1-(Ethylamino)-2-methylpropan-2-ol
[CAS# 73825-96-4]

Identification

• Classification: Organic raw materials >> Alcohols, phenols, phenolic compounds and derivatives
• Name: 1-(Ethylamino)-2-methylpropan-2-ol
• Molecular Formula: C₆H₁₅NO
• Molecular Weight: 117.19
• CAS Registry Number: 73825-96-4
• EC Number: 620-679-2
• SMILES: CCNCC(C)(C)O

Properties

• Density: 0.9±0.1 g/cm³ Calc.^*
• Boiling point: 183.9±13.0 °C 760 mmHg (Calc.)^*
• Flash point: 65.1±10.5 °C (Calc.)^*
• Index of refraction: 1.435 (Calc.)^*

^* Calculated using Advanced Chemistry Development (ACD/Labs) Software.

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Risk Statements: H315-H319-H335
• Safety Statements: P261-P264-P264+P265-P271-P280-P302+P352-P304+P340-P305+P351+P338-P319-P321-P332+P317-P337+P317-P362+P364-P403+P233-P405-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Serious eye damage	Eye Dam.	1	H318
Flammable liquids	Flam. Liq.	4	H227

• Transport Information: UN 2735

Discovery and Applications

1‑(Ethylamino)‑2‑methylpropan‑2‑ol is a tertiary amino alcohol characterized by a branched isopropanol backbone featuring an ethylamino substituent on the central carbon. Its molecular formula is C₆H₁₅NO and it typically exists as its hydrochloride salt to enhance water solubility and crystalline stability. The free base is a hygroscopic liquid with a boiling point around 160 °C and is fully miscible with water and polar organic solvents.

The compound is generally synthesized via nucleophilic substitution. A common route involves reaction of 2‑methylpropan‑2‑ol with ethylamine under controlled temperature and pressure, often facilitated by a catalyst or elevated heat to drive the substitution reaction. The resulting amino alcohol base is then converted to the hydrochloride salt by treatment with hydrochloric acid. This salt form is favored for ease of handling, storage, and formulation.

In synthetic chemistry, 1‑(Ethylamino)‑2‑methylpropan‑2‑ol serves as a multifunctional reagent. Its combination of a tertiary amine and secondary alcohol allows participation in diverse reactions such as esterification, etherification, and amine alkylation. This makes it useful as a building block in organic synthesis, particularly in medicinal chemistry for incorporation into more complex molecular frameworks.

Commercially, it appears in catalogs as an intermediate or specialty reagent. Its hydrochloride salt form is noted for improved stability, handling, and reactivity control, especially in multi-step synthetic routes. Additionally, its hydroxyl group allows transformation into derivatives like esters or carbamates, enabling introduction of protective or lipophilic moieties.

Although peer-reviewed studies specifically on this compound are minimal, its structure and reactivity profile align it with applications in specialty chemical synthesis, surfactant design, and small-scale laboratory workflows. Its basicity and solubility also make it amenable to phase‑transfer catalysis or as a buffer component in certain aqueous reactions.

Safety handling notes emphasize that as an amine derivative, it can be corrosive to skin and eyes and should be managed with appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves, goggles, and ventilation. Being hygroscopic, it should be stored in airtight containers. Flammability risks are low at ambient temperature, but standard hazard labeling and storage practices are warranted.

In summary, 1‑(Ethylamino)‑2‑methylpropan‑2‑ol is a tertiary amino alcohol with a branched isopropanol core and an ethylamino substituent. The hydrochloride salt form offers practical benefits in synthesis and formulation. Its dual functional groups allow application as a versatile intermediate in organic synthesis. Although its use is more niche than mainstream industrial chemicals, it plays a valuable role in specialized research and synthetic contexts.

References

U.S. Army Armament Research & Development Command, Chemical Systems Laboratory, NIOSH Exchange Chemicals. NX#03831.