Substance profile
Ethyleneimine
Ethyleneimine is an oily, water-white liquid with a pungent, ammonia-like odor.
01 · Identification
What Ethyleneimine is
Ethyleneimine is an oily, water-white liquid with a pungent, ammonia-like odor. Its molecular formula is C2H5N and its molecular weight is 43.07 g/mol. It boils at 56.1 °C, melts at -71.5 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs).
Other names for Ethyleneimine
- aziridine
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. |
| H350 | May cause cancer <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H340 | May cause genetic defects <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H310 | Fatal in contact with skin. |
| H330 | Fatal if inhaled. |
| H300 | Fatal if swallowed. |
| H314 | Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. |
| H411 | Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Precautionary statements: P201, P210, P233, P241, P242, P260, P270, P271, P273, P280, P301, P302, P304, P308, P310, P313, P330, P331, P352, P391, P403, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Ethyleneimine 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 | 56.11 °C (133 °F) | NIOSH | |
| 56 °C (132.8 °F) | at 760 mmHg | DOE PAC | |
| Melting point | -71.5 °C (-96.7 °F) | HSDB | |
| -71.67 °C (-97 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| -72.22 °C (-98 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 0.83 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 0.8321 g/cm³ | at 24 °C | HSDB | |
| 0.8321 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | SOL IN ALKALI | HSDB | |
| Soluble in ethanol; slightly soluble in ether; very soluble in chloroform; miscible in organic solvents | HSDB | ||
| In water, 1X10+6 mg/L (miscible) | HSDB | ||
| Vapor pressure | 160 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 160 mmHg | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 213 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | -11.11 °C (12 °F) | HSDB | |
| Autoignition temperature | 320 °C (608 °F) | HSDB | |
| 322 °C (611.6 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 3.3 % by volume | HSDB | |
| 3.6 % by volume | CAMEO | ||
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 54.8 % by volume | HSDB | |
| 46 % by volume | CAMEO | ||
| Vapor density | 1.48 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 1.5 (air = 1) | ICSC | ||
| Odor threshold | Perceptible level of odor: 2 ppm | HSDB | |
| 3.5 mg/ cu m = 1.96 ppm; abs perception limit 2ppm | HSDB | ||
| Odor Threshold Low: 2.0 [ppm] | Haz-Map | ||
| Corrosivity | Corrosive | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Ethyleneimine
Storage conditions
Can be stored for some time over a few pellets of sodium hydroxide. /In a closed container/
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
/Aziridine/ gives the explosive 1-chloroazidine on treatment with /chlorinating agents/ eg sodium hypochlorite solution.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
ETHYLENEIMINE vapors are not inhibited and may form polymers in vents or flame arresters, resulting in stopping of the vents. Produces toxic oxides of nitrogen during combustion. Reacts with sodium hypochlorite and other chlorinating agents to give the explosive compound 1-chloroazidine. Decomposes if heated under pressure. or else hazardous polymerization may occur. Incompatible with silver or aluminum, which induce polymerization May polymerize explosively upon contact with acids. Polymerization is catalyzed by carbon dioxide [EPA, 1998].
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Ethyleneimine in the storage compatibility matrix →