N,N-Diethyl-o-toluidine: Properties, Uses & Safety Guide

N,N-Diethyl-o-toluidine is a tertiary aromatic amine widely employed in organic synthesis and polymer chemistry as a reactive intermediate and accelerator.

Chemical Name

N,N-Diethyl-o-toluidine

CAS Number

606-46-2

Molecular Formula

C₁₁H₁₇N

Molecular Weight

163.26 g/mol

Appearance

Colorless to pale yellow liquid

SKU (Aladdin Scientific)

D140170

Chemical Identity and Physical Properties

N,N-Diethyl-o-toluidine (CAS 606-46-2) is a tertiary aromatic amine belonging to the toluidine family. Its molecular formula is C₁₁H₁₇N with a molecular weight of approximately 163.26 g/mol. The compound features an ortho-methyl substituent on the aniline ring along with two N-ethyl groups, distinguishing it structurally from para- and meta-isomers.

The compound is typically encountered as a colorless to pale yellow liquid at room temperature. It is miscible with common organic solvents such as ethanol, acetone, and diethyl ether, but has limited solubility in water, consistent with its hydrophobic aromatic character. The ortho-methyl group introduces steric effects near the nitrogen atom that influence its reactivity and physical behavior relative to unhindered analogues.

Laboratory Applications and Uses

N,N-Diethyl-o-toluidine serves multiple roles in research and industrial chemistry. As a tertiary aromatic amine, it is used as an electron-donor intermediate in the synthesis of dyes, pigments, and specialty chemicals. Its electron-rich nitrogen center makes it a candidate for participation in electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions and in coupling reactions used to build complex organic scaffolds.

The compound has been investigated as an accelerator or co-initiator in radical polymerization systems, particularly in conjunction with peroxide initiators for acrylic and methacrylic resin formulations. Researchers in materials science may employ it in the formulation of dental composites, adhesives, and coating systems where controlled free-radical generation is required. Additionally, it can serve as a reference standard or analytical reagent in chromatographic method development for amine analysis.

Safety, Handling, and Storage

As an aromatic amine, N,N-Diethyl-o-toluidine must be handled with appropriate caution. Aromatic amines as a class are known to carry potential health hazards including skin sensitization and possible systemic toxicity upon prolonged or repeated exposure. Personnel working with this compound should wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and a laboratory coat. Operations should be conducted in a well-ventilated fume hood to minimize inhalation risk.

The compound should be stored in tightly sealed containers away from strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, and ignition sources, in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Containers should be kept away from incompatible materials. Disposal must comply with local, national, and institutional regulations for hazardous chemical waste. Researchers should consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) supplied by Aladdin Scientific prior to use for the most up-to-date hazard classification, first-aid measures, and regulatory information.

Procurement and Product Specifications

Aladdin Scientific offers N,N-Diethyl-o-toluidine under SKU D140170. Researchers and procurement professionals should contact Aladdin Scientific directly or visit the product page to confirm current available pack sizes, purity grades, and pricing. Purity specifications and analytical certificates (CoA) are available upon request and are recommended for quality-critical applications such as reference standard use or formulation work requiring defined amine content.

When ordering, laboratory managers should specify the required quantity and purity grade to ensure the appropriate specification is supplied. Aladdin Scientific's technical support team can assist with questions regarding solvent compatibility, concentration preparation, and storage recommendations tailored to specific experimental needs.

Frequently asked questions

What is N,N-Diethyl-o-toluidine used for in the laboratory?

N,N-Diethyl-o-toluidine is primarily used as an organic synthesis intermediate, particularly in dye and specialty chemical preparation. It also functions as a radical polymerization accelerator in acrylic resin systems and may serve as an analytical reference standard for amine chromatographic methods.

What safety precautions are required when handling N,N-Diethyl-o-toluidine?

Handling requires use of chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and a laboratory coat. Work should be performed in a well-ventilated fume hood due to inhalation risks. Users must consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for full hazard information before use.

How should N,N-Diethyl-o-toluidine be stored to maintain stability?

The compound should be stored in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from strong oxidizers, strong acids, and sources of ignition. Adherence to the storage conditions specified on the product SDS and certificate of analysis is strongly recommended.

What is the Aladdin Scientific SKU for N,N-Diethyl-o-toluidine?

N,N-Diethyl-o-toluidine is available from Aladdin Scientific under SKU D140170. Contact Aladdin Scientific or visit the product listing for current availability, pack sizes, purity grades, and pricing.

References

1. March, J. Advanced Organic Chemistry: Reactions, Mechanisms, and Structure. Wiley-Interscience. General reference for aromatic amine chemistry.
2. Odian, G. Principles of Polymerization. Wiley-Interscience. Reference for amine accelerators in radical polymerization.
3. Aladdin Scientific. Product listing for N,N-Diethyl-o-toluidine, SKU D140170. Safety Data Sheet available on request.

Products are supplied for research and development use only. Not for use in humans, animals, diagnosis, or therapy.