Ortho Ethyl Aniline
A high-purity alkylated aromatic amine supplied for herbicide intermediate synthesis, dye chemistry, and rubber chemical manufacture.
What is Ortho Ethyl Aniline?
Ortho Ethyl Aniline — OEA, or 2-ethylaniline — is a colourless to pale yellow liquid with an ethyl group on the carbon next to the amino group. It darkens on exposure to air and light.
The single ortho alkyl group gives partial steric shielding of the nitrogen: more than plain aniline, less than the doubly substituted amines. That intermediate position makes it useful both as a product in its own right and as the starting point for further alkylation to 2,6-disubstituted anilines.
At Chelora Chemicals, OEA is distilled to a controlled isomer profile and low colour, with moisture held to specification so that acylation, alkylation, and condensation steps downstream remain reproducible.
- Appearance
- Colourless to pale yellow liquid
- Odour
- Characteristic amine odour
- Solubility
- Slightly soluble in water; soluble in most organic solvents
- Function
- Chemical intermediate
- Grade
- Technical
Formula diagram
Aniline ring with an ethyl group in the ortho position
- Molecular formulaC8H11N
- Molecular weight121.18 g/mol
- IUPAC name2-Ethylaniline
- Functional groupsPrimary aromatic amine, alkyl
- CAS number578-54-1
Technical product information
Standard specification for Chelora Chemicals' technical grade Ortho Ethyl Aniline. Custom-grade and bulk specifications are available on request.
| Chemical name | Ortho Ethyl Aniline |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | OEA, 2-Ethylaniline, o-Ethylaniline, 2-Aminoethylbenzene |
| CAS number | 578-54-1 |
| Molecular formula | C8H11N |
| Molecular weight | 121.18 g/mol |
| Assay (purity) | ≥ 99.0% |
| Appearance | Clear, colourless to pale yellow liquid |
| Density (20°C) | 0.978–0.988 g/cm³ |
| Boiling point | 209–211°C |
| Flash point | > 85°C (closed cup) |
| Refractive index (20°C) | 1.554–1.560 |
| Water content | ≤ 0.2% |
| Packaging | 200 kg drums, 1000 kg IBC |
| Shelf life | 12 months in sealed original packaging |
Applications of Ortho Ethyl Aniline
Herbicide intermediates
Used in chloroacetanilide herbicide synthesis and as the precursor to further-alkylated anilines.
Alkylated aniline production
Ethylated or methylated to give 2,6-disubstituted anilines used across agrochemical manufacture.
Dyes & pigments
Diazotised or condensed to form alkylated colour intermediates.
Rubber chemicals
Applied in amine-based antioxidant and accelerator synthesis.
Pharmaceutical intermediates
Provides a mono-hindered aniline core for amide and heterocycle formation.
Specialty chemicals
Used in corrosion inhibitor and specialty amine derivative manufacture.
Why choose Chelora Chemicals
Every batch of Ortho Ethyl Aniline 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
Assay controlled at ≥99% with isomer profile, colour, and water content verified before dispatch.
Full documentation
COA, SDS, and regulatory data supplied with every shipment.
Flexible volumes
From 200 kg drums to IBC quantities, with samples on request.
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 — alkylated anilines darken 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
OEA is a toxic aromatic amine, harmful in contact with skin, by inhalation, and if swallowed. 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 Ortho Ethyl Aniline used for?
It is an intermediate for herbicide synthesis, alkylated aniline production, dye chemistry, and rubber chemicals. It is often the starting point for making 2,6-disubstituted anilines rather than the final target itself.
How does OEA relate to 2-ethyl-6-methylaniline?
OEA is the mono-substituted precursor. Adding a methyl group to the other ortho position gives 26MEA, the doubly hindered amine used in chloroacetanilide herbicide manufacture. Many plants run both products on the same chain.
What difference does one ortho alkyl group make?
It partially shields the nitrogen and slightly raises its basicity, so acylation runs more slowly than with plain aniline but far more readily than with a 2,6-disubstituted amine. It sits deliberately between the two.
Why does the liquid darken in the drum?
Aromatic amines oxidise slowly on contact with air and light, producing coloured impurities. Assay is usually unaffected, but keeping drums sealed, cool, dark, and nitrogen-blanketed preserves colour.
Is it soluble in water?
Only slightly. It is readily soluble in alcohols, ethers, esters, and aromatic hydrocarbons, so reactions are normally run in organic media.
How does it differ from meta and para ethylaniline?
All three are C8H11N with a weight of 121.18 and differ only in where the ethyl group sits. Only the ortho isomer provides the steric shielding next to the nitrogen, which is the property most downstream users are buying.
What purity do you supply?
Standard technical grade is supplied at a minimum assay of 99% with water content at or below 0.2%. Higher assay and tighter colour specifications can be manufactured to order.
What packaging sizes are available?
200 kg drums and 1000 kg IBCs, with laboratory and pilot samples available for development work.
How long can it be stored?
12 months from manufacture in sealed original packaging under the recommended conditions. Nitrogen blanketing and cool, dark storage materially extend colour stability.
Is OEA hazardous?
Yes. It is toxic, skin-absorbable, combustible above its flash point, 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 assay, colour, refractive index, density, water content, and appearance.