1. Chemical Structure and Properties

• Molecular Formula: C₂H₇N

• Structural Formula: CH₃–CH₂–NH₂ — A primary aliphatic amine with a single ethyl group attached to the amino nitrogen atom.

• Physical Properties:

• Strong base (pKb = 3.3)

• Readily forms salts with acids

• Reactive toward carbonyl compounds (Schiff bases), halides (alkylation), and isocyanates (urea derivatives)

• Appearance: Colorless gas with strong ammonia-like odor; typically supplied as a 70% aqueous solution or as salts (e.g., hydrochloride).

• Boiling Point: 16.6 °C (pure gas)

• Density: 0.694 g/cm³ (at 20 °C, gas); ~0.89 g/cm³ (aqueous solution)

• Solubility: Miscible with water, alcohol, and most polar solvents

• Chemical Properties:

2. Industrial Applications

• Agrochemicals: Intermediate for pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides.

• Pharmaceuticals: Used in production of anesthetics, antihistamines, and antidepressants.

• Rubber Industry: Precursor for rubber vulcanization accelerators.

• Resins & Dyes: Building block for epoxy curing agents, synthetic resins, and dye intermediates.

• Corrosion Inhibition: Component in specialty corrosion inhibitor formulations.

3. Safety and Toxicology

• Health Hazards:

• Inhalation: Strongly irritating to respiratory tract; high concentration can cause pulmonary edema.

• Skin/Eye Contact: Severe irritation and burns possible.

• Ingestion: Corrosive to mucous membranes; may cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

• Toxicity Data:

• Oral LD₅₀ (rat): 600 mg/kg

• Inhalation LC₅₀ (rat, 4h): 3,000 ppm

• Flammability:

• Highly flammable gas (flash point: –18 °C)

• Forms explosive mixtures with air (flammability limits: 3.5–14.6% by volume)

• Protective Measures:

• Use explosion-proof ventilation and gas detectors

• PPE: goggles, gloves, respirators (SCBA for high concentration)

4. Environmental and Regulatory Considerations

• Environmental Impact:

• Readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions

• Low bioaccumulation potential

• Toxic to aquatic organisms in concentrated form (LC₅₀ fish, 96h: ~200 mg/L)

• Regulatory Compliance:

• EU CLP: Flammable Gas, Category 1; Acute Tox. 3; Skin Corr. 1B

• US OSHA PEL: 10 ppm (TWA)

• China GB 13690-2009: Hazardous chemical, Class 2.1 flammable gas

• Transport:

• UN 1036, Class 2.1 (Flammable gas)

• Commonly shipped in pressurized cylinders or aqueous solutions

5. Case Studies and Application Insights

• Case 1: Agrochemical Synthesis

• Monoethylamine is a key raw material in glyphosate intermediates and other selective herbicides.

• Case 2: Rubber Vulcanization

• Used to produce thiourea accelerators, improving tensile strength and curing efficiency.

• Comparative Analysis:

• Vs. Methylamine: Larger molecule, less volatile, used more for rubber and pharma intermediates.

• Vs. Ethanolamine: More flammable but cheaper, with broader application in bulk chemicals.