core value comes from its ability to scavenge oxygen, stabilize other chemicals, and keep free-radical reactions in check. Companies now buy, sell, and ship it in bulk as a water treatment solution, corrosion inhibitor, and polymerization control agent. What makes it notable: each application leans on a different set of DEHA's properties, showing how flexible this molecule can be. Ask anyone who has worked with it in an industrial water plant how much downtime costs, and they’ll tell you those oxygen-scavenging abilities become priceless pretty quickly, especially where rust means early equipment replacement.
DEHA stands as a small molecule with the formula C4H11NO, which makes it relatively easy to handle compared to bulkier specialty chemicals. It melts just above zero degrees Celsius, which means storage in regular conditions rarely poses problems, while its boiling point lands near 125°C under reduced pressure. Because of its polarity, it dissolves well in both water and common organic solvents. It doesn’t ignite easily, but the vapors can form explosive mixtures with air under certain circumstances, so wise users take that into account for plant safety. Chemically, the hydroxylamine group gives DEHA its reducing strength, and the diethyl groups keep it from breaking down too quickly, which gives it useful longevity in tough applications. People sometimes underestimate these small details until a failed project reminds them.
Commercial grades of DEHA run from about 85% to 98% purity, depending on supplier and application. Most available products get labeled in accordance with regional hazardous material guidelines, and suppliers have to list concentration, stabilizer presence, and the date of manufacture. Shipping containers—whether drums or IBC totes—carry clear hazard labels with all the relevant signal words for handling. Users often check for clear batch numbers and certificates of analysis before accepting delivery, especially in pharma or water treatment, where even small impurities can cause headaches or regulatory issues later. It’s easy for supply chain managers to get caught up in price comparisons, but anyone who has dealt with a regulatory recall knows why a transparent specification sheet saves more than dollars.
Synthesis runs through reduction of diethyl nitrosamine, or oxidative processes starting from tertiary amines. Chemical engineers have figured out how to scale the batch or continuous process, depending on volume needs. Choice of catalyst and reaction conditions influence not just the yield but also the final product’s stability and storage profile. Some newer patents describe milder routes that cut down on hazardous waste generation, which matters for manufacturers under growing regulatory pressure. The stuff that leaves the reactor gets washed, distilled, and stored under inert atmosphere until packaging, to keep out the oxygen that can prompt degradation. Those who have worked on process optimization in chemical manufacturing know it comes down to balancing purity, cost, and worker safety, every single time.
DEHA shows a clear knack for reducing things—it gladly donates electrons in both lab and plant environments. In practice, that means it can turn rust-causing oxygen into water, stop harmful peroxides from building up in formulations, and sometimes neutralize free radicals in sensitive polymerizations. Because its hydroxylamine group reacts in predictable ways, chemists have adapted it for use as a precursor to other specialty chemicals, or even used it as a selective reducing agent in pharmaceuticals. Some processes use DEHA as a starting material for making more complex amine derivatives. In the lab, students quickly learn how DEHA’s selectivity simplifies reduction steps and improves yields, helping them sidestep unwanted byproducts.
DEHA pops up under different labels: N,N-Diethylhydroxylamine, Diethylhydroxyamine, Diethylazanol, and its short-hand code DEHA. Some suppliers might market it as Oxygen Scavenger 85% or Water Treatment DEHA, depending on the customer. Clarity around naming matters—anyone shopping for chemicals in bulk can tell you how easily mistakes happen when two similar-sounding amines get mixed up, especially if shipped across borders where language and labeling rules differ. A missed detail on a purchase order can halt a whole plant, which has happened more than once to teams relying on “house names” instead of IUPAC identifiers.
DEHA’s overall safety record looks good, but the stuff demands respect, like most industrial chemicals. Acute exposure rarely leads to dangerous effects, but higher vapor concentrations can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Storage areas require solid ventilation, leak detection, and training for spill containment. Most plants have protocols to prevent mixing with strong oxidizers, acids, or other incompatible materials. Workers handle DEHA with gloves, goggles, and chemical-resistant clothing, and safety data sheets sit nearby for a reason. Smart companies keep spill kits and eyewash stations in reach, rather than waiting for an incident to trigger safety upgrades. In countries like Germany and the United States, storage and transport follow strict hazardous material codes.
