2,6-Diisopropylaniline 2,6-DIPA · CAS 24544-04-5
Chelora Chemicals is a supplier of 2,6-Diisopropylaniline, the sterically hindered aniline behind NHC and diimine catalyst ligands and a core building block for agrochemical intermediates. Two isopropyl groups flanking the amine are the whole point of the molecule. Every consignment leaves with a batch-specific COA and the current SDS.
Also known as: 2,6-DIPA, 2,6-Bis(1-methylethyl)aniline, 2,6-Diisopropylbenzenamine, 2-Amino-1,3-diisopropylbenzene
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Price, lead time and a sample COA for 2,6-Diisopropylaniline, usually within one working day. We ship worldwide.
Request a Quote Email the DeskDocumentation
- Batch-specific COA (assay, colour, isomer purity)
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
- Dangerous-goods transport documents where applicable
- Third-party inspection on request
- Certificate of origin
What is 2,6-Diisopropylaniline?
2,6-Diisopropylaniline is an aniline with isopropyl groups on both carbons flanking the amine, formula C₁₂H₁₉N. It is supplied as a colourless to pale yellow liquid that darkens with age like other anilines.
The molecule exists commercially for one reason: steric bulk. Those two isopropyl groups sit either side of the nitrogen and physically shield it. In catalysis that shielding is the design feature — it is what stops metal centres from dimerising, what controls how a growing polymer chain inserts, and what gives N-heterocyclic carbene ligands their characteristic profile.
Outside catalysis the same bulk serves agrochemical chemistry, where 2,6-diisopropylaniline is the starting point for the diafenthiuron route, and it appears in antioxidant and specialty polymer applications.
Handling follows standard precautions for a substituted aniline — gloves, eye protection, adequate ventilation, and storage away from strong oxidisers.
Why 2,6-Diisopropylaniline specifically
- Steric protection by design. Two flanking isopropyl groups shield the nitrogen and, through it, whatever metal centre the ligand carries.
- The standard NHC ligand precursor. It is the aniline behind the widely used bulky imidazolylidene ligands.
- Olefin polymerisation catalysts. The diimine and bis(imino)pyridine ligand families are built from this aniline.
- Agrochemical starting material. The entry point to the diafenthiuron intermediate chain.
How 2,6-Diisopropylaniline is Manufactured
The commercial route alkylates aniline directly, which is cheap and effective but leaves an isomer problem to solve in the purification.
- Alkylation. Aniline is alkylated with propylene over an acidic catalyst at elevated temperature and pressure.
- Isomer separation. The crude mixture contains mono-, di- and other alkylated anilines; the 2,6-isomer is separated by fractional distillation.
- Purification. Distillation continues to the target assay, with ortho-isopropylaniline and the 2,4-isomer controlled to specification.
- Quality release and packing. Assay, colour and isomer purity are confirmed before the batch is packed and released, typically under nitrogen to limit oxidation.
Typical Commercial Specification
Figures below are representative of commercial-grade 2,6-diisopropylaniline. Tell us your downstream route and the grade you need, and we will advise on the specification to order against.
| Parameter | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Colourless to pale yellow or light brown liquid |
| 2,6-Diisopropylaniline content | 98% min by GC assay — 99%+ grades available |
| Isomer purity | Mono- and 2,4-isopropylaniline, trace levels to grade |
| Colour | To grade; freshness indicator ahead of use |
| Moisture | Low, to grade — important for ligand synthesis |
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | C₁₂H₁₉N |
| Molecular weight | 177.29 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colourless to pale yellow liquid |
| Boiling point | About 257 – 259 °C |
| Density | About 0.94 g/mL |
| Flash point | About 110 °C |
| Solubility | Poorly soluble in water; miscible with common organic solvents |
| Incompatibilities | Strong oxidisers, strong acids |
Behaviour in the process
Everything about how this aniline behaves follows from the crowding around the nitrogen:
- Condensation to imines. Reacts with glyoxal, diketones and aldehydes to give the diimine and NHC precursors, usually needing more forcing conditions than an unhindered aniline.
- Reduced nucleophilicity. The crowded nitrogen reacts more slowly in acylation and alkylation — plan temperature and time accordingly.
