Ethylenediamine

Absorption

After oral administration its bioavailability is about 0.34, due to a substantial first-pass effect.

Description

Ethylenediamine is used in numerous industrial proces ses as a solvent for casein or albumin, as a stabilizer in rubber latex and as a textile lubricant. It can be found in epoxy-resin hardeners, cooling oils, fungicides, and waxes. Contact dermatitis from ethylenediamine is almost exclusively due to topical medicaments. Occupational contact dermatitis in epoxy-resin systems is rather infrequent. Ethylenediamine can cross react with triethylenetetramine and diethylenetriamine. Ethylenediamine was responsible for sensitization in pharmacists handling aminophylline suppositories, in nurses preparing and administering injectable theophylline, and in a laboratory technician in the manufacture of aminophylline tab lets.

Chemical properties

Ethylenediamine, a polyamine, is a strongly alkaline, colorless, clear, thick liquid. Ammonia odor. A solid below 8.5℃. The Odor Threshold is 1.0 ppm

Physical properties

Clear, colorless, volatile, slight viscous, hygroscopic liquid with a sweet, ammonia-like odor. The average least detectable odor threshold concentrations in water at 60 °C and in air at 40 °C were 12 and 52 mg/L, respectively (Alexander et al., 1982).

The Uses of Ethylenediamine

Intermediate in the manufacture of EDTA; catalytic agent in epoxy resins; dyes, solvent stabilizer; neutralizer in rubber products

The Uses of Ethylenediamine

Ethylenediamine is used as a stabilizerfor rubber latex, as an emulsifier, as aninhibitor in antifreeze solutions, and intextile lubricants. It is also used as a solvent for albumin, shellac, sulfur, and othersubstances.

The Uses of Ethylenediamine

[Note—Edamine is the recommended contraction for the ethylenediamine radical.].

Indications

Ethylenediamine is approved for use within allergenic epicutaneous patch tests which are indicated for use as an aid in the diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) in persons 6 years of age and older.

Background

Ethylenediamine is an organic compound that is used as a building block for the production of many other chemical products. It is also used as an excipient in many pharmacological preparations such as creams. Notably, ethylenediamine is a contact sensitizer capable of producing local and generalized reactions . Sensitivity to ethylenediamine may be identified with a clinical patch test.

What are the applications of Application

Ethylenediamine is used as fuel additives, bleach activators, chelating agents, and corrosion inhibitors

Definition

ChEBI: An alkane-alpha,omega-diamine in which the alkane is ethane.

Definition

An organic compound, H₂NCH₂CH₂NH₂. It is important in inorganic chemistry because it may function as a bidentantate ligand, coordinating to a metal ion by the lone pairs on the two nitrogen atoms. In the names of complexes it is given the abbreviation en.

Production Methods

The production of ethylene-1,2-diamine (EDA) is by the catalytic amination of monoethanolamine or the reaction of aqueous ammonia with 1,2-dichloroethane (Spitz 1979). U.S. Production is estimated at greater than 33,000 tons in 1975.

General Description

Ethylenediamine is a linear aliphatic diamine, widely used as a building block in organic synthesis. It readily forms heterocyclic imidazolidine derivatives, because of its bifunctional nature, having two amines. Ethylenediamine is also utilized as a raw material for the synthesis of chelating agents, polymers, agrochemicals and pharmaceutical intermediates.

Air & Water Reactions

Highly flammable. Hygroscopic. Fumes in the air. Water soluble. Biodegrades readily.

Reactivity Profile

A base. Highly reactive with many compounds. Can react violently with acetic acid, acetic anhydride, acrolein, acrylic acid, acrylonitrile, allyl chloride, carbon disulfide, chlorosulfonic acid, epichlorohydrin, ethylene chlorohydrin, hydrogen chloride, mesityl oxide, nitric acid, oleum, AgClO4, sulfuric acid, beta-propiolactone and vinyl acetate. Incompatible with strong acids, strong oxidizers (perchlorate salts), and chlorinated organic compounds. Ethylenediamine is also incompatible with halogenated organic compounds and metal halides. May react with nitromethane and diisopropyl peroxydicarbonate. May ignite on contact with cellulose nitrate. Readily absorbs carbon dioxide from the air to give crusty solid deposits. . Ethylenediamine reacts violently with ethylene chlorohydrin. (Lewis, R.J., Sr. 1992. Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, 8th Edition. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold. pp. 1554.).