Water treatment sits right at the top of the DEHA user list. Facilities tap into its oxygen scavenging abilities to protect steel tanks, boilers, and pipes from internal corrosion. Photographic processing used to rely heavily on DEHA to stabilize developer solutions; though digital tech has taken a bite out of this, specialty labs still use it. The polymer industry spins off DEHA as a regulator for acrylate and styrene polymerizations, letting manufacturers control product characteristics batch after batch. Some pharmaceutical syntheses use DEHA as a mild reducing agent, cutting out the harsher stuff that can contaminate finished drugs. Even fuel additive makers like its suitability for reducing trace peroxides and boosting storage lifetimes. Talking to buyers in these fields, it’s clear they prize reliability as much as reactivity—disruptions or failures cost more than just money.
Research teams keep prodding at DEHA’s boundaries. Universities and private labs now focus on cleaner synthesis methods, lower-cost catalysts, and byproduct management, since both environmental concerns and regulatory pressure push the industry forward. Analytical chemists have mapped out ways to track trace impurities, like nitrosamine contaminants, down to the part-per-billion level, helping companies maintain compliance and consumer trust. In water treatment science, studies keep examining mixture performance for ever-more-demanding environments—think higher temperatures, higher pressures, and more exotic piping alloys. Talking with R&D chemists over the years, one message stays the same: no one gets to rest on old laurels in the chemical sector, not with regulation and customer requirements evolving this fast.
Toxicological studies say DEHA possesses fairly low acute toxicity, but they also point out its metabolites and breakdown products, such as nitrosamines, can raise concerns in chronic exposure scenarios. Animal studies have shown mild effects at high doses, but regulators watch for links to carcinogenicity. Regulatory agencies in Europe and North America routinely monitor industrial emissions, site discharges, and workplace exposure limits. Researchers keep running long-term bioaccumulation studies and multi-generational toxicity reviews to clear the way for safer applications. Anyone with experience in chemical plant compliance knows how these rules shift, often in response to new research or emerging public concerns, making continuous toxicology review standard practice in most industrial operations using DEHA.
DEHA sits at a crossroads. Increased regulation of process chemicals, growing demand for safer water treatment, and new polymer technologies all keep pushing its popularity and requirements higher. Companies face rising pressure to prove impurity control, greenhouse gas reductions, and worker protection, while pricing competition means cost-saving synthetic methods draw big interest. Some innovative teams hope to modify DEHA’s structure, extending its chemical utility to broader reduction reactions or custom applications in newer industries like advanced battery manufacturing. A meaningful future for DEHA means balancing tight regulatory compliance, public health considerations, and ongoing R&D investment. The ones who will thrive in manufacturing or supply hold a clear view of the chemical’s quirks—both in a beaker and across a multinational supply chain—while keeping a close eye on environmental and safety boundaries shaping tomorrow’s market.
N,N-Diethylhydroxylamine, better known as DEHA, plays a practical role across several industries. In factories where boilers run daily, DEHA works as an oxygen scavenger. Oxygen in steam systems creates rust, which eats away at pipes, tanks, and boilers. Owners use DEHA to slow down this kind of corrosion. I’ve seen maintenance teams talk about how a simple dose into the feedwater helps prevent thousands of dollars in repair costs linked to rust buildup. The chemistry behind this is straightforward—DEHA reacts with dissolved oxygen, making it harmless before it attacks the metal.
Food packaging often takes advantage of DEHA’s stabilizing power. Many plastic wraps, especially those that keep meat and cheese fresh, carry traces of DEHA. Manufacturers use it to help stop plastics from breaking down too fast under heat and light. Some folks hear about chemicals in contact with food and grow concerned. Health agencies, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, weigh in here. They have studied DEHA’s transfer from packaging into food and set limits that are well below risk levels. Smart engineering and regular testing keep its use within accepted guidelines, protecting consumers at the grocery store.
Back before everything turned digital, darkrooms lined up trays of liquid for developing film. DEHA kept these chemicals stable, holding off oxidation so the picture came out clean. Fewer people process film by hand these days, but in specialty labs and even certain manufacturing processes, DEHA still proves itself in keeping photographic solutions in good shape. The nostalgia of watching an image form in the developer tray reminds me how many steps rely on behind-the-scenes helpers like DEHA.
Production lines in chemical plants benefit from DEHA, too. Making acrylics and other polymers often requires careful control over free radicals and oxidation. DEHA works as a short-stop, slowing or stopping runaway reactions. This function keeps reaction vats from getting out of control and ruining a batch. The result is a safer workplace and less chemical waste—something every plant manager can appreciate. Also, stabilizing agents like DEHA improve product shelf life, which lowers costs and keeps products reliable longer.
