N-Ethyl-m-toluidine N-Ethyl-3-methylaniline · CAS 102-27-2

What is N-Ethyl-m-toluidine?

N-Ethyl-m-toluidine, formally N-ethyl-3-methylaniline, is a secondary aromatic amine: a benzene ring carrying a methyl group and a single ethylamino group with one free N-H, formula C₉H₁₃N. At room temperature it is a clear liquid.

Its value as a building block comes from that free secondary N-H, which gives synthetic chemists a reactive site for further substitution, condensation and coupling chemistry — a step that the fully substituted N,N-diethyl analogue cannot offer. This makes it a working intermediate in azo dye and pigment manufacture, where the secondary amine couples into the chromophore, and in rubber-chemical and specialty-amine synthesis more broadly.

Commercially, it is produced by mono-N-ethylation of m-toluidine, controlled to stop at the secondary amine stage rather than running on to the N,N-diethyl tertiary amine.

It ships as a toxic liquid (UN 2754, Class 6.1, Packing Group II) rather than primarily as a flammability hazard, reflecting its acute oral, dermal and inhalation toxicity as an aromatic amine — handling and documentation should be built around that classification.

Why N-Ethyl-m-toluidine specifically

• A reactive secondary amine. The free N-H lets chemists build on the nitrogen through further alkylation, acylation or condensation chemistry.
• An azo dye coupling component. The secondary aromatic amine is a recognised building block in azo dye and pigment synthesis routes.
• Rubber and specialty-chemical utility. Used in selected rubber-chemical and fine-chemical synthesis where this specific secondary toluidine is required.
• A step toward the tertiary amine. The same molecule is the controlled mono-ethylation intermediate on the route to N,N-diethyl-m-toluidine.

How N-Ethyl-m-toluidine is Manufactured

N-Ethyl-m-toluidine is made by mono-N-ethylation of m-toluidine, so supply tracks toluidine and ethylating-agent capacity rather than a generic amine feedstock stream.

• Controlled N-ethylation of m-toluidine. m-Toluidine is reacted with an ethylating agent under conditions designed to stop at the mono-ethyl stage, rather than proceeding to the N,N-diethyl tertiary amine.
• Reaction control. Stoichiometry, temperature and catalyst are managed to maximise the secondary-amine yield and minimise both unreacted toluidine and over-ethylated tertiary amine.
• Purification. The crude amine is washed, dried and distilled to separate it from unreacted toluidine and the tertiary-amine by-product.
• Quality release. Assay, colour and moisture are confirmed against specification before the batch is released.
• Finishing and packing. The finished liquid is packed and labelled to UN 2754 / Class 6.1 dangerous-goods requirements.

Typical Commercial Specification

Figures below are representative of commercial-grade N-ethyl-m-toluidine. 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

N-Ethyl-m-toluidine's reactivity pattern is what synthetic chemists are buying:

• Free secondary N-H. Available for further N-alkylation, N-acylation or condensation reactions that the fully substituted tertiary amine cannot undergo.
• Azo coupling component. The electron-rich aromatic ring and secondary amine participate in diazo-coupling chemistry used to build azo dye chromophores.
• Electron-donating substituents. The methyl and ethylamino groups activate the ring toward electrophilic substitution, relevant to downstream synthesis steps.
• Combustible liquid. Flash point around 104 °C means it behaves as a standard combustible liquid in storage and handling, requiring ignition-source control.

N-Ethyl-m-toluidine and Related Toluidine Derivatives

N-Ethyl-m-toluidine sits in a family of m-toluidine derivatives, and the right one depends on whether your process needs a reactive secondary amine, a tertiary-amine accelerator, or the parent primary amine.

Stated plainly: if your synthesis needs a reactive secondary amine nitrogen, this is the molecule; if the target reaction calls for a fully substituted tertiary amine instead, N,N-Diethyl-m-toluidine is the closer fit.

Industries We Supply N-Ethyl-m-toluidine To

The same secondary aromatic amine feeds a dye and pigment manufacturer, a rubber-chemical producer and a specialty-synthesis buyer. What changes is the downstream chemistry and the documentation each requires.

Where N-Ethyl-m-toluidine is Used

N-Ethyl-m-toluidine is bought almost entirely as a synthesis building block. These are the downstream chemistries our customers use it for.

In dye and pigment synthesis

The secondary aromatic amine couples into azo chromophores used across textile, ink and coating colorants. Assay and colour consistency matter because they carry through into the shade and strength of the finished dye.

In pharmaceutical, agrochemical and rubber-chemical synthesis

The free secondary N-H gives chemists a handle for further substitution, letting this toluidine derivative serve as an intermediate across a range of active-ingredient and specialty-chemical routes.

Quality Control & Testing

Every lot is released against a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis, with colour and moisture reported alongside assay because both affect downstream coupling and shade consistency.

