Substance profile
Diethylamine
Diethylamine is a colorless liquid with a fishy, ammonia-like odor.
01 · Identification
What Diethylamine is
Diethylamine is a colorless liquid with a fishy, ammonia-like odor. Its molecular formula is C4H11N and its molecular weight is 73.14 g/mol. It boils at 55.5 °C, melts at -50 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as corrosives.
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H225 | Highly flammable liquid and vapour. |
| H332 | Harmful if inhaled. |
| H312 | Harmful in contact with skin. |
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
| H314 | Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. |
Precautionary statements: P210, P233, P241, P242, P260, P270, P271, P280, P301, P302, P304, P310, P312, P330, P331, P352, P403
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Diethylamine properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 55.5 °C (131.9 °F) | HSDB | |
| 55.56 °C (132 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 55.5 °C (131.9 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -50 °C (-58 °F) | HSDB | |
| Density | 0.246 g/cm³ | HSDB | |
| 0.71 g/cm³ | NIOSH | ||
| 0.7056 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Miscible with water, alcohol | HSDB | |
| Soluble in ether and carbon tetrachloride | HSDB | ||
| In water, infinitely soluble /1X10+6 mg/L/ at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 192 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 195 mmHg | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 237 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | -22.99 °C (-9.4 °F) | HSDB | |
| -15 °C (5 °F) | HSDB | ||
| 17.8 °C (64 °F) | HSDB | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 312.22 °C (594 °F) | HSDB | |
| 312 °C (593.6 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 1.8 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 10.1 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Vapor density | 2.52 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 2.53 (air = 1) | CAMEO | ||
| 2.5 (air = 1) | ICSC | ||
| Odor threshold | Odor detection in air= 2.0X10-2 ppm (Purity not specified) | HSDB | |
| Odor recognition in air= 6.0X10-2 ppm (Purity not specified) | HSDB | ||
| Odor detection in water= 1.21X10+1 ppm (Chemically pure) | HSDB | ||
| Critical temperature and pressure | 226.35 °C (439.4 °F) | HSDB | |
| Corrosivity | Liquid diethylamine will attack some forms of plastics, rubber, and coatings. | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Diethylamine
Storage conditions
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Storage class (TRGS 510): Flammable liquids.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Incompatible materials: Aldehydes, alcohols, dicyanofurazan, ketones, phenols, acids, halogenated hydrocarbon, oxidizing agents, epoxides.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
DIETHYLAMINE is strongly alkaline. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents and with strong acids. Violent reactions occur with sulfuric acid. Causes ignition on contact with cellulose nitrate. Explodes on contact with dicyanofurazan or dicyanofuroxan. Attacks some forms of plastics, rubber and coatings. (NTP, 1992)
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Diethylamine in the storage compatibility matrix →