Using chemicals for practical ends always brings up safety topics. Workers handling DEHA need gloves, goggles, and good ventilation. I remember seeing detailed safety posters in facilities that reminded everyone of the right steps—common sense keeps accidents from turning serious. Environmental rules steer disposal and spills, with companies tracking DEHA wastewater to avoid polluting streams. Solutions start with regular training, spill drills, and up-to-date equipment. Regular audits and third-party checks keep standards high and the public trust intact.
The world keeps inventing new materials and processes, yet foundational chemicals like DEHA continue to solve problems. Engineers and chemists weigh every risk and benefit as regulations evolve, aiming for steady improvements. Real progress often shows up in small choices: better labeling, safely managed supplies, and patience with tedious safety checks. Through it all, DEHA sticks around, speaking to the careful work behind so much of modern life.
Let’s talk about chemicals. Most folks wouldn’t notice anything called Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate, or DEHA, unless it shows up in a news story or on a label. Chemists know it as a plasticizer, often used to make plastics softer. It’s found in things like cling wrap and food packaging, sometimes even in cosmetics. People see “chemical” and wonder if they’re risking their health just by unwrapping lunch.
I spent a few years working summers at a recycling plant. Workers were always chatting about which plastics could be reused and what should be avoided. DEHA isn’t one of those household names, but concern among workers grew any time a new additive came up. Folks who handle plastics every day, year after year, have a right to ask — is this stuff safe?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved DEHA for use in food-contact materials, but only up to certain limits. Studies show that the amount that can migrate into food stays very small, especially under regular use. In a world full of scary headlines, many parents worry about toxins in kids’ lunchboxes. It helps to look for numbers and not just rumors.
Researchers have studied DEHA for decades. High doses in animal studies caused weight changes and mild liver effects in rodents. Those studies looked at exposure levels much higher than what most people would ever encounter through daily life. In my own experience, it reminded me of eating a tablespoon of salt—something everyone sprinkles on dinner, but in large amounts, it can hurt you.
European and North American safety agencies have reviewed the evidence. According to the World Health Organization and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, there’s no clear proof DEHA causes cancer or reproductive problems in humans at normal levels. For most people, the risk of harm seems low, especially if products are used as intended.
Toxic chemicals don’t just stick to humans—they work their way into soil, water, and wildlife. Certain plasticizers do break down in the environment, but bits of plastic can linger for years, carrying their additives with them. DEHA isn’t immune to this issue. Even if studies say a chemical’s toxicity is low, the bigger problem shows up with waste management. I’ve watched tons of plastic wrap head off to landfills, and nobody can say junking more plastic won’t trouble our ecosystems over time.
People already have tools to dodge unwanted exposure. Using glass or stainless steel containers for hot foods, keeping plastic wraps out of the microwave, and searching out products labeled “phthalate-free” all help. Food safety authorities keep looking at the evidence and sometimes update limits as new science rolls in. These extra steps work like wearing a seatbelt or checking a fire alarm—it might seem minor, but it adds up.
DEHA becomes just another name in the alphabet soup of modern life. Worry makes sense, but it helps to look at both the science and everyday habits. Most people don’t face much risk from DEHA as things stand. But keeping an eye on packaging, avoiding excess plastic, recycling, and supporting improvements in manufacturing sends a message to makers and lawmakers: People care about what touches their lives.
Working with chemicals, even for years, never turns into a casual routine. N,N-Diethylhydroxylamine (DEHA) proves this point over and over. Folks who have spent time in labs and factories know that a careless move can cost big—sometimes more than dollars. DEHA isn’t the worst chemical out there, but treating it with respect always pays off. Companies that take shortcuts with storage or handling might wake up to major headaches: property damage, health scares, or tight-lipped regulators knocking on the door. Nobody wants safety mishaps trending on social media.
This chemical promises effective results as a reducing agent or oxygen scavenger, especially in industrial water treatment and as a polymerization inhibitor. Alongside these uses come specific hazards. DEHA reacts with strong oxidizers, and under certain temperatures, its vapors can build up pressure or ignite. Contact can irritate the skin, eyes, or lungs, so standing there in jeans and a cotton t-shirt doesn’t cut it.Personal experience backs up what the professionals say—once a spill or leak happens, even a tiny amount, the cleanup turns into a story nobody wants to repeat.
