Diethylamine is a secondary amine with the molecular structure CH₃CH₂NHCH₂CH₃. It is a flammable, strongly alkaline liquid. It is miscible with water and ethanol

Ethanol

Ethanol, also called ethyl alcohol, pure alcohol, grain alcohol, or drinking alcohol, is a volatile, flammable, colorless liquid. It is a psychoactive drug and one of the oldest recreational drugs. Best known as the type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages, it is also used in thermometers, as a...

. It is a colorless liquid which often appears brown due to impurities. It is volatile and has a strong unpleasant odor.

Diethylamine is manufactured from ethanol and ammonia

Ammonia

Ammonia is a compound of nitrogen and hydrogen with the formula . It is a colourless gas with a characteristic pungent odour. Ammonia contributes significantly to the nutritional needs of terrestrial organisms by serving as a precursor to food and fertilizers. Ammonia, either directly or...

 and is obtained together with ethylamine

Ethylamine

Ethylamine is an organic compound with the formula CH3CH2NH2. This colourless gas has a strong ammonia-like odor. It is miscible with virtually all solvents and is considered to be a weak base, as is typical for amines. Ethylamine is widely used in chemical industry and organic...

 and triethylamine

Triethylamine

Triethylamine is the chemical compound with the formula N3, commonly abbreviated Et3N. It is also abbreviated TEA, yet this abbreviation must be used carefully to avoid confusion with triethanolamine, for which TEA is also a common abbreviation....

. It is used as a corrosion inhibitor and in the production of rubber, resins, dyes and pharmaceuticals.

Diethylamine is a corrosive chemical and contact with skin may cause irritation or burns.

External links

• Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet