Ethylamine (EA) — properties & hazards overview
Boiling point
≈ 16–17 °C
Flash point
Very low (vapours ignite)
Odour threshold
Low (ppm → sub-ppm)
Water solubility
High; complete as salts
Flammability
Low FP; vapours ignite
Toxicity
Irritant/corrosive (basic)
Chronic risk
Sensitization/odour
Environmental
N-load/COD
| Property | Value / Note |
|---|---|
| Chemical identity | Primary amine; colourless, strongly odorous gas/liquid near ambient; C₂H₇N. |
| Molar mass | ≈ 45.1 g/mol |
| Reactivity | Strong base; rapid, exothermic salt formation with mineral acids (e.g., sulfate/chloride). Incompatible with strong oxidizers; may attack some plastics/coatings. |
| Behaviour in gas streams | Moderately volatile; capture is high when protonated in acidic liquor. Risk of salt mist/slip at low pH and high gas velocity — demister performance is critical. |
| Best analytical detection | FTIR (inline) — continuous, selective detection of amine N–H/C–N bands; ideal for process/leak monitoring and scrubber outlet control without reagents. |
*Indicative values; verify exact limits and physical data via current SDS (“verify via SDS”).