N,N-Diethylaniline N-Phenyldiethylamine · CAS 91-66-7

What is N,N-Diethylaniline?

N,N-Diethylaniline is aniline with both amine hydrogens replaced by ethyl groups, formula C₁₀H₁₅N. At room temperature it is a colourless to pale yellow liquid that can darken slightly on prolonged storage or exposure to light and air, boiling around 215–217 °C at atmospheric pressure — noticeably higher than its dimethyl analogue.

Its value as an intermediate comes from the same tertiary amine nitrogen chemistry as N,N-Dimethylaniline, but the bulkier ethyl groups make it less volatile and somewhat milder in accelerator and coupling applications, which is exactly why some formulators prefer it over the dimethyl grade.

Commercially, it is produced by the ethylation of aniline, typically with ethanol or an ethylating agent under catalytic conditions, followed by distillation to the required purity.

It ships under the toxic-liquid classification (UN 2432, Class 6.1) rather than as a simple flammable liquid: the dominant hazard in transport and handling is systemic toxicity from skin contact or inhalation, not fire risk, even though the material is also combustible.

Why N,N-Diethylaniline specifically

• Lower volatility than the dimethyl grade. Its higher boiling point and lower vapour pressure suit processes where a less volatile amine is preferred.
• A milder, slower accelerator. Used as an amine accelerator in peroxide-cured resin systems where a longer working time or a gentler cure profile is wanted.
• Electron-rich aromatic ring. The diethylamino group remains a strong electron donor, supporting azo-coupling and other electrophilic aromatic chemistry.
• Established intermediate utility. A long-standing building block across dyestuffs, pharmaceutical intermediates and fine-chemical synthesis.

How N,N-Diethylaniline is Manufactured

N,N-Diethylaniline is made on purpose from aniline through a dedicated ethylation step, so supply tracks aniline derivative capacity rather than a generic amine feedstock stream.

• Ethylation of aniline. Aniline reacts with ethanol over a catalyst, or with an ethylating agent, to introduce both ethyl groups on the amine nitrogen.
• Separation from mono-ethyl and unreacted aniline. The crude reaction mixture is separated to remove N-ethylaniline and residual aniline carried through the reaction.
• Purification. The crude product is purified by distillation to the target purity, typically 99% or better by GC.
• Quality release. Colour, moisture and distillation range are confirmed against specification before the batch is released.
• Finishing and packing. The purified liquid is packed under toxic-liquid handling conditions, typically under an inert headspace to limit colour development.

Typical Commercial Specification

Figures below are representative of commercial-grade N,N-Diethylaniline. Tell us your downstream route and the grade you need, and we will advise on the specification to order against.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Behaviour in the process

N,N-Diethylaniline's reactivity pattern is what chemists and formulators are buying:

• Electrophilic aromatic substitution. The diethylamino group activates the ring, directing electrophiles to the para position, supporting dye-coupling and related reactions.
• Nucleophilic / basic amine chemistry. Reacts with acylating and alkylating agents, and acts as a base in a range of organic transformations.
• Redox-pair amine accelerator. Pairs with organic peroxides to initiate free-radical polymerisation, typically giving a slower, more controllable cure than the dimethyl analogue.
• Combustible liquid. Flash point around 85 °C means standard flammable-liquid precautions apply alongside its primary toxic-liquid classification, though its higher flash point gives a somewhat wider safety margin in handling than more volatile amines.

N,N-Diethylaniline and Related Aromatic Amines

N,N-Diethylaniline is one of several N-alkylated aniline derivatives, and the choice between them depends on the degree of alkylation and the reactivity or accelerator strength the application needs.

Stated plainly: the choice of N-alkylated aniline is dictated by the reactivity, volatility and accelerator strength the target process needs — N,N-Diethylaniline is chosen where the bulkier, less volatile, milder-acting amine is the better fit.

Industries We Supply N,N-Diethylaniline To

The same aromatic amine feeds a dye and pigment plant, a pharmaceutical intermediate producer and a composites or dental-resin manufacturer. What changes is the downstream chemistry and the documentation each requires.

Where N,N-Diethylaniline is Used

N,N-Diethylaniline is bought almost entirely as a synthesis intermediate and a process chemical. These are the downstream uses our customers buy it for.

In dye and pharmaceutical synthesis

The electron-rich ring couples efficiently in azo and basic dye chemistry, and the amine is used as a building block and reagent across pharmaceutical and agrochemical intermediate routes. Colour and moisture matter because both affect downstream coupling yield and the final colour purity of dye products.

In resin and composite formulation

As an amine accelerator, N,N-Diethylaniline is metered in small quantities alongside a peroxide initiator to control cure speed and working time in acrylic and unsaturated polyester systems, offering a milder and more controllable alternative to faster-acting amines where a longer pot life is wanted.

Quality Control & Testing

Every lot is released against a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis, with colour and moisture reported alongside purity because both affect downstream coupling and curing performance.

• N,N-Diethylaniline content — by gas chromatography, the primary grade measure.
• Colour — checked because early darkening signals oxidation or trace metal contamination relevant to dye-grade use.
• Water content — measured because moisture can interfere with accelerator and coupling performance.
• Refractive index and specific gravity — fast purity and identity checks.

