N-Ethyl-m-toluidine
A high-purity N-alkylated aromatic amine supplied for rhodamine, xanthene, and triarylmethane dye manufacture.
What is N-Ethyl-m-toluidine?
N-Ethyl-m-toluidine — MEMT, also catalogued as 3-ethylaminotoluene — is a colourless to amber liquid carrying an ethyl group on the nitrogen and a methyl on the ring.
N-alkylation is what makes it a dye intermediate rather than a general aniline. Substituting the nitrogen raises electron density on the amine and shifts the absorption of any chromophore built from it toward longer wavelength, which is why the rhodamine and triarylmethane families are built from N-alkylated toluidines rather than plain ones.
At Chelora Chemicals, MEMT is distilled to a controlled isomer profile and low colour, with residual m-toluidine held to specification, since unalkylated amine gives a different and unwanted chromophore in the finished dye.
- Appearance
- Colourless to amber liquid
- Odour
- Characteristic amine odour
- Solubility
- Slightly soluble in water; soluble in organic solvents
- Function
- Chemical intermediate
- Grade
- Technical / dye
Formula diagram
Secondary amine with an N-ethyl group and a meta methyl
- Molecular formulaC9H13N
- Molecular weight135.21 g/mol
- IUPAC nameN-Ethyl-3-methylaniline
- Functional groupsSecondary aromatic amine, alkyl
- CAS number102-27-2
Technical product information
Standard specification for Chelora Chemicals' technical and dye grade N-Ethyl-m-toluidine. Custom-grade and bulk specifications are available on request.
| Chemical name | N-Ethyl-m-toluidine |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | MEMT, 3-Ethylaminotoluene, N-Ethyl-3-methylaniline |
| CAS number | 102-27-2 |
| Molecular formula | C9H13N |
| Molecular weight | 135.21 g/mol |
| Assay (purity) | ≥ 99.0% |
| Appearance | Clear, colourless to amber liquid |
| Density (20°C) | 0.925–0.940 g/cm³ |
| Boiling point | 214–221°C |
| Flash point | > 90°C (closed cup) |
| Residual m-toluidine | ≤ 0.5% |
| Water content | ≤ 0.2% |
| Packaging | 200 kg drums, 1000 kg IBC |
| Shelf life | 12 months in sealed original packaging |
Applications of N-Ethyl-m-toluidine
Rhodamine dyes
A building block for rhodamine and xanthene dyes used in inks, textiles, and tracers.
Triarylmethane dyes
Condensed into basic dyes for paper, textile, and ink applications.
Basic & cationic dyes
Feeds cationic dye manufacture for acrylic fibre and paper.
Pigment intermediates
Applied in laked pigment manufacture from basic dye precursors.
Pharmaceutical intermediates
Used where an N-alkylated toluidine core is required in fine chemical synthesis.
Specialty chemicals
Applied in optical and photographic chemical manufacture.
Why choose Chelora Chemicals
Every batch of N-Ethyl-m-toluidine 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 residual primary amine, colour, and water verified before dispatch.
Full documentation
COA, SDS, and regulatory data supplied with every shipment.
Flexible volumes
From 200 kg drums to IBC quantities, with samples on request.
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 — N-alkylated anilines darken on oxidation.
- 04Segregate from strong oxidising agents, acids, and acid chlorides.
- 05Use compatible containers: lined steel, stainless steel, or HDPE.
- 06Prevent any release to drains, surface water, or soil.
Handling precautions
MEMT is toxic by inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption. It is for industrial use by trained personnel only.
Aromatic amines are readily 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 decanting, charging, and heated operations, and avoid breathing vapour or mist.
The product is toxic to aquatic life. Contain all spills and dispose of waste through licensed routes.
Refer to the full Safety Data Sheet for exposure limits, spill response, and first-aid measures before use.
Frequently asked questions
What is N-Ethyl-m-toluidine used for?
It is a dye intermediate, used mainly in rhodamine, xanthene, and triarylmethane chemistry to build basic and cationic dyes for textiles, paper, and inks.
Why is the nitrogen alkylated?
Alkylating the nitrogen raises electron density on the amine and shifts the colour of the resulting dye toward longer wavelength, giving the brighter, deeper shades that the rhodamine and triarylmethane families are known for.
Why is residual m-toluidine specified?
The unalkylated primary amine reacts differently in dye synthesis and produces a distinct chromophore that shows up as an off-shade component. Controlling it at the intermediate stage is far cheaper than correcting shade later.
Is this the same as 3-ethylaminotoluene?
Yes. Both names describe CAS 102-27-2. The ethylamino form is common in older catalogues and the N-ethyl form in current nomenclature.
How does it differ from N,N-diethyl-m-toluidine?
MEMT is a secondary amine with one N-ethyl group and one N-H. DEMT is a tertiary amine with two N-ethyls. That difference changes both the reactions available and the shade of the finished dye.
Why does the liquid darken during storage?
N-alkylated anilines oxidise on contact with air and light. Assay is generally unaffected, but colour matters for dye work, so nitrogen-blanketed, cool, dark storage is worthwhile.
Is it soluble in water?
Only slightly. It dissolves readily in alcohols, ethers, esters, and aromatic hydrocarbons, so reactions are run in organic media.
What purity do you supply?
Standard grade is supplied at a minimum assay of 99% with residual m-toluidine at or below 0.5% and water at or below 0.2%. Tighter specifications can be produced to order.
What packaging sizes are available?
200 kg drums and 1000 kg IBCs, with samples available for shade trials.
Is MEMT hazardous?
Yes. It is toxic by several routes, absorbed through skin, and toxic to aquatic life. Engineering controls, PPE, and the Safety Data Sheet should be reviewed before handling.
Do you provide a Certificate of Analysis?
Yes. Every batch is dispatched with a Certificate of Analysis and Safety Data Sheet covering assay, residual primary amine, density, colour, water content, and appearance.