- Oxidative sensitivity. Darkens on prolonged exposure to air and light; store sealed and preferably under nitrogen.
- Water sensitivity downstream. Imine and ligand chemistry is moisture-intolerant, so the moisture figure matters more here than in most aniline applications.
2,6-Diisopropylaniline and Related Alkyl Anilines
Choosing between hindered anilines comes down to exactly how much bulk the ligand or the target molecule needs.
| Material | Steric profile | When it is the right choice |
|---|---|---|
| 2,6-Diisopropylaniline | Very bulky | NHC and diimine ligands, diafenthiuron route |
| 2,6-Diethylaniline | Moderately bulky | Chloroacetanilide herbicide intermediates |
| ortho-Isopropylaniline | Hindered on one side only | Routes where asymmetric shielding is wanted |
| 2,6-Dichloroaniline | Bulky and electron-poor | Routes needing electronic withdrawal rather than pure steric bulk |
Stated plainly: in ligand chemistry the bulk is the function. Substituting a less hindered aniline does not give you a slightly different catalyst — it often gives you one that does not work.
Industries We Supply 2,6-Diisopropylaniline To
The same aniline feeds a catalyst ligand manufacturer and an agrochemical plant. What changes is the purity grade demanded and the documentation each requires.
Where 2,6-Diisopropylaniline is Used
In downstream functionalisation
The typical first step is a condensation: the amine meets a carbonyl and forms an imine, carrying the two isopropyl groups along with it. From there the imine either chelates a metal directly or is cyclised into an imidazolium salt and deprotonated to the carbene. In both cases the bulk that was built into the aniline is what ends up controlling the catalyst, which is why buyers of this material tend to specify isomer purity tightly.
Need a specific purity grade?
Tell us the purity grade you need, your downstream chemistry, the packing format you can receive and the annual quantity. We will come back with a price, a lead time and a sample COA.
Quality Control & Testing
Every lot is released against a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis, with isomer purity reported alongside the main assay because less-hindered isomers produce ligands with different behaviour.
- 2,6-Diisopropylaniline content — by GC assay, the primary grade measure.
- Isomer purity — mono-isopropyl and 2,4-isomer carryover, reported because they change catalyst performance.
- Colour — reported because oxidation darkens anilines over time.
- Moisture — reported because imine and ligand chemistry is moisture-sensitive.
Common Process Problems & Likely Causes
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Catalyst underperforms or deactivates | Less-hindered isomer carryover giving mixed ligands | Isomer purity figure on the COA |
| Poor imine condensation yield | Wet feed, or conditions too mild for a hindered amine | Moisture figure; temperature and water removal in your step |
| Darkened material on receipt | Oxidation during storage or transit | Colour and age of the lot; nitrogen blanket on the drum |
| Broad polymer molecular-weight distribution | Ligand heterogeneity from isomeric aniline | Isomer breakdown on the COA against your ligand analysis |
Packaging, Storage & Shipping
- Standard packing. Drums or jerricans, typically 25 – 200 kg net, with IBC and larger bulk formats on contract supply.
- Oxidation protection. Store under nitrogen where possible and keep containers tightly sealed to limit darkening.
- Temperature control. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sun, heat and ignition sources.
- Material compatibility. Avoid contact with strong oxidisers and strong acids.
- Transport classification. Confirm the UN entry, class and packing group against your own current SDS before shipping.
Hazards & Safe Handling
2,6-Diisopropylaniline is harmful on exposure, irritating to skin and eyes, and harmful to aquatic life. Standard precautions for a substituted aniline and good laboratory and plant practice apply throughout handling.
- Skin and eye contact. Chemical-resistant gloves and goggles are standard practice; anilines are absorbed through skin, so splash protection matters.
- Inhalation. Use adequate ventilation when handling, especially during heated transfers.
- PPE. Chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles and, where vapour exposure is a concern, a suitable respirator.
- Environment. Harmful to aquatic life; avoid uncontrolled release to water and follow local effluent rules.
Regulatory & Compliance Notes
2,6-Diisopropylaniline is a registered specialty alkyl aniline. Because obligations differ by territory and use, the notes below are orientation rather than legal advice.