Hazard

Toxic by inhalation and skin absorption, strong irritant to skin and eyes. Flammable, moderate fire risk. Questionable carcinogen.

Health Hazard

Human subjects found 100 p.p.m. EDA for a few seconds to be inoffensive but higher concentrations of 200 and 400 p.p.m. produced noticeable irritation of the nasal mucosa (HSDB 1988). Acute EDA ingestion will cause burns of the mouth, esophagus and possibly stomach. Eye contact would be expected to produce a serious burn due to the corrosiveness of the compound. Acute exposure to the skin is likely to produce a skin burn, while chronic exposure will cause a serious burn.
EDA, in addition, is a potent allergen causing hypersensitization in exposed individuals (HSDB 1988). Because of such reactions, it has been difficult to establish threshold limits that will prevent the hypersensitization response. Allergic reactions to EDA in hair and nail care products have been observed among beauty operators, patrons and their husbands (Arena 1979). In the lacquer and shellac industries, exposure to EDA used as a solvent or paint thinner has produced wheezing, heaviness in the chest, severe asthma, allergic coryza and skin rashes (Arena 1979). Workmen exposed to EDA occasionally see halos around objects and have some blurring of vision, presumably due to the effects on the corneal epithelium (Grant 1974). In a study population of 1158 paid volunteers given a patch test, 0.43% showed a positive reaction to EDA (Prystowsky et al 1979).

Health Hazard

Ethylenediamine is a severe skin irritant, producing sensitization, an allergic reaction andblistering on the skin. Pure liquid on contact with the eyes can damage vision. A25% aqueous solution can be injurious to theeyes. Inhalation of its vapors can producea strong irritation to the nose and respiratory tract leading to chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary edema. Such irritation inhumans with symptoms of cough and dis tressed breathing may be noted at concentrations of >400 ppm. Repeated exposure tohigh concentrations of this substance in airmay cause lung, liver, and kidney damage.The toxicity of this compound, however, is much less than that of ethylenimine.The acute oral toxicity value in animalswas low to moderate. An oral LD50 value inrats is 500 mg/kg (NIOSH 1986).

Fire Hazard

Burning rate: 2.2 mm/minute. When exposed to heat or flame, the material has a moderate fire potential. The material can react readily with oxidizing materials. Containers may explode in heat of fire. Material emits nitrogen oxides when burned. Avoid carbon disulfide, silver perchlorate, imines, oxidizing materials. Stable. Hazardous polymerization may not occur.

Chemical Reactivity

Reactivity with Water Gives off heat, but reaction is not hazardous; Reactivity with Common Materials: No reaction; Stability During Transport: Stable; Neutralizing Agents for Acids and Caustics: Flush with water; Polymerization: Not pertinent; Inhibitor of Polymerization: Not pertinent.

Industrial uses

EDA functions as a reactive intermediate in the synthesis of carbamate fungicides and in the preparation of dyes, synthetic waxes, resins, insecticides and asphalt wetting agents (Parmeggiani 1983). EDA is a solvent for casein, albumin, shellac, and sulfur; an emulsifier; a stabilizer for rubber latex; an inhibitor in antifreeze solutions; and a pharmaceutic aid (aminophylline injection stabilizer) (Windholz 1983). It is also an important ingredient in hair-settings, cold wave lotions, and nail polish (Arena 1979).