• N-Ethyl-m-toluidine content — by gas chromatography, the primary grade measure.
• Related toluidine impurities — unreacted m-toluidine and the N,N-diethyl by-product, reported because carry-over can divert yield in downstream synthesis.
• Colour (APHA/Hazen) — reported because colour drift can carry through into dye shade consistency.
• Moisture content — measured because water can interfere with coupling and condensation chemistry.

Common Process Problems & Likely Causes

When this building block causes trouble, it is usually related-amine carry-over or moisture. This table is the shortcut our technical desk works through before anyone opens a complaint file.

Packaging, Storage & Shipping

• Standard packing. HDPE or lined steel drums, typically 25 – 200 kg net, with larger bulk formats on contract supply.
• Moisture exclusion. Keep sealed and dry, particularly where the material will be used directly in coupling or condensation chemistry.
• Temperature control. Store at room temperature, away from direct sun and heat sources; flash point is about 104 °C, and the material can solidify near its ~9 °C melting point in cold storage or transit.
• Material compatibility. Avoid contact with strong oxidisers, strong acids and acylating agents outside the intended reaction.
• Shelf life. Stable in sealed, dry containers under normal storage conditions.
• Transport classification. UN 2754, toxic liquid, organic, N.O.S. (or named entry where applicable), Class 6.1, Packing Group II. ADR, IMDG, IATA and DOT requirements apply to packing, labelling and routing.

Hazards & Safe Handling

N-Ethyl-m-toluidine is classified as a toxic liquid (Class 6.1). It is toxic if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled, and is irritating to eyes, skin and the respiratory tract. Handling should follow the full hazard statements on the SDS and good industrial hygiene practice.

• Toxicity. Classified as toxic by ingestion, skin contact and inhalation; avoid all routes of exposure and have appropriate first-aid procedures in place.
• Skin and eye contact. Chemical-resistant gloves and goggles, with full-face protection where splash risk is higher; rinse thoroughly with water on contact and seek medical attention.
• Inhalation. Use closed handling or adequate local exhaust ventilation; this is not a material for open-bench handling without engineering controls.
• PPE. Chemical-resistant gloves, goggles and, depending on your risk assessment, respiratory protection for bulk transfer and open handling.
• Environment. Avoid any release to water or soil; follow local effluent and waste-disposal rules for aromatic amines.

Regulatory & Compliance Notes

N-Ethyl-m-toluidine is a registered specialty amine intermediate shipped as a Class 6.1 toxic liquid. Because obligations differ by territory and use, the notes below are orientation rather than legal advice — confirm your own position with your regulatory adviser.

• GHS classification. Typically classified as acutely toxic (oral, dermal, inhalation) and an irritant; 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 2754, toxic liquid, Class 6.1, Packing Group II. ADR, IMDG, IATA and DOT requirements apply to packing, labelling and routing.
• HS code. Commonly declared under the aromatic amine derivatives heading (2921.43); confirm the exact tariff line with your customs broker for your jurisdiction.
• Quality agreements. Dye, pharma and agrochemical producers commonly expect documented assay, colour limits and change control. Tell us what your agreement requires.

We Supply N-Ethyl-m-toluidine Worldwide

Chelora Chemicals is a supplier and export partner, not a single-plant trader. We ship N-Ethyl-m-toluidine 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 — including the dangerous-goods paperwork this product requires — 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, dangerous-goods declaration, COA and SDS issued as a complete set.
• Flexible volumes. From drum trial quantities up to repeat bulk shipments on a supply contract.
• Supply continuity. Because we are independent of any one producer, a plant turnaround or a shipping disruption at one source does not have to become your stock-out.

Buying N-Ethyl-m-toluidine 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 process needs, the packing format, and the quantity you are buying.

• Documentation on every lot. Batch-specific COA with purity, colour and moisture, plus the current SDS.
• Analysis before commitment. Representative analysis shared ahead of a commercial order so your lab can qualify the material.
• Quantities. Drum trial quantities through to larger bulk shipments on contract supply.
• Inspection. Independent third-party inspection available at loading when the contract requires it.
• Related amine intermediates. N,N-Diethyl-m-toluidine and other toluidine derivatives alongside this product from one supplier.

How ordering works

• Send the enquiry. Purity, quantity, destination port and the Incoterm you buy on. If you have a spec sheet, attach it — it saves a round trip.
• We quote. Price, lead time, packing format and a sample COA, normally within one working day.
• Qualify the supply. For first orders or dye/pharma-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 to Class 6.1 requirements and loaded with the full export document set, and tracked through to arrival.

Related Toluidine & Aromatic Amine Intermediates

Buyers of N-ethyl-m-toluidine often source other toluidine and aniline derivatives alongside it. Consolidating them cuts freight cost and gives you a single point of contact for documentation.