Chemicals act a lot like food: bad storage brings bad news. Store DEHA in tightly closed containers, preferably in a dry, well-ventilated space. Keep the stock in areas away from spark sources, direct sunlight, or fluctuating temperatures. Steel drums or containers with epoxy linings work well, but always inspect for corrosion or leaks before use.One key habit: inspect the labeling at least once a week. Faded or damaged labels lead to confusion, and confusion causes mistakes—usually at the worst possible moment.
Sometimes, people rush. Rushed handling causes spills or splashes, especially during transfers or sampling. Putting on gloves, goggles, and simple overalls—this simple gear prevents most minor incidents. Pouring and mixing under fume hoods or with proper extraction keeps the air clear even when handling liters at a time.Training crews and new hires pays back tenfold. Telling stories from real messes, not just listing off safety points, sticks better. If liquid hits the skin, wash right away with soap and water, not just a quick rinse. Supervise storage areas to spot open containers. Good lighting stops people from fumbling during late shifts.
Recent regulatory findings show that strong compliance, signed training sheets, and regular audits cut down incidents dramatically. OSHA data points to clear, labeled storage and consistent PPE as major factors in accident reduction. To keep inspectors and insurance folks happy, companies now log storage temperatures and air monitoring results.Some go further, investing in digital sensors for temperature, air quality, or even automated spill alerts. These upgrades seem like big-ticket items, but preventing one major spill justifies the cost and protects both workers and community.
Every workplace using DEHA could use a few simple rules taped above the storage shelf: keep it cool and dry, seal caps tight, label everything, wear the gear, keep rags and tools clean, and never take shortcuts. Stories from the field make these rules stick, not just handbooks. Safe storage and handling start by seeing chemical safety as a personal and team responsibility. One misstep affects everyone in the building and possibly far beyond.
DEHA stands for di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate. The chemical formula for DEHA is C22H42O4. This matters because DEHA turns up in a lot more places than most folks realize. It’s used mainly as a plasticizer, which means it gets added to plastics, especially flexible PVC, to keep them soft and bendy. If you’ve ever noticed how garden hoses or inflatable pool toys stay flexible instead of cracking, there’s a good chance DEHA played a role.
DEHA's formula speaks volumes about its structure. That C22H42O4 tells us there are 22 carbon atoms, 42 hydrogen atoms, and 4 oxygen atoms in each molecule. This arrangement gives DEHA its oily, clear, and nearly odorless nature. The molecule comes from adipic acid and 2-ethylhexanol, combined through a process called esterification. That’s chemistry's way of saying it fuses acids and alcohols (with water as a byproduct) to shape a new substance.
Growing up, I was always around plastic products. In the kitchen, food wraps and soft containers lined the shelves. I only learned years later that many of these everyday items owe their flexibility to chemicals like DEHA. Health researchers have raised concerns about how DEHA can leach into food, especially fatty foods, if they’re stored in certain plastics. A study by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found trace amounts of DEHA in some food samples. While the FDA states the levels are typically low, some parents worry when reheating leftovers or packing kids' lunches.
What worries folks about DEHA isn't just limited to convenience. Animal studies have shown that high levels might cause liver problems and other issues. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) lists DEHA as not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans—meaning there’s not enough evidence to say it causes cancer, but the jury’s still out on its long-term safety in high amounts. That uncertainty drives questions: How much are we exposed to? What are the risks for children, who often eat from plastic containers or chew on plastic toys?
Some big retailers now label or develop packaging free from certain plasticizers. Shoppers look for alternatives—glass containers, silicone wraps, or plastics advertised as “phthalate-free.” Governments also update safety limits. In the EU, for example, there’s tighter regulation around which plasticizers can touch food.
Manufacturers and researchers continue to develop safer plasticizers, keeping an eye on both performance and health. Choosing better options doesn’t require a chemistry degree—but knowing the chemical formula of DEHA, C22H42O4, gives us a place to start. It calls on both companies and families to stay informed and push for safer everyday materials.
DEHA, known in the chemical world as di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate, comes up a lot in the plastics and food packaging business. You can find it anywhere people use soft, flexible plastics, like cling film or certain bottles. Even though it helps keep plastics pliable, it doesn’t mix well with human health when handled irresponsibly. That’s why talking about safety never gets old.
Back in my younger days, I worked a summer job at a packaging factory. No one made us fear every chemical in sight, but our foreman cared deeply about safety. We always wore gloves, washed our hands often, and kept food far away from the mixing workstations. Even then, some workers skipped steps to save time and would end up with skin rashes or headaches. That stuck with me: shortcuts with chemicals tend to catch up with people.