- GHS classification. Commonly classified as harmful on exposure, as a skin and eye irritant and as harmful to aquatic life; the SDS carries the full hazard statements for your grade.
- REACH and chemical inventories. Listed on major chemical inventories; confirm registration status for your volume and territory before import.
- Dangerous goods transport. The applicable entry varies by grade and supplier SDS. Confirm with your logistics/EHS team against your current SDS before shipping.
- HS code. Commonly declared under the aromatic monoamine derivatives headings; confirm the exact tariff line with your customs broker for your jurisdiction.
We Supply 2,6-Diisopropylaniline Worldwide
Chelora Chemicals is a supplier and export partner, not a single-plant trader. We ship 2,6-Diisopropylaniline 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-Diisopropylaniline from Chelora
We are an independent sourcing and supply partner. For this product that means settling three things at enquiry: the assay and isomer-purity grade your chemistry needs, the packing format, and the quantity you are buying.
- Documentation on every lot. Batch-specific COA with assay and isomer breakdown, 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 intermediates. DIPPI and other alkyl aniline derivatives alongside this product from one supplier.
How ordering works
- Send the enquiry. Assay grade, isomer-purity limits, 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 catalyst-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.
- Ship and document. Packed, labelled and loaded with the full export document set, and tracked through to arrival.
2,6-Diisopropylaniline — Common Questions
The questions our technical desk is asked most often about 2,6-Diisopropylaniline. If yours isn't here, call or email and you will reach someone who knows the chemistry.
What is the CAS number of 2,6-Diisopropylaniline?
The CAS number for 2,6-Diisopropylaniline is 24544-04-5, and its EC number is 246-278-2. Its molecular formula is C₁₂H₁₉N with a molecular weight of 177.29 g/mol.
What is 2,6-Diisopropylaniline used for?
Mainly as the precursor to bulky NHC, diimine and bis(imino)pyridine catalyst ligands, and as the starting material for the diafenthiuron intermediate chain. It also appears in antioxidant and specialty polymer chemistry.
Why is the steric bulk important?
The two flanking isopropyl groups shield the nitrogen and, in turn, the metal centre of any ligand built from it. That shielding stops unwanted side reactions and is what gives these catalyst families their performance.
Can I substitute 2,6-diethylaniline instead?
Not in ligand chemistry. Ethyl groups give noticeably less shielding than isopropyl, so the resulting catalyst behaves differently — often it simply does not work for the intended application.
How is 2,6-Diisopropylaniline manufactured?
By alkylating aniline with propylene over an acidic catalyst, then separating the 2,6-isomer from the other alkylated anilines by fractional distillation.
Is 2,6-Diisopropylaniline hazardous?
It is harmful on exposure, irritating to skin and eyes, and harmful to aquatic life. Refer to the current SDS for your grade for the complete hazard classification.
What is the transport classification?
The applicable entry varies by grade and supplier. Confirm the UN number, class and packing group against your own current SDS before relying on it for shipping documentation.
What are the boiling point, density and flash point?
Typical figures are a boiling point around 257 – 259 °C, a density around 0.94 g/mL and a flash point around 110 °C. Confirm against your own supplier's COA for batch-specific figures.
Which impurity matters most downstream?
Less-hindered isomers — mono-isopropylaniline and the 2,4-isomer. They form ligands with the wrong steric profile, which shows up as catalyst underperformance rather than as an obvious assay failure.
How should 2,6-Diisopropylaniline be stored?
In sealed containers, ideally under nitrogen, cool, dry and away from direct sun, heat, ignition sources and strong oxidisers.
What purity grades do you offer?
Standard commercial grade is 98% minimum by GC assay, with 99%+ catalyst grades available. Isomer purity, colour and moisture are reported on the COA.
What packing sizes and order quantities are available?
Drums or jerricans, typically 25–200 kg net, with IBC and larger bulk formats available on contract supply. Orders run from trial quantities up to repeat bulk loads.
Ready to source 2,6-Diisopropylaniline?
Send us your purity requirement and annual volume. You will get a price, a realistic lead time and a sample COA from someone who understands what the material has to do in your process — delivered anywhere in the world.