Methyl Ethyl Aniline
A high-purity substituted aromatic amine, supplied as 2-ethyl-6-methylaniline for herbicide intermediates, dye chemistry, and specialty organic synthesis.
What is Methyl Ethyl Aniline?
Methyl Ethyl Aniline, commonly abbreviated 26MEA and named 2-ethyl-6-methylaniline under IUPAC rules, is a colourless to pale yellow liquid aromatic amine carrying an ethyl group and a methyl group on the two ring positions flanking the amino group.
That symmetrical ortho substitution is the point of the molecule. The two alkyl groups shield the nitrogen and force the amide bond formed from it out of the plane of the ring, which is exactly the geometry required by the chloroacetanilide class of herbicides.
At Chelora Chemicals, 26MEA is distilled to a controlled isomer profile and low colour, with moisture and residual isomers held to specification so that acylation, alkylation, and condensation steps downstream stay clean and reproducible.
- 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 and methyl groups flanking the amino group
- Molecular formulaC9H13N
- Molecular weight135.21 g/mol
- IUPAC name2-Ethyl-6-methylaniline
- Functional groupsPrimary aromatic amine, alkyl
- CAS number24549-06-2
Technical product information
Standard specification for Chelora Chemicals' technical grade Methyl Ethyl Aniline. Custom-grade and bulk specifications are available on request.
| Chemical name | Methyl Ethyl Aniline |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | 26MEA, 2-Ethyl-6-methylaniline, 6-Ethyl-o-toluidine |
| CAS number | 24549-06-2 |
| Molecular formula | C9H13N |
| Molecular weight | 135.21 g/mol |
| Assay (purity) | ≥ 99.0% |
| Appearance | Clear, colourless to pale yellow liquid |
| Density (20°C) | 0.972–0.984 g/cm³ |
| Boiling point | 218–220°C |
| Flash point | > 93°C (closed cup) |
| Refractive index (20°C) | 1.537–1.541 |
| Water content | ≤ 0.2% |
| Packaging | 200 kg drums, 1000 kg IBC, ISO tank |
| Shelf life | 12 months in sealed original packaging |
Applications of Methyl Ethyl Aniline
Herbicide intermediates
The principal building block for chloroacetanilide herbicide actives, where the ortho-alkyl pattern is essential to activity.
Agrochemical synthesis
Acylated and alkylated to produce amide intermediates used across crop-protection manufacturing.
Dyes & pigments
Diazotised or condensed to form colour intermediates with good light and heat stability.
Rubber chemicals
Used in the synthesis of amine-based antioxidants and accelerators.
Pharmaceutical intermediates
Supplies a hindered aniline core for amide and heterocycle formation in fine chemical routes.
Specialty polymers
Applied as a chain component and curing intermediate in selected resin and polyurethane systems.
Why choose Chelora Chemicals
Every batch of Methyl Ethyl Aniline 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 profile and colour 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 area away from direct sunlight and heat.
- 03Protect from prolonged air and light exposure — 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 keep nitrogen blanketing on bulk storage.
Handling precautions
26MEA is a toxic aromatic amine that is harmful in contact with skin and by inhalation. Handle as an industrial chemical with trained personnel only.
Aromatic amines can be absorbed through intact skin. Use chemically resistant gloves, coveralls, and eye protection, and change contaminated clothing immediately.
Provide local exhaust ventilation for drum decanting, charging, and any heated operation; avoid breathing vapour or mist.
Refer to the full Safety Data Sheet for exposure limits, spill containment, disposal, and first-aid measures before use.
Frequently asked questions
What is Methyl Ethyl Aniline used for?
It is an intermediate, used mainly in the manufacture of chloroacetanilide herbicides. Smaller volumes go into dye intermediates, rubber chemicals, and fine chemical synthesis where a hindered aniline is required.
Why is the 2-ethyl-6-methyl substitution pattern important?
The alkyl groups on both positions next to the amino 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 downstream herbicide molecules their activity.
Is Methyl Ethyl Aniline the same as MEA (monoethanolamine)?
No, and the abbreviation causes real confusion in purchasing. Monoethanolamine is a completely different product with a different CAS number. Always order against CAS 24549-06-2 and the name 2-ethyl-6-methylaniline to avoid a mix-up.
Why does the product darken in the drum?
Aromatic amines slowly oxidise on contact with air and light, which produces coloured impurities. The material is normally still on specification for assay, but colour can be preserved by keeping drums sealed, cool, dark, and where possible under nitrogen.
Is it soluble in water?
Only slightly. It is readily soluble in alcohols, ethers, aromatic hydrocarbons, and most common organic solvents, so reactions are normally 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 isomer specifications can be manufactured to order.
What packaging sizes are available?
200 kg drums, 1000 kg IBCs, and ISO tanks for bulk supply. Lab and pilot samples are available on request.
How should it be stored, and for how long?
In sealed original packaging in a cool, dry, ventilated store away from oxidising agents and acids. Shelf life is 12 months from manufacture when storage conditions are maintained.
Is it hazardous to handle?
Yes. It is classified as toxic and can be absorbed through the skin, and it is hazardous 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, water content, and appearance.