N-(2-Hydroxyethyl)Ethylenediamine: Understanding the Material Inside and Out

What is N-(2-Hydroxyethyl)Ethylenediamine?

N-(2-Hydroxyethyl)Ethylenediamine shows up as a multi-functional compound found in the toolkit of a range of chemical industries. Its chemical formula, C4H12N2O, hints at a structure built from ethylenediamine with a hydroxyethyl group attached. Chemists recognize the CAS number 111-41-1 and the HS Code, which often falls under 2922199090. In my laboratory experience, its unique features—having both amine and alcohol groups in the same molecule—offer options for modifying chemical reactions. The product’s structure contains two amino groups and an attached hydroxyalkyl group, reflecting its bridging role between polar and nonpolar chemicals. This connection brings out properties important in sectors like textile finishing, water treatment, pharmaceuticals, and surfactant production.

Physical Properties and Forms

In direct handling, N-(2-Hydroxyethyl)Ethylenediamine appears as a colorless to faintly yellowish liquid under normal room temperature. The material occasionally forms crystals at lower temperatures, giving a glimpse of solid-state properties. You can measure its density around 1.04 g/cm³ at 20°C, where it feels slightly heavier than water in the hand, similar to glycerol or other low molecular weight amines. Its boiling point lands in the range of 238°C, not uncommon for diamines. This chemical dissolves easily in water, alcohols, and many organic solvents, which expands its role in both aqueous and non-aqueous systems. I have seen it delivered as liquid in drums or totes, though lab-scale batches sometimes show flakes or even fine pearls depending on cooling conditions. Melting occurs near 35°C, so changes in room temperature might shift its form between solid and liquid. Powdery or crystalline samples shed light on its purity, and it can be made to appear that way by careful drying or by cooling solutions.

Safety, Hazards, and Handling

Chemical safety ranks as a key concern. N-(2-Hydroxyethyl)Ethylenediamine carries risks typical for amine-based raw materials. It stands as a corrosive substance—direct skin contact results in irritation; eyes need particular protection, as even small splashes lead to redness and pain. Breathing in vapors, especially during industrial blending or high-temperature processing, causes discomfort to the nose and throat. Working with this material, I’ve always relied on gloves, goggles, and good ventilation. Spill protocols require quick containment because this amine binds moisture and can creep into cracks or porous surfaces. Material Safety Data Sheets classify it as harmful, outlining the need for eyewash stations and clear labeling in every workspace where it is used. Its moderate vapor pressure means it rarely becomes airborne at room temperature, but heating or spraying needs engineering controls. Disposal should respect environmental regulations—never down the drain without neutralizing acidic properties and consulting local guidelines.

Applications and Role as a Raw Material

Industry values N-(2-Hydroxyethyl)Ethylenediamine as a route to more complex molecules. It enters into synthesis steps for fabric softener agents, lubricating oil additives, corrosion inhibitors, pharmaceuticals, dye stabilizers, and epoxy curing agents. I have watched it transform under mild heating with various acids to build surfactants, while in high-performance coatings its reactivity yields resins with improved crosslinking. Its dual-functionality as both an amine and alcohol creates pathways for custom modifications. Not limited to one sector, N-(2-Hydroxyethyl)Ethylenediamine supports processes in agriculture, electronics, leather tanning, and more. As a raw material, its value comes from cost, purity, and reactivity, which shapes how buyers source and use each batch.

Chemical Structure and Formula Details

Looking closer at its molecular details, the backbone of ethylenediamine carries a 2-hydroxyethyl group attached to one nitrogen atom. This adds a hydroxyl (-OH) moiety, introducing new hydrogen bonding interactions. The chemical equation displays as HOCH₂CH₂NHCH₂CH₂NH₂, making the structure clear to those who model reactions. In measuring solutions, chemists often check for purity by NMR or titrating against known acids—a practice I’ve followed to avoid contaminants or unreacted starting materials. From the perspective of molecular property, the polarity and ability to form stable complexes with metals or organic acids give this compound a special kind of versatility, letting researchers build new formulations and test out ideas in formulation labs.

Specification and Storage Recommendations

Suppliers lay out specifications based on purity, water content, and by-product levels. Commercial samples often reach more than 98% purity, with water content under 0.5%. Some industrial buyers require grades free from heavy metals, acids, or other amines—a specification you can verify by laboratory analysis. Packing options follow the needs of bulk transport: steel drums, polyethylene barrels, or bags for flakes. Because this material absorbs moisture and reacts slowly with carbon dioxide in air, I keep containers tightly closed, in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from acids or oxidizing agents. Shelf-life stretches to several years when kept sealed and away from sunlight; exposure shortens usability and may lead to off-odors or color changes.

Thinking About Solutions and Future Use

N-(2-Hydroxyethyl)Ethylenediamine plays a role in both mature and emerging technologies. As regulations tighten around amines and their environmental impacts, new processes aim for less waste or milder byproducts. Substitution strategies look at bio-based replacements, but for critical reactions, this molecule still brings a balance of cost and performance. Companies increase automation in handling to reduce exposure. Vendors offer detailed safety training and more advanced packaging—shifting from drums to sealed totes with self-ventilating closures. Chemists and engineers continue to refine synthesis protocols, reviewing every step for sustainability and energy use. In the lab, continued testing helps understand how small impurities shift results, letting users tailor future batches for maximum performance or reduced risk. New roles in specialty coatings, medical intermediates, and better corrosion protectants keep this compound in demand.