2,6-Diisopropylaniline
A high-purity sterically hindered aromatic amine supplied for NHC ligand and catalyst synthesis, pigment intermediates, and specialty polymer chemistry.
What is 2,6-Diisopropylaniline?
2,6-Diisopropylaniline — DIPA — is a colourless to pale yellow liquid carrying isopropyl groups on both carbons flanking the amino group. It is the most sterically demanding of the common alkylated anilines.
That bulk is the entire point. In organometallic chemistry the 2,6-diisopropylphenyl group is the standard way to shield a metal centre: it appears in N-heterocyclic carbene ligands and in the diimine ligands used for olefin polymerisation catalysts, where the isopropyl groups block the approach that would otherwise terminate a growing polymer chain.
At Chelora Chemicals, DIPA is distilled to high assay and low colour, with mono-alkylated and higher-alkylated by-products controlled, since ligand synthesis is unusually sensitive to amine purity.
- Appearance
- Colourless to pale yellow liquid
- Odour
- Characteristic amine odour
- Solubility
- Practically insoluble in water; soluble in organic solvents
- Function
- Chemical intermediate / ligand precursor
- Grade
- High purity
Formula diagram
Aniline ring with isopropyl groups on both flanking positions
- Molecular formulaC12H19N
- Molecular weight177.29 g/mol
- IUPAC name2,6-Di(propan-2-yl)aniline
- Functional groupsPrimary aromatic amine, alkyl
- CAS number24544-04-5
Technical product information
Standard specification for Chelora Chemicals' high-purity intermediate 2,6-Diisopropylaniline. Custom-grade and bulk specifications are available on request.
| Chemical name | 2,6-Diisopropylaniline |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | DIPA, 2,6-DIPA, 2,6-Bis(1-methylethyl)benzenamine |
| CAS number | 24544-04-5 |
| Molecular formula | C12H19N |
| Molecular weight | 177.29 g/mol |
| Assay (GC purity) | ≥ 99.0% |
| Appearance | Clear, colourless to pale yellow liquid |
| Density (20°C) | 0.935–0.945 g/cm³ |
| Boiling point | approx. 259°C |
| Flash point | > 110°C (closed cup) |
| Refractive index (20°C) | 1.535–1.542 |
| Water content | ≤ 0.2% |
| Packaging | 25 kg, 200 kg drums, 1000 kg IBC |
| Shelf life | 12 months in sealed original packaging |
Applications of 2,6-Diisopropylaniline
NHC ligand synthesis
The standard aniline for building N-heterocyclic carbene ligands used in metathesis and coupling catalysts.
Polymerisation catalysts
Condensed into diimine ligands for late transition metal olefin polymerisation systems.
Pigment intermediates
Used in high-performance pigment synthesis requiring a hindered aromatic amine.
Antioxidants & stabilisers
Applied in hindered amine stabiliser and antioxidant manufacture.
Pharmaceutical intermediates
Provides a sterically demanding aniline core for specialty synthesis.
Specialty polymers
Used as a chain component and curing intermediate in selected resin systems.
Why choose Chelora Chemicals
Every batch of 2,6-Diisopropylaniline is manufactured, tested, and documented to a standard that formulators and process chemists can build on with confidence — from first sample to full production volume.
Consistent purity
GC assay controlled at ≥99% with alkylation by-products, colour, and water verified before dispatch.
Full documentation
COA, SDS, and regulatory data supplied with every shipment.
Flexible volumes
From 25 kg drums to 200 kg drums and IBC quantities.
Technical support
Process, handling, and compliance guidance from our chemistry team.
Storage and guidelines
- 01Store in tightly sealed original containers under a dry, inert atmosphere where possible.
- 02Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated store away from direct sunlight and heat.
- 03Protect from air and light — the product darkens on oxidation.
- 04Segregate from strong oxidising agents, acids, and acid chlorides.
- 05Use compatible containers: lined steel, stainless steel, or HDPE.
- 06Re-seal drums promptly after use and maintain nitrogen blanketing on bulk storage.
Handling precautions
DIPA is harmful if swallowed, in contact with skin, or if inhaled, and causes skin and eye irritation. It is for industrial use by trained personnel only.
Aromatic amines are absorbed through intact skin and can affect the blood by forming methaemoglobin. Chemical-resistant gloves, coveralls, and eye protection are required.
Use local exhaust ventilation for drum decanting, charging, and heated operations, and avoid breathing vapour or mist.
Prevent release to drains, surface water, and soil; the product is toxic to aquatic life.
Refer to the full Safety Data Sheet for exposure limits, spill containment, disposal, and first-aid measures before use.
Frequently asked questions
What is 2,6-Diisopropylaniline used for?
Its most distinctive use is in ligand synthesis: it is the standard aniline for N-heterocyclic carbene ligands and for diimine ligands in olefin polymerisation catalysts. It also serves pigment, stabiliser, and specialty polymer chemistry.
Why is the 2,6-diisopropylphenyl group so common in catalysis?
It provides a large, rigid steric shield around a metal centre without being chemically reactive itself. That shielding stabilises reactive intermediates and, in polymerisation catalysts, blocks the chain-transfer pathway that would otherwise stop the polymer growing.
How does DIPA compare with 2,6-diethylaniline?
Both are doubly ortho-alkylated anilines, but isopropyl groups are considerably bulkier than ethyl. 26DEA goes mainly into herbicides; DIPA goes into ligands and catalysts, where the extra bulk is the functional requirement.
Why is amine purity so important for ligand synthesis?
Ligand routes are multi-step and the products are often purified by crystallisation rather than chromatography at scale. Mono-alkylated or over-alkylated amine carries through into ligand by-products that are difficult to remove and that poison catalyst performance.
Does the steric bulk make the amine less reactive?
Yes, noticeably. Condensation with carbonyls and acylation both run more slowly than with less hindered anilines, and routes are designed with that in mind rather than adapted from ordinary aniline chemistry.
Is it soluble in water?
Practically insoluble. It dissolves readily in toluene, ethers, alcohols, and most organic solvents used for ligand and catalyst synthesis.
Why does the liquid darken during storage?
Aromatic amines oxidise on contact with air and light. Nitrogen blanketing and cool, dark storage slow this considerably, and moderate colour usually does not affect assay.
What purity do you supply?
Standard grade is supplied at a minimum GC assay of 99% with water at or below 0.2%. Higher assay and tighter by-product specifications can be manufactured for catalyst and ligand applications.
What packaging sizes are available?
25 kg and 200 kg drums and 1000 kg IBCs, with laboratory and pilot samples available for development work.
Is DIPA hazardous?
Yes. It is harmful by several routes, skin-absorbable, irritating to skin and eyes, and toxic to aquatic life. Engineering controls, PPE, and the Safety Data Sheet should be reviewed before handling.
Do you provide a Certificate of Analysis?
Yes. Each batch ships with a Certificate of Analysis and Safety Data Sheet covering GC assay, colour, refractive index, density, water content, and appearance.