CH2CH2NH2

CH2CH2NH2 is commonly used as a shorthand to denote vinylamine, also called ethenamine. The standard molecular formula is C2H5N, and the structure is CH2=CH-NH2, a vinyl group bearing a primary amine. As the simplest vinyl amine, it combines features of both an alkene and an amine, making it a versatile reactive building block in organic synthesis.

Structure and nomenclature: Vinylamine has a vinyl (ethenyl) unit attached to an amino group. The amine is primary, which influences its reactivity in nucleophilic additions, substitutions, and polymerization. Because ethene's two carbons are equivalent, the substituent can be considered on either carbon, yielding the same vinylamine connectivity in typical representations.

Production and handling: Vinylamine is a reactive intermediate and is usually produced and handled under controlled conditions in specialized facilities. It can be generated in situ for specific synthetic sequences to minimize unwanted polymerization. The material is typically stored and used with stabilizers or in stabilized formulations, and it requires appropriate ventilation and corrosion-resistant equipment. It is reactive with moisture, oxygen, and some oxidizers, and exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract.

Applications: As a vinyl amine, it serves as a building block in organic synthesis, enabling amination-related transformations and serving as a precursor to more complex amine-containing compounds. It can also be used in the preparation of polymers and copolymers that feature vinylamine units or related functionalities.

Safety and hazards: Vinylamine is flammable and can be irritating or hazardous upon exposure. Handling should follow standard procedures for volatile amines, including use of protective equipment, proper storage, and informed waste disposal. Note that CH2CH2NH2 can be ambiguous; if the intended compound is ethylenediamine (H2N-CH2-CH2-NH2), that is a different substance with its own properties.

See also: Ethene derivatives, Vinyl group, Ethylenediamine, Polyvinylamines.