Common Process Problems & Likely Causes

When this amine causes trouble, it is usually colour, moisture, or accelerator dosing. This table is the shortcut our technical desk works through before anyone opens a complaint file.

Packaging, Storage & Shipping

• Standard packing. HDPE or lined steel drums, typically 25 – 200 kg net, with larger bulk formats on contract supply.
• Light and air exclusion. Keep sealed and away from strong light to limit colour development over storage.
• Temperature control. Store at room temperature, away from direct sun and heat sources; flash point is about 85 °C.
• Material compatibility. Avoid contact with strong oxidisers and strong acids; standard toxic/flammable-liquid storage practice applies.
• Shelf life. Stable in sealed, dry containers under normal storage conditions; some colour drift over long-term storage is normal.
• Transport classification. UN 2432, toxic liquid, Class 6.1, Packing Group III. ADR, IMDG, IATA and DOT requirements apply to packing, labelling and routing.

Hazards & Safe Handling

N,N-Diethylaniline is classified primarily as a toxic liquid, harmful by skin contact, inhalation and if swallowed, with repeated or prolonged exposure also capable of causing organ damage. It is also combustible, so standard flammable-liquid precautions apply alongside toxicity controls and good laboratory and plant practice.

• Toxicity. Harmful by skin absorption, inhalation and ingestion; avoid all direct contact and work in well-ventilated areas.
• Skin and eye contact. Standard practice is chemical-resistant gloves and goggles; rinse thoroughly with water on contact and seek medical attention.
• Inhalation. Use adequate ventilation or respiratory protection when handling in open systems, particularly during bulk transfer.
• Flammability. Flash point around 85 °C; keep away from open flames and ignition sources during bulk handling.
• Environment. Avoid uncontrolled release to water; follow local effluent and waste-disposal rules, as the material is also harmful to aquatic life.

Regulatory & Compliance Notes

N,N-Diethylaniline is a registered specialty amine shipped as a Class 6.1 toxic liquid. Because obligations differ by territory and use, the notes below are orientation rather than legal advice — confirm your own position with your regulatory adviser.

• GHS classification. Typically classified as toxic (acute toxicity, skin and eye irritation, and a specific target-organ warning on repeated exposure); the SDS carries the full hazard statements for your grade.
• REACH and chemical inventories. Registered under EU REACH and listed on major chemical inventories.
• Dangerous goods transport. UN 2432, toxic liquid, Class 6.1, Packing Group III. ADR, IMDG, IATA and DOT requirements apply to packing, labelling and routing.
• HS code. Commonly declared under the aniline-derivatives heading; confirm the exact tariff line with your customs broker for your jurisdiction.
• Quality agreements. Dye, pharma and resin-accelerator customers commonly expect documented colour and moisture limits and change control. Tell us what your agreement requires.

We Supply N,N-Diethylaniline Worldwide

Chelora Chemicals is a supplier and export partner, not a single-plant trader. We ship N,N-Diethylaniline from India and from partner sources to customers across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and North and South America, handling the export documentation and freight so the material arrives ready to use.

• Incoterms. EXW, FOB, CIF, CFR and DAP quoted to suit your purchasing terms and freight arrangements.
• Ports. Regular shipments through Nhava Sheva (JNPT) and Mundra, with other ports arranged as routing allows.
• Documentation. Commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, COA and SDS issued as a complete set.
• Flexible volumes. From drum trial quantities up to repeat bulk shipments on a supply contract.
• Supply continuity. Because we are independent of any one producer, a plant turnaround or a shipping disruption at one source does not have to become your stock-out.

Buying N,N-Diethylaniline from Chelora

We are an independent sourcing and supply partner. For this product that means settling three things at enquiry: the purity and colour grade your application needs, the packing format, and the quantity you are buying.

• Documentation on every lot. Batch-specific COA with purity, colour and water, plus the current SDS.
• Analysis before commitment. Representative analysis shared ahead of a commercial order so your lab can qualify the material.
• Quantities. Drum trial quantities through to larger bulk shipments on contract supply.
• Inspection. Independent third-party inspection available at loading when the contract requires it.
• Related aromatic amines. N,N-Dimethylaniline and other aniline derivatives alongside this product from one supplier.

How ordering works

• Send the enquiry. Purity, quantity, destination port and the Incoterm you buy on. If you have a spec sheet, attach it — it saves a round trip.
• We quote. Price, lead time, packing format and a sample COA, normally within one working day.
• Qualify the supply. For first orders or pharma- or dye-grade applications, we share the analysis so your technical team can sign off before you commit.
• Confirm the order. Proforma invoice issued; payment terms agreed against the volume and the relationship.
• Allocation and QC. Material allocated and released against a batch-specific COA, with an independent inspection where the contract calls for it.
• Ship and document. Packed, labelled and loaded with the full export document set, and tracked through to arrival.

Related Aromatic Amine Building Blocks

Buyers of N,N-diethylaniline often source other N-alkylated aniline and aromatic amine building blocks alongside it. Consolidating them cuts freight cost and gives you a single point of contact for documentation.