ortho-Ethylaniline 2-Ethylaniline · CAS 578-54-1

What is ortho-Ethylaniline?

ortho-Ethylaniline (2-Ethylaniline) is a benzene ring carrying an amino group and an ethyl group adjacent to each other, formula C₈H₁₁N. At room temperature it is a yellow liquid that darkens on standing in air, a common trait of simple anilines.

Its value as an intermediate comes from the combination of the amine's reactivity (diazotisation, acylation, condensation) with the steric and electronic effect of the ortho-ethyl group, which some dye, agrochemical and rubber-chemical syntheses are specifically designed around.

Commercially it is produced by catalytic reduction of the corresponding nitro-ethylbenzene, or by alkylation routes starting from aniline, with isomer control maintained through the synthesis.

Handling follows standard precautions for a toxic aromatic amine — avoid skin contact and inhalation, and protect the liquid from air and light during storage to limit darkening and oxidative degradation.

Why ortho-Ethylaniline specifically

• A specific alkylaniline building block. The ortho-ethyl substitution pattern gives distinct steric and electronic effects compared with unsubstituted aniline or other alkylanilines.
• Dye intermediate. Used in azo-dye synthesis requiring the ortho-ethyl substitution.
• Agrochemical and rubber-chemical intermediate. A building block for selected crop-protection and rubber-additive intermediate syntheses.
• Distinct from para-ethylaniline. The ortho- and para-isomers have different reactivity and are not interchangeable in a route designed around one specific pattern.

How ortho-Ethylaniline is Manufactured

ortho-Ethylaniline is made either by catalytic reduction of the corresponding nitroethylbenzene isomer, or via alkylation of aniline followed by isomer separation, so supply tracks installed alkylaniline production capacity.

• Precursor preparation. A nitroethylbenzene or an alkylation feedstock is prepared or sourced with the target ortho-substitution pattern.
• Reduction or alkylation. Catalytic hydrogenation of the nitro group, or direct alkylation chemistry, gives the target amine.
• Isomer separation. The ortho-isomer is separated from the para- and meta-isomers by distillation.
• Purification. The separated fraction is purified to the target purity level.
• Quality release and packing. Assay and colour grade are confirmed against specification before the batch is packed and released, typically under inert headspace to limit oxidation.

Typical Commercial Specification

Figures below are representative of commercial-grade ortho-ethylaniline. 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

ortho-Ethylaniline's reactivity pattern is what dye, agrochemical and rubber-chemical producers are buying:

• Diazotisation. The amine can be diazotised and coupled to build azo-dye chromophores with the ortho-ethyl group influencing the resulting shade.
• Acylation and condensation. The amine reacts with acyl chlorides and other electrophiles for amide and related intermediate synthesis.
• Oxidative sensitivity. Darkens progressively on exposure to air and light; store under inert atmosphere where colour consistency matters.
• Toxicity profile. Classified as toxic on acute exposure and suspected of causing organ damage on repeated exposure; handle with full PPE.

ortho-Ethylaniline and Related Alkylanilines

Choosing between related alkylanilines comes down to the exact alkyl group and substitution position the target synthesis needs.

Stated plainly: a route built around a single ortho-ethyl substitution needs this specific isomer — doubly-substituted or differently-alkylated anilines are not interchangeable with it.

Industries We Supply ortho-Ethylaniline To

The same alkylaniline feeds a dye-intermediate manufacturer, an agrochemical producer and a rubber-chemical plant. What changes is the downstream functionalisation chemistry and the documentation each requires.

Where ortho-Ethylaniline is Used

In dye and agrochemical applications

ortho-Ethylaniline is diazotised and coupled in dye chemistry to build azo chromophores, with the ortho-ethyl group influencing the resulting colour shade and stability. In agrochemical and rubber-chemical routes, it serves as a building block for intermediate syntheses specifically requiring this ortho-alkylated amine.

Quality Control & Testing

Every lot is released against a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis, with colour grade reported alongside the main assay because this material's propensity to darken with age and air exposure affects downstream dye-shade consistency.

• ortho-Ethylaniline content — by GC assay, the primary grade measure.
• Colour grade — Hazen/APHA colour, reported because darkening affects downstream dye applications.
• Moisture content — measured because moisture can affect downstream reaction yield.

Common Process Problems & Likely Causes

Packaging, Storage & Shipping

• Standard packing. Drums or IBCs sized to the order quantity, with bulk tanker options on contract supply.
• Air and light protection. Keep sealed, under inert headspace where possible, and away from direct light to limit darkening.
• Temperature control. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sun and heat sources.
• Material compatibility. Avoid contact with strong oxidisers and strong acids.
• Transport classification. UN 2273, Toxic liquid, organic, n.o.s. pattern associated with related alkylanilines, Class 6.1, Packing Group III. Confirm the exact entry against your current SDS. ADR, IMDG, IATA and DOT requirements apply to packing, labelling and routing.

Hazards & Safe Handling

ortho-Ethylaniline is toxic by skin contact and if inhaled, causes skin irritation, and is suspected of causing organ damage through prolonged or repeated exposure. Standard precautions for a toxic aromatic amine and good laboratory and plant practice apply throughout handling.

• Skin and eye contact. Chemical-resistant gloves and goggles are mandatory; rinse thoroughly with water on contact.
• Inhalation. Use adequate ventilation; avoid breathing vapour.
• Repeated-exposure risk. Suspected of causing organ damage through prolonged or repeated exposure; minimise exposure and follow your facility's controls.
• PPE. Chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles and, where ventilation is limited, a suitable respirator.

Regulatory & Compliance Notes

ortho-Ethylaniline is a registered specialty alkylaniline shipped under Class 6.1 toxic-liquid rules. Because obligations differ by territory and use, the notes below are orientation rather than legal advice.

• GHS classification. Classified as toxic by skin contact and inhalation, a skin irritant, and suspected of causing organ damage through 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 2273 pattern, Class 6.1, Packing Group III, confirmed against your current SDS. ADR, IMDG, IATA and DOT requirements apply to packing, labelling and routing.
• HS code. Commonly declared under the aromatic-amine derivatives heading; confirm the exact tariff line with your customs broker for your jurisdiction.

We Supply ortho-Ethylaniline Worldwide

Chelora Chemicals is a supplier and export partner, not a single-plant trader. We ship ortho-Ethylaniline 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 trial quantities up to repeat bulk shipments on a supply contract.

Buying ortho-Ethylaniline 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 assay and colour grade, plus the current SDS.
• Analysis before commitment. Representative analysis shared ahead of a commercial order so your lab can qualify the material.
• Quantities. Trial quantities through to larger bulk shipments on contract supply.
• Inspection. Independent third-party inspection available at loading when the contract requires it.
• Related alkylanilines. Other substituted aniline isomers alongside this product from one supplier.

How ordering works

• Send the enquiry. Purity, colour grade, quantity, destination port and the Incoterm you buy on.
• We quote. Price, lead time, packing format and a sample COA, normally within one working day.
• Qualify the supply. For first orders 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.

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