2,6-Diethylaniline
A high-purity hindered aromatic amine supplied as a liquid — the core intermediate for chloroacetanilide herbicides and specialty chemical synthesis.
What is 2,6-Diethylaniline?
2,6-Diethylaniline — DEA — is a colourless to pale yellow liquid with ethyl groups on both carbons next to the amino group.
The two ethyl groups crowd the nitrogen, which slows unwanted side reactions and holds any attached group in a fixed position. That is why DEA is the backbone of the chloroacetanilide herbicide family, including alachlor, butachlor and pretilachlor.
At Chelora Agrochem, DEA is distilled to high assay with isomer content, colour and moisture held to specification for reproducible alkylation and chloroacetylation.
Quick facts
- Appearance
- Colourless to pale yellow liquid
- Odour
- Characteristic amine odour
- Solubility
- Insoluble in water; soluble in organic solvents
- Function
- Chemical intermediate
- Grade
- Technical / agrochemical
Formula diagram
Aniline ring with ethyl groups at both ortho positions
- 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 Agrochem's technical grade 2,6-Diethylaniline. Custom-grade and bulk specifications are available on request.
| Chemical name | 2,6-Diethylaniline |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | DEA, 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 | Colourless to pale yellow liquid |
| Density (20 °C) | approx. 0.91 g/cm³ |
| Boiling point | 243 °C |
| Melting point | 3–4 °C |
| Isomer content | ≤ 0.5% |
| Moisture | ≤ 0.2% |
| Packaging | 200 kg drums, 1000 kg IBC, ISO tank |
| Shelf life | 12 months in sealed original packaging |
Applications of 2,6-Diethylaniline
Chloroacetanilide herbicides
The core amine for alachlor, butachlor and pretilachlor-type actives.
Herbicide intermediates
Alkylated to 2,6-diethyl-N-substituted anilines such as the pretilachlor intermediate.
Pharmaceutical intermediates
Supplies a hindered aniline fragment to API building blocks.
Dyes & pigments
Used in specialty colour chemistry requiring a hindered amine.
Polymer & rubber chemicals
Applied in curing agents, stabilisers and antioxidants.
Catalyst ligands
A building block for bulky N-aryl ligands in organometallic chemistry.
Why choose Chelora Agrochem
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 isomer content, colour and moisture 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 supply.
Technical support
Process, handling and compliance guidance from our chemistry team.
Storage and guidelines
- 01Store in tightly sealed original containers, under nitrogen where possible.
- 02Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat, ignition sources and direct sunlight.
- 03Protect from air and light — the liquid darkens on oxidation.
- 04Segregate from strong oxidising agents, acids and acid chlorides.
- 05Use compatible containers: stainless steel, lined steel or HDPE.
- 06Re-seal drums promptly after use and prevent any release to drains, surface water or soil.
Handling precautions
DEA is a toxic aromatic amine that is harmful by inhalation, ingestion and skin contact. 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, eye protection and, where needed, respiratory protection are required.
Use local exhaust ventilation for drum decanting, charging and any heated operation; avoid breathing vapour or mist.
The product is toxic to aquatic life. Contain all spills and dispose of waste through licensed chemical waste routes.
Refer to the full Safety Data Sheet for exposure limits, spill response and first-aid measures before use.
Frequently asked questions
Its main use is chloroacetanilide herbicide manufacture — alachlor, butachlor and pretilachlor — plus pharmaceutical, polymer and ligand chemistry.
They sit on both sides of the nitrogen and hold the chloroacetyl group in the shape these herbicides need. Other anilines give different, usually inactive, products.
Yes. It melts around 3–4 °C, so it is liquid under normal conditions but can freeze in cold storage — gentle warming restores it without harm.
Only slightly. It dissolves readily in alcohols, ethers and aromatic solvents, and in dilute mineral acid, so reactions are normally run in organic media or after acid dissolution.
Aromatic amines oxidise slowly on contact with air and light, forming coloured impurities. Assay is usually unaffected, but sealed, cool, dark storage under nitrogen preserves colour for sensitive applications.
Standard grade is supplied at a minimum assay of 99% with isomer content at or below 0.5% and moisture at or below 0.2%. Tighter specifications can be produced to a customer specification sheet.
200 kg drums, 1000 kg IBCs and ISO tanks for bulk users. Samples are available for trial and development work.
Yes. Like other aromatic amines it is toxic by several routes, absorbed through skin and hazardous to aquatic life. Trained personnel, engineering controls and full PPE are required per the Safety Data Sheet.
Yes. Every batch is dispatched with a Certificate of Analysis and Safety Data Sheet covering assay, impurity profile, moisture and appearance.
Request a sample or quote
Talk to our team about volumes, documentation and lead times for 2,6-Diethylaniline. We usually reply within 24 hours.