2-Ethoxyethylamine sits among specialty amines that see use in a variety of chemical and industrial settings. It shows up as a clear to slightly yellow liquid, with a strong ammonia-like odor that quickly signals its presence. This compound carries the molecular formula C4H11NO, and its molecular weight clocks in at 89.14 g/mol. The structure features an ethoxy group attached to an ethylamine, which makes for an interesting blend of ether and amine functionalities. In everyday terms, this means the compound combines reactivity with useful solvent properties. Its density lands around 0.87 g/cm³ at 20°C, which puts it on the lighter side compared to water. The chemical boils at 139°C and starts to melt near -70°C. Many users handle it as a pure liquid or prepare it in commercial solutions where concentration and purity get tailored to the job.
It’s important to keep track of the form you’re handling. 2-Ethoxyethylamine appears as a clear, mobile liquid at room temperature. Unlike stronger bases, it doesn’t pack an intense caustic punch, but skin and eyes will feel its corrosive sting pretty quickly. While not usually found in flakes or powder, the compound can crystallize if cooled significantly below its freezing point. This property comes into play during certain purification or storage steps. On the chemical front, 2-Ethoxyethylamine acts as a weak base and thus reacts readily with acids and acid chlorides, forming salts and amides. It mixes well with water and most organic solvents. That solubility makes it a frequent choice in specialty resin, dye, and pharma intermediate syntheses. In my own work as a lab technician, we recognized its potent odor and kept everything under hoods. Fume control isn’t optional.
The structure consists of a two-carbon ethyl chain carrying an ether (ethoxy group) bonded to an amine nitrogen. Chemists appreciate this mix, which brings both polar and non-polar characteristics. 2-Ethoxyethylamine’s formula—C4H11NO—reflects two carbon chains bracketing the oxygen atom, while the amine provides a handle for a wide variety of coupling reactions. Molecular interactions play a big role in how this product works as a raw ingredient: the lone pair on the nitrogen atom makes it a nucleophile, attractive for many types of organic synthesis. In my experience, the practicality of this molecule comes down to its dual functionality: it acts as a base and as part of ether exchange reactions, letting formulators get creative.
Specifications matter a lot in industrial procurement. Buyers usually look for purity above 99% to avoid trouble with downstream reactions. Color, water content, acidity, and presence of residual solvents all get reported, as impurities can mess with end results. For physical specifications, the density in the liquid state and refractive index (typically around 1.425) matter most for blending operations. Volatility and vapor pressure (about 3 mmHg at 25°C) play a part in safety planning. 2-Ethoxyethylamine serves as a raw material across a range of industries: pesticide manufacturing uses it as a building block, while pharmaceuticals often turn to it for selective amide couplings and synthesis of API precursors. In paint and coating formulations, its role as a pH adjuster and stabilizer shows a practical side.
For global trade, the HS Code usually falls under 2921.19 (acrylic amines and their derivatives), though specifics can shift by region. Logistics professionals like to know this number for regulatory and tariff reasons. Shipments need correct documentation, with details about total shipment weight (measured in kilograms or liters), purity grade, and hazard classification, often UN 2733 for this type of amine. Every international shipment faces regulatory scrutiny, with REACH registration in Europe and TSCA reporting in the United States. The market price fluctuates based on feedstock costs, legislative changes, and demand from paint or agrochemical manufacturers.
A compound like 2-Ethoxyethylamine requires respect and proactive hazard management. People who work with it need chemical splash goggles, nitrile gloves, and proper clothing—a lesson learned from a close call after a careless spill. The vapor can irritate eyes, nose, and throat. In higher doses, inhalation poses a risk of toxic effects, including headache and nausea. Chronic exposure studies indicate possible harmful effects to liver and kidneys; in animal models, significant overexposure led to organ damage. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) supply detailed handling advice, recommending well-ventilated storage away from oxidizers and acids. In the event of small spills, absorbents like vermiculite help control hazards, but containment and cleanup by professionals becomes necessary for large-scale leaks. Environmental releases spell trouble for aquatic systems, so compliant disposal is crucial. Every container should carry the GHS (Globally Harmonized System) labeling—the red diamond warning is unmistakable to anyone who's spent time in a chemical warehouse.
Storing 2-Ethoxyethylamine takes some basic planning. Steel or HDPE drums get used most often; glass may be fine for small-scale work but seldom shows up in bulk transport. Facilities keep drums out of direct sunlight, and temperature control keeps product within safe liquid range. Bulk shipments travel with secondary containment to guard against accidental leaks. Regulatory agencies require detailed safety data—the paperwork is almost as important as the product itself. In the warehouse, segregating amines from acids and strong oxidizers prevents dangerous side reactions. I’ve seen firsthand the impact of a breached drum kept next to incompatible materials: costs and hazards multiply quickly when safety corners get cut.
Chemical safety covers more than employee exposure. 2-Ethoxyethylamine escapes into water systems can harm aquatic life. Its volatility means air emissions also matter, especially in countries with strict VOC rules. The threshold limit value (TLV) stands at 5 ppm for continuous human exposure, according to the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. For cleanup or accidental exposure, immediate decontamination with water makes a difference. As disposal regulations tighten, cost of compliance rises; many companies now invest in closed-loop recycling and vapor recovery systems. After years working in formulation labs, I noticed companies cutting hazardous waste bills by switching to in-house solvent recyclers, reducing not only risk but also regulatory headaches.
The chemical industry moves toward safer, more responsible handling of compounds like 2-Ethoxyethylamine. Automated dispensing reduces worker risk, while scrubbers and carbon filters clean up air emissions. Continued use of personal protective equipment stands as the front line of defense—the best programs pair PPE with active safety culture and training. Many companies now rely on digital inventory systems to track stock levels and expiration dates, helping to prevent accidental releases from old or compromised containers. Legislation pushes manufacturers to publish detailed safety and hazard data online, making it easier for procurement and health professionals to make informed choices. Research into less hazardous alternatives progresses, though for now, 2-Ethoxyethylamine stays on as a reliable workhorse in specialty amine chemistry.
