Ethylamine brings together simple chemistry and practical use. In its pure state, ethylamine forms a clear, combustible liquid with a sharp, ammonia-like odor that’s unmistakable in any lab or industrial environment. As a low molecular weight amine, the chemical formula stands as C2H7N, and a molecular weight of about 45.08 g/mol. Even a splash of this material grabs attention quickly for its irritant properties, affecting both eyes and skin. Many industrial facilities keep it under tight control for this reason.
Diving into its properties: at room temperature, ethylamine often appears as a clear, colorless liquid, but with cooling, it can form solid flakes or even take crystalline form, especially under pure storage. This material boils at roughly 16.6°C (about 62°F), so it evaporates in open air faster than water. Density measures around 0.682 g/cm³ at 20°C. Unlike some heavier amines used in specialty applications, this one feels light, both by weight and by its tendency to vaporize. Many users pay close attention to its miscibility—ethylamine freely mixes with water and common organic solvents, making it a workhorse intermediate in everything from pharmaceuticals to agricultural chemicals.
Anyone with experience in chemical warehouses or production lines knows that ethylamine fits squarely in the hazardous classification. Inhalation can lead to symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, and in some cases, nausea. Contact with the skin or eyes demands real protective gear; this isn’t a material for the untrained or unprepared. It’s considered flammable, so storage calls for well-ventilated, explosion-proof settings far from sources of ignition. Many facilities in East Asia, especially in places like Shandong, use airtight drums or tankers to contain vapors and prevent leaks.
Specifications for industrial ethylamine from Shandong Kunda Biotechnology often run within tight purity bands: purity levels typically exceed 99%, especially for pharmaceutical and high-end synthesis. The HS code for ethylamine generally runs 29211100, helping customs officials and buyers track cross-border shipments. You won’t find much ambiguity about its form—available as liquid in pressurized cylinders for bulk buyers, or occasionally in stabilized solutions for precision chemical work. Main applications spread across organic synthesis, pesticides, rubber chemicals, dyes, explosives, and some specialized resins.
Manufacturers usually synthesize ethylamine from ethanol and ammonia by catalytic reaction, drawing on widely available raw materials. The process doesn’t sound complex on paper, but tight process controls ensure limits on by-products like diethylamine or triethylamine in the finished drum. Many downstream buyers keep a sharp eye on these specifications; slip-ups in quality control show up fast in finished product output or regulatory audits. More than once, I’ve seen supply chains scramble to pivot in response to single-digit increases in impurity levels, especially among global pharmaceutical buyers.
Ethylamine draws watchful regulatory attention, both as a possible workplace inhalation hazard and as a potential environmental contaminant. It’s classed as harmful if swallowed or absorbed, with enough volatility to harm aquatic life if released. Spills or leaks call for foam, CO2, or dry powder to snuff out fires, with an immediate cleanup by crews trained in both toxicology and environmental safety. Long-term exposure in manufacturing raises concerns about respiratory sensitization and requires regular air monitoring—standard procedure in many chemical parks.
Building in more robust safety features stands out as a top issue across the chemical sector, and producers in Shandong Kunda Biotechnology follow strict approaches. Splash-proof storage, automated vapor recovery, and continuous leak detection come standard. Many facilities install local exhaust ventilation to control vapor concentrations. Over the years, I’ve watched the industry shift toward in-situ neutralization systems to convert accidental releases into less hazardous by-products before they ever reach public drains. Ongoing staff training, mandatory PPE upgrades, and real-time environmental sensors make a practical difference, not just for regulatory compliance, but for keeping people and neighborhoods safe.
