151-56-4

Ethyleneimine is a colorless liquid with an ammonia-like smell or pungent odor. It is highly flammable and reacts with a wide variety of materials. Ethyleneimine is used in polymerization products, as a monomer for polyethyleneimin, and as a comonomer for polymers, e.g., with ethylenediamine. Polymerized ethylenimine is used in paper, textile chemicals, adhesive binders, petroleum, refi ning chemicals, fuels, lubricants, coating resins, varnishes, lacquers, agricultural chemicals, cosmetics, ion-exchange resins, photographic chemicals, colloid fl occulants, and surfactants. Ethyleneimine readily polymerizes, and it behaves like a secondary amine. Ethyleneimine is highly caustic, attacking materials such as cork, rubber, many plastics, metals, and glas except those without carbonate or borax. It polymerizes explosively on contact with silver, aluminum, or acid. The activity of ethyleneimine is similar to that of nitrogen and sulfur mustards. Ethyleneimine is used as an intermediate in the production of triethylenemelamine. Polymerized ethyleneimine is used in paper, textile chemicals, adhesive binders, petroleum, refi ning chemicals, fuels, lubricants, coating resins, varnishes, lacquers, agricultural chemicals, cosmetics, ion-exchange resins, photographic chemicals, colloid fl occulants, and surfactants

A clear colorless liquid with an ammonia-like odor. Flash point 12°F. Less dense than water. Flammable over a wide range of vapor-air concentrations. Vapors irritate the skin, eyes, nose, and throat. May be toxic by prolonged inhalation, skin absorption, or ingestion. Carcinogenic. Vapors heavier than air. May polymerize exothermically if heated or contaminated. If the polymerization takes place inside a container, the container may rupture violently.

ETHYLENEIMINE vapors are not inhibited and may form polymers in vents or flame arresters, resulting in stopping of the vents. Produces toxic oxides of nitrogen during combustion. Reacts with sodium hypochlorite and other chlorinating agents to give the explosive compound 1-chloroazidine. Decomposes if heated under pressure. or else hazardous polymerization may occur. Incompatible with silver or aluminum, which induce polymerization May polymerize explosively upon contact with acids. Polymerization is catalyzed by carbon dioxide [EPA, 1998].

Highly flammable. Soluble in water.

Corrosive, absorbed by skin, causes tumors; exposure should be minimized; a carcinogen. Dangerous fire and explosion hazard, flammable limits in air 3.6–46%. Toxic by skin absorption; possible carcinogen.

Ethyleneimine is classified as extremely toxic with a probable oral lethal dose of 5-50 mg/kg which is approximately 7 drops to 1 teaspoonful for a 70 kg (150 lb.) person. Ethyleneimine gives inadequate warning when over-exposure is by inhalation or skin absorption. It is a severe blistering agent, causing third degree chemical burns of the skin. Also, it has a corrosive effect on mucous membranes and may cause scarring of the esophagus. It is corrosive to eye tissue and may cause permanent corneal opacity and conjunctival scarring. Severe exposure may result in overwhelming pulmonary edema. Renal damage has been described. Hemorrhagic congestion of all internal organs has been observed.

Exposures to ethyleneimine cause adverse health effects and poisoning. Ingestion/swallowing, inhalation, or absorption through exposures to skin cause severe irritation, blisters, severe deep burns, and effects of sensitization. Ethyleninime is corrosive to the eye tissue and may cause permanent corneal opacity and conjunctival scarring, severe respiratory tract irritation, and effects of infl ammation in workers. Ethyleneimine is a severe blistering agent, causing third degree chemical burns of the skin. The symptoms of toxicity include, but are not limited to, cough, dizziness, headache, labored breathing, nausea, vomiting, tearing and burning of the eyes, sore throat, nasal secretion, bronchitis, shortness of breath, laryngeal edema, pronounced changes of the trachea and bronchi of lungs. Ethyleneimine with its corrosive effects cause injury to the mucous membranes and acute oral exposure may cause scarring of the esophagus in humans. The onset of symptoms and health effects caused by ethyleneimine depends on exposure concentration.

Ethyleneimine is used in production of binding agents; formation of plastics; and improving paper strength; in many organic syntheses; as an intermediate and monomer for fuel oil and lubricating refining. The polymerization products, polyethyleneimines, are used as auxiliaries in the paper industry and as flocculation aids in the clarification of effluents. It is also used in the textile industry for increasing wet strength, flame-, water-, shrinkproofing, and stiffening

Irritating vapors are generated when heated. Vapor is heavier than air and may travel a considerable distance to a source of ignition and flash back. May polymerize in fires with evolution of heat and container rupture. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Ethyleneimine vapors are not inhibited and may form polymers in vents or flame arresters, resulting in stopping of the vents. Toxic oxides of nitrogen are produced during combustion. Upon treatment with sodium hypochlorite, ETHYLENEIMINE, INHIBITED(151-56-4) gives off the explosive compound 1-chloroazidine. Avoid acids, sodium hypochlorite. If heated under pressure, instability may result. Hazardous polymerization may occur. Avoid contact with silver or aluminum. Explosive polymerization may occur upon contact with acids. Polymerization is catalyzed by carbon dioxide.

