2,6-Diethylaniline 2,6-DEA · CAS 579-66-8

What is 2,6-Diethylaniline?

2,6-Diethylaniline is a benzene ring carrying an amino group flanked symmetrically by two ethyl groups, formula C₁₀H₁₅N. At room temperature it is a clear liquid, typically pale yellow to reddish-brown.

Its commercial importance rests heavily on one route: 2,6-diethylaniline is the key precursor to alachlor and related chloroacetanilide herbicides, where the amine is acylated with chloroacetyl chloride and alkylated to build the active molecule. It also finds use in selected dye-intermediate and specialty chemical synthesis.

Commercially it is produced by catalytic reductive alkylation of aniline with ethylene, or by reduction of the corresponding diethyl-nitrobenzene, with the symmetric substitution pattern 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.

Why 2,6-Diethylaniline specifically

• The alachlor precursor. The large majority of commercial demand for this chemical traces back to alachlor and related chloroacetanilide herbicide synthesis.
• A symmetric substitution pattern. The 2,6-diethyl arrangement around the amine gives the steric bulk the herbicide chemistry requires and is not interchangeable with mono-ethylated anilines.
• Dye and specialty chemical intermediate. Used in selected dye-intermediate and specialty chemical syntheses requiring this specific pattern.
• Agrochemical-grade purity expectations. Because herbicide-active synthesis is the dominant use, colour grade and impurity control are tightly specified by downstream buyers.

How 2,6-Diethylaniline is Manufactured

2,6-Diethylaniline is made either by catalytic reductive alkylation of aniline with ethylene, or by catalytic hydrogenation of the corresponding diethyl-nitrobenzene, so supply tracks installed alkylaniline production capacity.

• Alkylation or nitration route. Aniline is reductively alkylated with ethylene, or a dichloro/dinitro precursor is prepared for reduction, to introduce the two ethyl groups symmetrically.
• Isomer and byproduct removal. Mono-ethylated and other alkylation byproducts are removed by distillation.
• Purification. The product is purified to the target purity level, typically 98–99% for standard grade.
• Quality release and packing. Assay and colour are confirmed against specification before packing, typically under inert headspace to limit oxidation.

Typical Commercial Specification

Figures below are representative of commercial-grade 2,6-diethylaniline. Tell us whether your application is agrochemical, dye or specialty-chemical grade, and we will advise on the specification to order against.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Behaviour in the process

2,6-Diethylaniline's reactivity pattern is what herbicide, dye and specialty intermediate producers are buying:

• Acylation chemistry. The amine is acylated with chloroacetyl chloride as the key step in alachlor and related chloroacetanilide herbicide synthesis.
• Diazotisation. Can be diazotised and coupled for azo-dye intermediate chemistry where this specific substitution pattern is required.
• Low melting point. At about 3–4 °C, the material may solidify in cold storage or winter transport conditions — warm gently before use if this occurs.
• Toxicity profile. Classified as harmful and a suspected germ-cell mutagen on certain exposure routes; handle with full PPE regardless of application.

2,6-Diethylaniline and Related Alkylanilines

2,6-Diethylaniline is one of several alkylated aniline intermediates, and the choice between them depends entirely on the target molecule's substitution pattern.

Stated plainly: alachlor synthesis and other routes built around the symmetric 2,6-diethyl pattern need this specific isomer — mono-ethylated anilines are not interchangeable with it.

Industries We Supply 2,6-Diethylaniline To

The same alkylaniline feeds an agrochemical producer, a dye-intermediate manufacturer and a specialty chemical plant. What changes is the grade specification and documentation each requires.

Where 2,6-Diethylaniline is Used

In alachlor manufacture

2,6-Diethylaniline is acylated with chloroacetyl chloride and then alkylated with methoxymethyl chloride to build alachlor's full molecular structure. The purity and colour grade of the starting 2,6-diethylaniline directly affects the purity profile of the finished herbicide active, which is why agrochemical buyers specify tighter impurity limits than other end-uses.

Quality Control & Testing

Every lot is released against a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis, with colour grade reported alongside the main assay because herbicide-active synthesis is sensitive to both.

• 2,6-Diethylaniline content — by GC assay, the primary grade measure.
• Colour grade — Hazen/APHA colour, reported because darkening affects downstream herbicide and dye applications.
• Moisture content — measured because moisture can affect downstream acylation 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; note the melting point of about 3–4 °C means the material may partially solidify in cold conditions.
• Material compatibility. Avoid contact with strong oxidisers and strong acids.
• Transport classification. A UN 2810 entry ("Toxic liquid, organic, n.o.s.") is commonly used when shipping related alkylanilines, but this is a generic catch-all classification rather than a number assigned specifically to 2,6-diethylaniline by name — confirm the correct entry, class and packing group against your current SDS before shipping.

Hazards & Safe Handling

2,6-Diethylaniline is harmful if swallowed, causes skin and eye irritation, and is suspected of causing genetic defects. 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 standard practice; rinse thoroughly with water on contact.
• Inhalation. Use adequate ventilation; avoid breathing vapour.
• Mutagenicity flag. Suspected of causing genetic defects; minimise exposure and follow your facility's controls regardless of the quantity handled.
• PPE. Chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles and, where ventilation is limited, a suitable respirator.

Regulatory & Compliance Notes

2,6-Diethylaniline is a registered specialty alkylaniline with a heavily agrochemical-weighted use profile. Because obligations differ by territory and use, and because transport classification for this specific compound needs confirmation, the notes below are orientation rather than legal advice.

• GHS classification. Classified as harmful if swallowed, a skin and eye irritant, and suspected of causing genetic defects; 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. A UN 2810 "Toxic liquid, organic, n.o.s." entry is commonly used for related alkylanilines, but is a generic classification rather than one specifically assigned to this compound by name — confirm the correct entry against your current SDS before shipping.
• HS code. Commonly declared under the aromatic-amine derivatives heading (indicatively 2921.42); confirm the exact tariff line with your customs broker for your jurisdiction.
• Agrochemical quality agreements. Herbicide-active producers commonly expect documented purity, colour grade and change control. Tell us what your agreement requires.

We Supply 2,6-Diethylaniline Worldwide

Chelora Chemicals is a supplier and export partner, not a single-plant trader. We ship 2,6-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 trial quantities up to repeat bulk shipments on a supply contract.

Buying 2,6-Diethylaniline from Chelora

We are an independent sourcing and supply partner. For this product that means settling the end-use (agrochemical, dye or specialty intermediate), the purity grade, the packing format, and the quantity you are buying — and confirming transport classification with you before the first shipment.

• 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. End-use, purity 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 agrochemical-grade applications, we share the analysis so your technical team can sign off before you commit.
• Confirm transport classification. We work with you and your logistics team to confirm the correct UN entry for your lane.
• Confirm the order. Proforma invoice issued; payment terms agreed against the volume and the relationship.
• Ship and document. Packed, labelled and loaded with the full export document set, and tracked through to arrival.

Related Alkylaniline Intermediates