Contact allergens

Ethylenediamine is used in numerous industrial processes as a solvent for casein or albumin, as a stabilizer in rubber latex, and as a textile lubricant. It can be found in epoxy resin hardeners, cooling oils, fungicides, and waxes. Contact dermatitis from ethylenediamine is almost exclusively due to topical medicaments. Occupational contact dermatitis in epoxy resin systems is rather infrequent. Ethylenediamine can crossreact with triethylenetetramine and diethylenetriamine. Ethylenediamine was found to be responsible for sensitization in pharmacists handling aminophylline suppositories, in nurses preparing and administering injectable theophylline, and in a laboratory technician in the manufacture of aminophylline tablets

Safety Profile

A human poison by inhalation. Experimental poison by inhalation, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, and intravenous routes. Moderately toxic by ingestion and skin contact, Experimental reproductive effects. Corrosive. A severe skin and eye irritant. An allergen and sensitizer. Mutation data reported. Flammable liquid when exposed to heat, flame, or oxidizers. Can react violently with acetic acid, acetic anhydride, acrolein, acrylic acid, acrylonitrile, allyl chloride, CS2, chlorosulfonic acid, epichlorohydrin, ethylene chlorohydrin, HCl, mesityl oxide, HNO3, oleum, AgClO4, H2SO4, Ppropiolactone, or vinyl acetate. To fight fwe, use CO2, dry chemical, alcohol foam. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of NOx and NH3. See also MINES.

Potential Exposure

Ethylenediamine is used as an intermediate; as a urine acidifier; as a solvent; an emulsifier for casein and shellac solutions; a stabilizer in rubber late. A chemical intermediate in the manufacture of dyes; corrosion inhibitors; synthetic waxes; fungicides, resins, insecticides, asphalt wetting agents; and pharmaceuticals. Ethylenediamine is a degradation product of the agricultural fungicide Maneb.

First aid

If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove anycontact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least15 min, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts theskin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediatelywith soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. Ifthis chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR ifheart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medicalfacility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. If victim is conscious, administer water ormilk. Do not induce vomiting. Medical observation isrecommended for 2448 h after breathing overexposure, aspulmonary edema may be delayed. As first aid for pulmonary edema, a doctor or authorized paramedic mayconsider administering a corticosteroid spray.

Environmental Fate

Chemical/Physical. Absorbs carbon dioxide forming carbonates (Patnaik, 1992; Windholz et al., 1983).
At an influent concentration of 1,000 mg/L, treatment with GAC resulted in an effluent concentration of 893 mg/L. The adsorbability of the carbon used was 21 mg/g carbon (Guisti et al., 1974).

Metabolism

EDA is absorbed through the skin (Beard and Noe 1981). The penetration rates, distribution and excretion of topically applied [¹⁴C]-ethylenediamine have been studied in the rat (Yang et al 1987). Male Wistar rats were percutaneously exposed to solutions of 10, 25 or 50% EDA over about 10% of the body surface. Absorption of EDA was concentration dependent, with about 12, 55 and 61% being absorbed at the 70, 25 and 50% concentration respectively. The terminal plasma half-life of EDA was approximately 4.5 h and the major route of excretion was via the urine. The authors concluded that skin absorption is relatively low and the reduced absorption at higher EDA concentrations may be due to epidermal damage.
When male rats were given 5, 50 or 500 mg/kg doses of [¹⁴C]-EDA by oral, endotracheal and i.v. routes, urinary excretion accounted for 42-65% of the administered radioactivity (Yang and Tallant 1982). Fecal excretion amounted to 5-32% of the dose, depending on the route and 6-9% was eliminated in expired air as ¹⁴CO₂. As the dosage increased from 5 to 50 to 500 mg/kg, there was a pattern of accumulated tissue EDA with a corresponding decrease in metabolite formation. The route of administration did not appear to change the metabolic profile. The major urinary metabolite in the rat was N-acetylethylenediamine (Yang and Tallant 1982). Cotgreave and Caldwell (1983) found that EDA was not detectable in the plasma 2 h after oral and i.v. administration of aminophylline in three healthy human subjects. Davies et al (1983) observed that ethylenediamine uptake in rat brain slices was temperature-dependent and appeared to take place by both sodium dependent and sodium independent mechanisms. Yang et al (1984a) demonstrated age- and, to a lesser extent, sex-related differences in the pharmacokinetics of EDA in Fischer 344 rats.

