Ethylenediamine, Ethanediamine, Diaminoethane, EDA, 107-15-3

ETHYLENEDIAMINE (EDA)

1. Chemical Identity and Material Classification

• Chemical Name: Ethylenediamine, 1,2-Diaminoethane, 1,2-Ethanediamine

• Synonyms: EDA, En, 1,2-Diaminoethane, Dimethylenediamine

• CAS Number: 107-15-3

• EC Number (EINECS): 203-468-6

• Molecular Formula: C₂H₈N₂ (H₂N–CH₂–CH₂–NH₂)

• Molecular Weight: 60.10 g/mol 

• Chemical Class: Primary diamine (aliphatic amine)

• HS Code / GTIP: 2921.51

• UN Number: 1604 (Ethylenediamine, flammable liquid, corrosive)

• REACH Status: Registered under EC 203-468-6

2. Physical Properties

2.1 General Physical Properties

2.2 Thermal Properties

2.3 Solubility

2.4 Hygroscopicity and Stability

• Hygroscopic: Readily absorbs moisture from air 

• Absorbs CO₂: Forms non-volatile carbonate when exposed to air 

• Stability: Stable under normal conditions; keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, strong oxidizing agents, acids, acid chlorides, carbon dioxide

3. Chemical Properties

3.1 Molecular Structure

Structure: H₂N–CH₂–CH₂–NH₂

• Two primary amine groups (–NH₂)

• Strong base (pKb ~4.07)

• Bidentate ligand – forms stable chelates with metal ions (e.g., EDTA)

• High reactivity due to two nucleophilic amine groups

3.2 Basicity

3.3 Chemical Reactivity

3.4 Key Reactions Summary

3.5 Incompatibilities

4. Quality Specifications

4.1 Commercial / Industrial Grade

4.2 Analytical Standard Grade

4.3 Regulatory Identifiers

5. Production Methods

5.1 Industrial Synthesis

Primary method: Reaction of 1,2-dichloroethane with ammonia

Reaction: Cl–CH₂–CH₂–Cl + 4 NH₃ → H₂N–CH₂–CH₂–NH₂ + 2 NH₄Cl

Process:

1. 1,2-Dichloroethane is reacted with excess ammonia under pressure (15–25 bar)

2. Temperature: 100–150°C

3. Reaction time: 2–4 hours

4. Product is separated from ammonium chloride by-product

5. Purification by distillation

Typical yield: 80–85%

Co-products: Diethylenetriamine (DETA), triethylenetetramine (TETA), and higher polyamines (by varying ammonia:dichloroethane ratio)

5.2 Alternative Method (Ethanolamine Route)

• Ethanolamine + NH₃ → Ethylenediamine + H₂O (under high pressure, with catalyst)

6. Industrial Applications

6.1 EDTA Production (Primary Application – Largest Use)

EDTA applications: Chelating agent in detergents, water treatment, cosmetics, food preservation, pharmaceuticals, oilfield chemicals

6.2 Epoxy Curing Agent (Hardener) – Second Major Application

Formulated products: Adducts, latent curing agents, accelerated systems

6.3 Chelating Agents and Complexing Agents

6.4 Surfactants and Detergent Intermediates

6.5 Agricultural Chemicals

6.6 Polyamide and Polymer Production

6.7 Gas Treatment and CO₂ Capture

6.8 Rubber and Textile Industry

6.9 Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care

6.10 Other Applications

7. Toxicology and Safety

7.1 Acute Toxicity

7.2 Irritation and Sensitization

7.3 Chronic Toxicity

7.4 GHS Classification (EU CLP 1272/2008)

7.5 NFPA Rating

NFPA Descriptions:

• Health 3: Short exposure could cause serious temporary or residual injury

• Flammability 2: Must be moderately heated before ignition will occur (flash point 93°F)

8. Occupational Exposure Limits

9. Safety Precautions and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Hazards:

  • Flammable liquid and vapor (H226) – flash point 38°C

  • Causes severe skin burns and eye damage (H314)

  • Toxic in contact with skin (H311)

