Appearance Colourless liquid Density 707 kg/m³ Molar mass 73.14 g/mol | Formula C4H11N Boiling point 55.5 °C Melting point -50 °C | |
 | ||
Related amines | ||
Diethylamine is an organic compound with the formula (CH3CH2)2NH. It is a secondary amine. It is a flammable, weakly alkaline liquid that is miscible with most solvents. It is a colorless liquid, but commercial samples often appear brown due to impurities. It has a strong ammonia-like odor.
Contents
Production and uses
Diethylamine is manufactured by the alumina-catalyzed reaction of ethanol and ammonia. It is obtained together with ethylamine and triethylamine. Annual production of three ethylamines was estimated in 2000 to be 80,000,000 kg.
It is used in the production of corrosion inhibitor N,N-diethylaminoethanol, by reaction with ethylene oxide. It is also a precursor to a wide variety of other commercial products. Diethylamine can be used in the production of LSD and therefore it is strictly monitored in the U.S.
Safety
Diethylamine has low toxicity, but the vapor causes transient impairment of vision.