Jobs that involve pouring, mixing, or cleaning up DEHA spills bring the risk straight to your skin. Without proper gloves and long sleeves, this chemical can cause irritation. I’ve seen folks after an exposure—red, itchy arms speak louder than any warning sign. It matters what gloves you pick; nitrile or neoprene do the job. Cotton or thin latex won't stop the stuff from seeping through. Faces need attention too—good splash goggles mean you can do your work without worry about splatters.
Breathing in DEHA vapors doesn’t worry people as much as skin contact, but it shouldn’t be brushed off. Standing in a poorly ventilated space as fumes build up gives people sore throats and dizziness. Open up a window, kick on the exhaust fans, and keep the air moving. Ventilation isn’t glamorous, but it keeps folks upright and healthy through a long shift.
Most people don’t think about cross-contamination till it’s too late. Bringing lunch or coffee into the workspace makes it far too easy to swallow traces of DEHA. Think about how easy it is to touch a doorknob or your water bottle with dirty gloves. Setting up a clean break room and washing your hands the right way will save a lot of stomach aches, or worse.
Any chemical worth worrying about requires care in storage. DEHA containers should stay sealed up tight and away from direct heat or sunlight. I remember a spill we had to clean—someone left a tub open near a heat vent, and it turned into a sticky mess. Tight seals, clear labels, and regular checks on storage rooms help prevent surprises. Spills can happen, so keep absorbent materials and clean-up plans nearby. Don’t just toss wipes or gloves in the regular trash—they go into the designated chemical disposal bins.
People work safer when they know what they’re up against. All the personal protective equipment in the world won’t help much if no one tells you why to use it. Regular safety meetings, posters with clear instructions, and quick access to safety data sheets make a big difference in how people treat caution. Anyone working near DEHA should know symptoms to watch for and how to get help if something goes wrong.
Every workplace using DEHA should make safety part of daily routines. Engineers and managers don’t always spend their days handling chemicals, but leadership helps set the tone. Supervisors should check on workstations, support better ventilation, and make sure supplies of gloves and goggles don’t run low. Regular training, reminders, and listening to workers’ feedback will keep injuries low and morale high. In my time on different production floors, clear rules and open eyes kept us safe far more than fancy technology or empty rules ever did.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | N-ethyl-N-hydroxyethanamine |
| Other names |
N,N-Diethylhydroxylamine
DEHA Diethylhydroxylamine N-Ethyl-N-hydroxyethanamine N,N-Diethyloxylamine |
| Pronunciation | /ˌenˌen.daɪˌɛθ.əl.haɪˈdrɒk.sɪl.əˌmiːn/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 3710-84-7 |
| 3D model (JSmol) | `3Dmol.js?cid=8081` |
| Beilstein Reference | 1209245 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:51998 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL168962 |
| ChemSpider | 12038 |
| DrugBank | DB14174 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03acb273-e3d4-421a-819c-1f3ef8cd2991 |
| EC Number | 200-237-1 |
| Gmelin Reference | 78728 |
| KEGG | C19585 |
| MeSH | D003997 |
| PubChem CID | 8016 |
| RTECS number | KL5250000 |
| UNII | 5P6W8K71U8 |
| UN number | UN2497 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C4H11NO |
| Molar mass | DEHA molar mass: 89.14 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
| Odor | amine-like |
| Density | 0.89 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Miscible |
| log P | -0.15 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.49 mmHg (at 25 °C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 5.55 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 4.50 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -9.9×10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.422 |
| Viscosity | 1.6 mPa·s (25 °C) |
| Dipole moment | 2.71 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 309.5 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -66.2 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -359.7 kJ·mol⁻¹ |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS05,GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | Harmful if swallowed. Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. Harmful if inhaled. May cause an allergic skin reaction. |
| Precautionary statements | P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P261, P264, P273, P280, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P312, P337+P313, P370+P378, P403+P235, P405, P501 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-3-1-W |
| Flash point | 61 °C (142 °F) |
| Autoignition temperature | 190°C |
| Explosive limits | 2.2% - 10.2% |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 oral rat: 930 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): 930 mg/kg (oral, rat) |
| NIOSH | SN 3500000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | 1 ppm (as an 8-hour TWA) |
| REL (Recommended) | 5 ppm (15 mg/m3) |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | Unknown |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Hydroxylamine
N,N-Dimethylhydroxylamine O-Methylhydroxylamine N-Ethylhydroxylamine N,N-Diisopropylhydroxylamine |
