Ethylenediamine, Ethylene Diamine, Diaminoethane Ethanediamine, EDA, 107‑15‑3

Ethylenediamine (EDA) – Comprehensive Technical Overview 

1. Chemical Identity

Name: Ethylenediamine
Abbreviation: EDA
CAS Number: 107‑15‑3
Molecular Formula: C2H8N2
Structure: A linear diamine containing two primary amine groups
UN Number: 1604
EC Number: 203‑468‑6

2. Physical & Chemical Properties

• Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid

• Odor: Strong ammonia-like smell

• Boiling Point: ~116 °C

• Melting Point: ~8.5 °C

• Density: ~0.90 g/cm³ at 20 °C

• Solubility: Completely miscible with water

• pH: Strongly alkaline

• Flash Point: ~38–40 °C (closed cup)

• Vapor Pressure: Moderate

• Viscosity: Low

• Refractive Index: ~1.46

Chemical Behavior:

• Strong base

• Reacts vigorously with acids

• Absorbs CO₂ from air

• Can form salts and complexes easily

• Incompatible with oxidizers, acid chlorides, acid anhydrides

3. Reactivity & Stability

• Stable under recommended storage conditions

• Hazardous reactions:

  • Exothermic reaction with acids

  • Reaction with CO₂ forming carbamates

  • Reaction with oxidizing agents may be violent

• Decomposition products: Nitrogen oxides, ammonia, irritating vapors

4. Toxicology & Health Hazards

EDA is classified as corrosive, sensitizing, and acutely toxic.

Routes of Exposure

• Inhalation

• Skin contact

• Eye contact

• Ingestion

Acute Effects

• Severe skin burns

• Eye damage (risk of permanent injury)

• Respiratory tract irritation

• Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath

• Gastrointestinal burns if swallowed

Chronic Effects

• Skin sensitization (allergic dermatitis)

• Respiratory sensitization (asthma-like symptoms)

• Repeated exposure may cause chronic irritation

5. Handling, Storage & Transportation

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene)

• Safety goggles or face shield

• Chemical-resistant apron or suit

• Respiratory protection when vapors exceed limits

Storage Conditions

• Store in tightly closed containers

• Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames

• Protect from moisture and CO₂

• Use in well-ventilated areas

• Separate from acids and oxidizers

Transportation

• Classified as Corrosive Liquid

• UN 1604

• Packaging must comply with ADR/IMDG/IATA regulations

6. Industrial Applications

EDA is a highly versatile intermediate used across multiple industries.

Chemical Manufacturing

• Production of EDTA (major application)

• Polyamide resins

• Epoxy curing agents

• Polyurethane catalysts

• Chelating agents

• Corrosion inhibitors

• Surfactants and emulsifiers

Textile & Leather

• Resin finishing agents

• Dye intermediates

• Fiber treatment chemicals

Pharmaceuticals & Agrochemicals

• Intermediate for APIs

• Pesticide and herbicide intermediates

Gas Treatment

• Absorption of acidic gases (H₂S, CO₂)

Fuel & Lubricant Additives

• Dispersants

• Detergent additives

• Anti-corrosion packages

7. Regulatory Classification

GHS Classification

• Skin Corrosion Category 1B

• Eye Damage Category 1

• Acute Toxicity (Oral, Dermal, Inhalation)

• Respiratory Sensitizer Category 1

• Skin Sensitizer Category 1

• Flammable Liquid Category 3

NFPA Ratings

• Health: 3

• Flammability: 2

• Reactivity: 0

8. Advantages & Limitations

✅ Advantages

• Highly reactive diamine

• Excellent chelating ability

• Essential intermediate for EDTA and epoxy systems

• Effective in gas scrubbing applications

• Strong performance in polymer chemistry

⚠️ Limitations

• Strongly corrosive

• Sensitizing and irritating

• Requires careful storage and handling

• Flammable at moderate temperatures

9. Key Notes for Industrial Use

• Vapors are heavier than air and may accumulate near the floor

• Absorbs CO₂ from air → keep containers tightly sealed

• Avoid aerosol formation

• Ensure emergency showers and eyewash stations are available

• Use explosion-proof equipment in flammable zones

📊 Ethylenediamine (EDA) – Sectoral Suitability Table

📊 EDA – Usage Method & Consumption Amounts in Suitable Sectors 

🧪 Ethylenediamine (EDA) – Synonyms & Alternative Names

1. Common Names

• Ethylenediamine

• EDA

• 1,2‑Diaminoethane

• Diaminoethane

• Ethane‑1,2‑diamine

2. Systematic / Chemical Names

• 1,2‑Ethanediamine

• Ethylene diamine (separated spelling)

• α,β‑Diaminoethane

• Ethylene‑1,2‑diamine

• Ethanediamine

3. Industrial / Commercial Names

• EDA 99%

• EDA 100%

• EDA Technical Grade

• EDA Anhydrous

• EDA Free Base

4. Codes & Identifiers

• EDA (industry standard abbreviation)

• CAS 107‑15‑3

• EC 203‑468‑6

5. Related Derivative Names (Not EDA itself, but EDA‑based products)

These appear frequently in industry because they are produced from EDA:

• AEEA – Aminoethyl Ethanolamine

• DETA – Diethylenetriamine

• TETA – Triethylenetetramine

• TEPA – Tetraethylenepentamine