Metabolism

Not Available

storage

(1) Color Code—White: Corrosive or ContactHazard; Store separately in a corrosion-resistant location.(2) Color Code—Blue: Health Hazard/Poison: Store in asecure poison location. Prior to working with this chemicalyou should be trained on its proper handling and storage.Before entering confined space where this chemical may bepresent, check to make sure that an explosive concentrationdoes not exist. Ethylenediamine must be stored to avoidcontact with acetic acid, acetic anhydride, acrolein, acrylicacid, acrylonitrile, allyl chloride, carbon disulfide, chlorosulfonic acid, epichlorhydrin, ethylene chlorohydrin, oleum,methyl oxide, vinyl acetate, hydrogen chloride, and sulfuricacid since violent reactions occur. Store in tightly closedcontainers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from oxidizers (such as perchlorates, peroxides, permanganates, chlorates, and nitrates). Detached outdoor storage is preferred.Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, areprohibited where ethylenediamine is handled, used, orstored. Metal containers involving the transfer of 5 gallonsor more of ethylenediamine should be grounded andbonded. Drums must be equipped with self-closing valves,pressure vacuum bungs, and flame arresters. Use only nonsparking tools and equipment, especially when opening andclosing containers of ethylenediamine.

Shipping

UN1604 Ethylenediamine, Hazard class: 8; Labels: 8-Corrosive material, 3-Flammable liquid

Purification Methods

It forms a constant-boiling (b 118.5o, monohydrate, m 10o) mixture with water (23w/w%). [It is hygroscopic and miscible with water.] Recommended purification procedure [Asthana & Mukherjee in J.F.Coetzee (ed), Purification of Solvents, Pergamon Press, Oxford, 1982 cf p 53]: to 1L of ethylenediamine is added 70g of type 5A Linde molecular sieves and shaken for 12hours. The liquid is decanted and shaken for a further 12hours with a mixture of CaO (50g) and KOH (15g). The supernatant is fractionally distilled (at 20:1 reflux ratio) in contact with freshly activated molecular sieves. The fraction distilling at 117.2o /760mm is collected. Finally it is fractionally distilled from sodium metal. All distillations and storage of ethylenediamine should be carried out under nitrogen to prevent reaction with CO2 and water. The material containing 30% water is dried with solid NaOH (600g/L) and heated on a water bath for 10hours. Above 60o, separation into two phases takes place. The hot ethylenediamine layer is decanted off, refluxed with 40g of sodium for 2hours and distilled [Putnam & Kobe Trans Electrochem Soc 74 609 1938]. Ethylenediamine is usually distilled under nitrogen. Alternatively, it is dried over type 5A Linde molecular sieves (70g/L), then a mixture of 50g of CaO and 15g of KOH/L, with further dehydration of the supernatant with molecular sieves followed by distillation from molecular sieves and, finally, from sodium metal. A spectroscopically improved material is obtained by shaking with freshly baked alumina (20g/L) before distillation. [Beilstein 4 IV 1166.]

Incompatibilities

Vapor may form explosive mixture with air. Ethylenediamine is a medium strong base. Violent reaction with strong acids; strong oxidizers; chlorinated organic compounds; acetic acid; acetic anhydride; acrolein, acrylic acid; acrylonitrile, allyl chloride; carbon disulfide; chlorosulfonic acid; epichlorohydrin, ethylene chlorohydrin, oleum, methyl oxide; vinyl acetate. Also incompatible with silver perchlorate, 3-propiolactone, mesityl oxide; ethylene dichloride; organic anhydrides; isocyanates, acrylates, substituted allyls; alkylene oxides; ketones, aldehydes, alcohols, glycols, phenols, cresols, caprolactum solution. Attacks aluminum, copper, lead, tin, zinc, and alloys; some plastics, rubber, and coatings.

Waste Disposal

Controlled incineration (oxides of nitrogen are removed from the effluent gas by scrubbers and/or thermal devices).