H2NCH26NH2

Ethylenediamine, often abbreviated as EDA, is an organic compound with the formula C2H8N2. Its structure features a two-carbon chain with an amino group at each end, commonly written as H2N-CH2-CH2-NH2.

It is a colorless to pale yellow liquid at room temperature, hygroscopic, and miscible with water and several organic solvents. Its melting point is about −11 °C and its boiling point near 195–198 °C. As a primary diamine, both amino groups are basic and readily protonated.

Industrial production centers on the reaction of ethylene dichloride with ammonia, which gives ethylenediamine and ammonium chloride and can be followed by purification to isolate EDA. It is often manufactured together with related diamines such as diethylenetriamine in complex downstream processes.

Applications of ethylenediamine are wide in polymer and chemical synthesis. It is a key building block in the production of polyamide resins and polyurethanes, acts as a curing agent for epoxy resins, and serves as an intermediate to prepare chelating agents such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). It is also used in rubber accelerators, agricultural chemicals, and as a ligand in coordination chemistry due to its two amine donors.

Safety: ethylenediamine is corrosive and can irritate skin, eyes, and the respiratory tract. It should be handled with appropriate protective equipment in a well-ventilated area, stored in closed, labeled containers away from oxidizing agents, and disposed of according to local regulations. It is toxic to aquatic life.