2,6-Diethyl-N-(2-propoxyethyl)aniline
A high-purity hindered secondary amine supplied as the direct amine intermediate for chloroacetanilide herbicide manufacture.
What is 2,6-Diethyl-N-(2-propoxyethyl)aniline?
2,6-Diethyl-N-(2-propoxyethyl)aniline — PEDA — is a pale yellow to amber liquid built from a 2,6-diethylaniline core with a propoxyethyl chain attached to the nitrogen.
It sits one step from the finished herbicide. The doubly hindered ring is already in place, the ether side chain is already installed, and all that remains is acylation of the secondary amine with chloroacetyl chloride to complete the chloroacetanilide structure.
At Chelora Chemicals, PEDA is distilled to high assay with residual 2,6-diethylaniline and moisture controlled, since unreacted primary amine competes in the acylation step and generates a by-product that must then be separated.
- Appearance
- Pale yellow to amber liquid
- Odour
- Characteristic amine odour
- Solubility
- Practically insoluble in water; soluble in organic solvents
- Function
- Chemical intermediate
- Grade
- Technical / agrochemical
Formula diagram
Hindered aniline with a propoxyethyl chain on the nitrogen
- Molecular formulaC15H25NO
- Molecular weight235.37 g/mol
- IUPAC name2,6-Diethyl-N-(2-propoxyethyl)aniline
- Functional groupsSecondary aromatic amine, ether, alkyl
- CAS number61874-13-3
Technical product information
Standard specification for Chelora Chemicals' technical grade 2,6-Diethyl-N-(2-propoxyethyl)aniline. Custom-grade and bulk specifications are available on request.
| Chemical name | 2,6-Diethyl-N-(2-propoxyethyl)aniline |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | PEDA, N-(2-Propoxyethyl)-2,6-diethylaniline |
| CAS number | 61874-13-3 |
| Molecular formula | C15H25NO |
| Molecular weight | 235.37 g/mol |
| Assay (GC purity) | ≥ 98.0% |
| Appearance | Clear, pale yellow to amber liquid |
| Density (20°C) | 0.91–0.94 g/cm³ |
| Residual 2,6-diethylaniline | ≤ 1.0% |
| Flash point | > 110°C (closed cup) |
| Water content | ≤ 0.3% |
| Packaging | 200 kg drums, 1000 kg IBC, ISO tank |
| Shelf life | 12 months in sealed original packaging |
Applications of 2,6-Diethyl-N-(2-propoxyethyl)aniline
Chloroacetanilide herbicides
Acylated with chloroacetyl chloride to complete the herbicide active in a single step.
Agrochemical synthesis
Serves as the late-stage amine intermediate across chloroacetanilide manufacture.
Amide chemistry
Reacts with acid chlorides and anhydrides to give hindered tertiary amides.
Analytical reference material
Supplied as a reference standard for impurity profiling in related herbicide actives.
Specialty intermediates
Used where a hindered N-alkoxyalkyl aniline is required in specialty synthesis.
Custom synthesis
Available as a contract manufacturing building block.
Why choose Chelora Chemicals
Every batch of 2,6-Diethyl-N-(2-propoxyethyl)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
GC assay controlled at ≥98% with residual primary amine, colour, and water verified before dispatch.
Full documentation
COA, SDS, and regulatory data supplied with every shipment.
Flexible volumes
From 200 kg drums to IBC and ISO tank quantities.
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 — the product darkens on oxidation.
- 04Segregate from strong oxidising agents, acids, acid chlorides, and isocyanates.
- 05Use compatible containers: lined steel, stainless steel, or HDPE.
- 06Re-seal drums promptly after use and maintain nitrogen blanketing on bulk storage.
Handling precautions
PEDA is harmful if swallowed, in contact with skin, or if inhaled, and causes skin and eye irritation. 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.
Acylation with chloroacetyl chloride is strongly exothermic and evolves hydrogen chloride. It requires controlled addition, cooling, scrubbing, and appropriate relief provision.
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 PEDA used for?
Almost entirely as the amine intermediate for chloroacetanilide herbicide manufacture. Acylating it with chloroacetyl chloride completes the active in one step.
How is PEDA manufactured?
By attaching a propoxyethyl group to the nitrogen of 2,6-diethylaniline, typically via alkylation or reductive alkylation. Both the starting amine and the finished intermediate are supplied in this range.
Why is residual 2,6-diethylaniline specified?
The primary amine is more reactive than the secondary one, so it acylates first and produces a different amide. Even a small amount generates a by-product that has to be separated from the finished active, which is why it is controlled rather than ignored.
What does the propoxyethyl chain contribute?
It is part of the finished herbicide structure rather than a protecting group. The ether side chain influences the active's solubility, soil behaviour, and biological performance.
Why does the 2,6-diethyl substitution matter?
The two ethyl groups force the amide formed at the nitrogen out of the plane of the ring. That twisted geometry is characteristic of the chloroacetanilide herbicide family and is essential to their activity.
Is it soluble in water?
Practically insoluble. It dissolves readily in toluene, ethers, esters, and most organic solvents used for acylation.
Why does the liquid darken during storage?
Aromatic amines oxidise on contact with air and light. Nitrogen blanketing and cool, dark storage slow this, and moderate colour development usually does not affect assay.
What purity do you supply?
Standard technical grade is supplied at a minimum GC assay of 98% with residual 2,6-diethylaniline at or below 1.0% and water at or below 0.3%. Tighter specifications can be manufactured to order.
What packaging sizes are available?
200 kg drums, 1000 kg IBCs, and ISO tanks for bulk supply. Samples are available for trial work.
What are the process safety concerns in the acylation step?
Chloroacetyl chloride reacts vigorously and evolves hydrogen chloride, so the step needs controlled addition, effective cooling, gas scrubbing, and relief provision sized for the exotherm.
Do you provide a Certificate of Analysis?
Yes. Every batch ships with a Certificate of Analysis and Safety Data Sheet covering GC assay, residual primary amine, density, water content, colour, and appearance.