3795. Ethylenediamine

Nomenclature

CAS number: 107-15-3
1,2-Ethanediamine; 1,2-diaminoethane.
C2H8N2; mol wt 60.10.
C 39.97%, H 13.42%, N 46.61%.

Description and references

Manuf from ethylene dichloride and ammonia: Faith, Keyes & Clark's Industrial Chemicals, F. A. Lowenheim, M. K. Moran, Eds. (Wiley-Interscience, New York, 4th ed., 1975) pp 385-388. Toxicity: H. F. Smyth et al., J. Ind. Hyg. Toxicol. 23, 259 (1941).

Chemical structure

Properties

Colorless, clear, thick liq; ammonia odor. d425 0.898. bp 116-117°. mp 8.5°. nD26 1.4540. Flash pt, closed cup: 110°F (43°C). Corrosive, flammable. Volatile with steam. Freely sol in water forming a hydrate, also in alcohol; slightly sol in ether; sol in benzene unless insufficiently dried: S. G. Boas-Traube et al., Nature 162, 960 (1948). Strongly alkaline and may readily absorb CO2 from air to form a nonvolatile carbonate. Protect against undue exposure to the atmosphere. LD50 orally in rats: 1.16 g/kg (Smyth).

Derivative

Monohydrate.

Nomenclature

CAS number: 6780-13-8
C2H8N2.H2O; mol wt 78.11.
C 30.75%, H 12.90%, N 35.86%, O 20.48%.

Properties

mp 10°; bp 118°.

Derivative

Dihydrochloride.

Nomenclature

CAS number: 333-18-6
C2H8N2.2HCl; mol wt 133.02.
C 18.06%, H 7.58%, N 21.06%, Cl 53.30%.

Properties

Crystals. Sublimes without melting. Freely sol in water. Practically insol in alcohol. Aq soln is practically neutral.

Caution

Potential symptoms of overexposure to ethylenediamine are irritation of nose, respiratory system; sensitization dermatitis; asthma; liver and kidney damage. See NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (DHHS/NIOSH 97-140, 1997) p 136.

Use

Solvent for casein, albumin, shellac, and sulfur; emulsifier; stabilizing rubber latex; as inhibitor in antifreeze solns; in textile lubricants. Pharmaceutic aid (aminophylline injection stabilizer).

Therapeutic Category (Veterinary)

Dihydrochloride has been used as a urinary acidifier.