Etyleenidiamiini

Ethylenediamine, also known as ethylenediamine or 1,2-diaminoethane, is an organic compound with the formula C2H8N2. It consists of a two-carbon ethylene backbone with an amino group attached to each carbon, giving it two primary amine groups. It is commonly used as a versatile building block in organic synthesis and as a bidentate ligand in coordination chemistry.

Physically, ethylenediamine is a colorless, hygroscopic liquid with a strong ammonia-like odor. It is miscible with water and many organic solvents and is bases, reacting with acids to form salts. It is corrosive and can cause irritation to skin, eyes, and the respiratory tract.

Industrial production typically involves catalytic hydrogenation of nitriles derived from ethylene, such as acrylonitrile, in the presence of ammonia and hydrogen over nickel-based catalysts. This route yields ethylenediamine along with other polyamines as coproducts. Alternative synthesis routes exist, but nitrile hydrogenation is the most common in large-scale production.

Applications of ethylenediamine are broad. It is a key precursor to polyurethanes and epoxy resin hardeners, and it serves as a reactive building block for various polymers, surfactants, and corrosion inhibitors. It is also used in the manufacture of chelating agents and coordination compounds, including metal complexants for catalysis and separation technologies. In organic synthesis, it provides two reactive amine sites for coupling reactions and for the formation of diamine derivatives such as EDTA precursors.

Safety notes emphasize that ethylenediamine is caustic and can be hazardous if mishandled. Proper engineering controls, personal protective equipment, and storage away from oxidizers are recommended.