2,6-Diethylaniline
A high-purity doubly hindered aromatic amine supplied for chloroacetanilide herbicide intermediates, dye chemistry, and specialty polymer manufacture.
What is 2,6-Diethylaniline?
2,6-Diethylaniline — 26DEA — is a colourless to pale yellow liquid carrying ethyl groups on both carbons flanking the amino group. It is normally made by ethylating aniline or ortho-ethylaniline over an acidic catalyst.
The symmetrical double substitution is the functional point. With both ortho positions occupied, the nitrogen is shielded and any amide formed from it is forced out of the plane of the ring — the twisted geometry that the chloroacetanilide herbicide family is built around.
At Chelora Chemicals, 26DEA is distilled to a controlled isomer profile and low colour, with mono-ethylated and higher-alkylated by-products held to specification, since these are the impurities that most affect downstream acylation yield.
- Appearance
- Colourless to pale yellow liquid
- Odour
- Characteristic amine odour
- Solubility
- Slightly soluble in water; soluble in most organic solvents
- Function
- Chemical intermediate
- Grade
- Technical / agrochemical
Formula diagram
Aniline ring with ethyl groups on both positions flanking the amine
- Molecular formulaC10H15N
- Molecular weight149.23 g/mol
- IUPAC name2,6-Diethylaniline
- Functional groupsPrimary aromatic amine, alkyl
- CAS number579-66-8
Technical product information
Standard specification for Chelora Chemicals' technical grade 2,6-Diethylaniline. Custom-grade and bulk specifications are available on request.
| Chemical name | 2,6-Diethylaniline |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | 26DEA, 2,6-DEA, 2,6-Diethylbenzenamine |
| CAS number | 579-66-8 |
| Molecular formula | C10H15N |
| Molecular weight | 149.23 g/mol |
| Assay (purity) | ≥ 99.0% |
| Appearance | Clear, colourless to pale yellow liquid |
| Density (20°C) | 0.940–0.952 g/cm³ |
| Boiling point | 240–245°C |
| Flash point | > 100°C (closed cup) |
| Refractive index (20°C) | 1.538–1.545 |
| Water content | ≤ 0.2% |
| Packaging | 200 kg drums, 1000 kg IBC, ISO tank |
| Shelf life | 12 months in sealed original packaging |
Applications of 2,6-Diethylaniline
Herbicide intermediates
The principal amine for chloroacetanilide herbicide actives used in broad-acre crop protection.
Agrochemical synthesis
Acylated and alkylated to build amide intermediates across crop-protection manufacturing.
Dyes & pigments
Condensed to form alkylated colour intermediates with good heat stability.
Specialty polymers
Applied as a hindered amine component in selected resin and polyurethane systems.
Rubber chemicals
Used in amine-based antioxidant and stabiliser synthesis.
Fine chemicals
Supplies a doubly hindered aniline core for amide and heterocycle formation.
Why choose Chelora Chemicals
Every batch of 2,6-Diethylaniline 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
Assay controlled at ≥99% with alkylation by-products, colour, and water content 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 — aromatic amines darken on oxidation.
- 04Segregate from strong oxidising agents, acids, and acid chlorides.
- 05Use compatible containers: lined steel, stainless steel, or HDPE.
- 06Re-seal drums promptly after use and maintain nitrogen blanketing on bulk storage.
Handling precautions
26DEA is a toxic aromatic amine, harmful in contact with skin, by inhalation, and if swallowed. 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.
Use local exhaust ventilation for drum decanting, charging, and heated operations, and avoid breathing vapour or mist.
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 2,6-Diethylaniline used for?
Its dominant use is as the amine component of chloroacetanilide herbicides. Smaller volumes go into dye intermediates, rubber chemicals, and specialty polymer systems.
Why does the 2,6 substitution pattern matter?
Two alkyl groups either side of the nitrogen create steric hindrance. When the amine is acylated, that hindrance twists the resulting amide out of the plane of the ring, and this three-dimensional shape is what gives the herbicide molecules their activity.
How does 26DEA compare with 26MEA?
Both are doubly hindered anilines used for the same class of herbicide. 26MEA carries an ethyl and a methyl group; 26DEA carries two ethyls. They lead to different actives within the family and are specified separately.
How is it manufactured?
By alkylating aniline or 2-ethylaniline with ethylene over an acidic catalyst. The reaction produces a distribution of mono-, di-, and higher-alkylated products, so separation and recycling determine the economics.
Why are alkylation by-products specified?
Mono-ethylaniline and higher-alkylated species react differently in acylation, producing off-specification amides that then need separating. Controlling them in the amine is cheaper than correcting them later.
Why does the liquid darken during storage?
Aromatic amines oxidise slowly on contact with air and light. Assay is generally unaffected, but sealed, cool, dark, nitrogen-blanketed storage preserves colour.
Is it soluble in water?
Only slightly. It is readily soluble in alcohols, ethers, esters, and aromatic hydrocarbons, so reactions are run in organic media.
What purity do you supply?
Standard technical grade is supplied at a minimum assay of 99% with water content at or below 0.2%. Higher assay and tighter by-product 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.
Is 26DEA hazardous?
Yes. It is toxic, absorbed through skin, and toxic to aquatic life. Engineering controls, PPE, and the Safety Data Sheet should be reviewed before any handling operation.
Do you provide a Certificate of Analysis?
Yes. Each batch ships with a Certificate of Analysis and Safety Data Sheet covering assay, colour, refractive index, density, water content, and appearance.