  • May cause allergic skin reaction (H317) – contact sensitizer

  • May cause allergy or asthma symptoms if inhaled (H334) – respiratory sensitizer

  • Harmful if swallowed or if inhaled (H302+H332)

  • Hygroscopic – absorbs moisture and CO₂ from air

• PPE (mandatory):

  • Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene, or butyl rubber, EN 374)

  • Chemical splash goggles (EN 166) or full face shield – mandatory

  • Protective clothing (acid/alkali-resistant, chemical-resistant coverall)

  • Respiratory protection: Type A (brown) filter for organic gases and vapors (EN 14387); SCBA for high concentrations 

  • Face protection shield recommended

• Engineering controls:

  • Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) mandatory

  • Explosion-proof electrical equipment (flammable vapors)

  • Eyewash stations and safety showers in immediate vicinity

• Storage:

  • Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area (30°C or below)

  • Keep container tightly closed

  • Store under inert gas (N₂) to prevent CO₂ absorption 

  • Protect from moisture (hygroscopic)

  • Separate from strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, acid chlorides

  • Store in explosion-proof area (flammable liquids)

  • Bond and ground containers to prevent static discharge

• First aid:

  • Inhalation: Remove to fresh air; keep at rest in position comfortable for breathing; administer oxygen if breathing difficulty; if breathing stops, give artificial respiration (use pocket mask with one-way valve); seek immediate medical attention 

  • Skin contact: Remove contaminated clothing; rinse skin with water/shower for at least 15 minutes; wash contaminated clothing before reuse; seek immediate medical attention 

  • Eye contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes; remove contact lenses if present; continue rinsing; seek immediate medical attention 

  • Ingestion: Do NOT induce vomiting; rinse mouth; give plenty of water to drink; seek immediate medical attention  (Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person)

10. Environmental Fate

11. Transport Information

12. Synonyms and Common Names

• English: Ethylenediamine, EDA, 1,2-Diaminoethane, 1,2-Ethanediamine, Dimethylenediamine, Ethane-1,2-diamine

• Trade names: EDA, En

• German: Ethylendiamin

• French: Éthylènediamine

• Spanish: Etilendiamina

• Turkish: Etilen Diamin, EDA

13. Regulatory Status

14. Why Choose Ethylenediamine? (Technical Summary)

Limitations:

• Corrosive – Causes severe skin burns and eye damage; requires PPE (goggles, gloves, protective clothing)

• Flammable – Flash point 38°C (Category 3); requires explosion-proof equipment and ignition source control

• Skin and respiratory sensitizer – May cause allergic reactions; proper ventilation and skin protection required

• Hygroscopic – Absorbs moisture and CO₂ from air; must be stored under inert gas in tightly sealed containers

• Toxic – Harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through skin; strict exposure controls required (OSHA PEL 10 ppm)

15. Applications Summary Table

16. EDA vs. Other Diamines – Comparison

17. Storage and Shelf Life

• Storage conditions:

  • Cool, dry, well-ventilated area (10–30°C)

  • Keep tightly closed in original container (stainless steel, carbon steel, or lined drums)

  • Store under inert gas (N₂) to prevent CO₂ absorption and carbonate formation 

  • Protect from moisture (hygroscopic)

  • Store in explosion-proof area (flammable liquids – flash point 38°C)

  • Bond and ground containers to prevent static discharge

  • Separate from strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, acid chlorides

• Shelf life:

  • Unopened container: 12–24 months

  • Opened container: 6–12 months (if stored under inert gas, kept dry, and tightly sealed)

• Degradation indicators:

  • Color darkening (yellow to brown – oxidation)

  • Sediment/crystals (carbonate formation from CO₂ absorption)

  • Reduced purity (GC analysis)

  • Change in odor

18. Handling Guidelines

19. Chemical Resistance of Materials

20. Summary Table – Key Specifications at a Glance

This TDS is prepared in compliance with ISO 11014-1 format and is intended for chemical engineers, epoxy formulators, water treatment specialists, pharmaceutical chemists, agrochemical manufacturers, and procurement professionals. Certificates of Analysis (CoA), Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and sample validation reports are available upon request.