If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least 45 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately since eye splashes can cause severe illness or death. If this chemical contacts the skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure, begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical facility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and induce vomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit. Medical observation is recommended for 24 to 48 hours after breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be delayed. As first aid for pulmonary edema, a doctor or authorized paramedic may consider administering a drug or other inhalation therapy

UN1185 Ethyleneimine, stabilized, Hazard class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poison Inhalation Hazard, 3-Flammable liquid, Inhalation Hazard Zone A. PGI

May form explosive mixture with air. Ethyleneimine is a medium strong base. Contact with acids, aqueous acid conditions, oxidizers, aluminum, or carbon dioxide may cause explosive polymerization. Explosive silver derivatives may be formed with silver alloys e.g., silver solder). Self-reactive with heat or atmospheric carbon dioxide. May accumulate static electrical charges, and may cause ignition of its vapors. Attacks rubber, coatings, plastics, and chemically active metals. Ethyleneimine vapors are not inhibited and may form polymers in vents or flame arresters, resulting in stopping of the vents.

Controlled incineration; incinerator equipped with a scrubber or thermal unit to reduce nitrogen oxides emissions

Clear, colorless, very flammable liquid with a very strong ammonia odor. Odor threshold concentration is 1.5 ppm (quoted, Amoore and Hautala, 1983).

Ethyleneimine is used to manufacture triethylenemelamine and is used in its polymeric form in paper and textile chemicals, adhesive binders, petroleum-refining chemicals, fuels and lubricants, coating resins, varnishes, lacquers, agricultural chemicals, cosmetics, ion-exchange resins, photographic chemicals, colloid flocculants, and surfactants.

Ethylenimine is used in the manufacture oftriethylenemelamine and other amines.

In the manufacture of triethylenemelamine.

ChEBI: Aziridine is a saturated organic heteromonocyclic parent, a member of aziridines and an azacycloalkane. It has a role as an alkylating agent. It is a conjugate base of an aziridinium.

Industrial quantities are made with monoethanolamine via a two-step chemical dehydration process using sulphuric acid and sodium hydroxide, or by reacting 1,2-dichloroethane with ammonia. The U.S. production in 1978 was over 1500 metric tons (Ham 1978).

Ethylenimine was first prepared in 1888 by G_ABRIEL, who mistakenly called it vinylamine. He prepared the ethylenimine by reacting 2-bromoethylamine hydrobromide with silver oxide or potassium hydroxide.

Highlyflammable

Reactivity with Water: Mild reaction, non-hazardous; Reactivity with Common Materials: Contact with silver or aluminum may cause polymerization; Stability During Transport: Stable unless heated under pressure; Neutralizing Agents for Acids and Caustics: Flush with water; Polymerization: Explosive polymerization can occur when in contact with acids; Inhibitor of Polymerization: None used.

Approximately 50% of ethylenimine produced in the U.S. is polymerized to polyethyleneimine, used as a flocculant in water treatment, and as a wet-strength additive in the textile and paper industries. Polyethylenimine is also used in various adhesives and coatings and to laminate plastic films to paper, other cellulose materials, and metal foils for making cartons in the food industry. The adhesion properties of acrylic latex paints are improved by reaction of acid groups with ethylenimine. Ethylenimines are utilized in the textile industry to improve durability, crease resistance, flame resistance, and dyeing properties. Other uses are found in ion-exchange resin synthesis, in electroplating, as a rocket propellant binder, as a lubricating oil dispersant, and as a hardening agent in the preparation of photographic films. Ethylenimine is used in the manufacture of triethylene melamine, a cancer chemotherapy drug; various ethylenimines are used as insect chemosterilant agents for pest control (Ham 1978).

The carcinogenicity of ethyleneimine was evaluated in two strains of mice, and both gave positive results. Groups of 18 male and 18 female mice of B6C3F1 or B6AKR strains were treated orally (initially by gavage, then in the diet) from age 7 days through 77–78 weeks. The time-weighted average (TWA) dose was about 1.8 mg/kg/day. The incidence of hepatomas and lung adenomas was significantly elevated in both strains and sexes. In B6C3F1 mice, the incidence of hepatomas and pulmonary adenomas was 15/17 and 15/17 in males and 11/15 and 15/15 females, respectively. In the B6AKR strain, hepatomas and adenomas occurred in 9/16 and 12/16 males and in 2/11 and 10/11 females, respectively. In the control groups, hepatomas were 8/79 and 0/87 in male and female B6C3F1 mice and 5/90 and 1/82 in male and female B6AKR mice. The respective incidence of pulmonary adenomas was 5/79, 3/87, 10/90, and 3/82. The incidence of hepatomas and pulmonary adenomas (reported as combined tumors) was significantly (p＜0.01) elevated.

Photolytic. The vacuum UV photolysis (λ = 147 nm) and γ radiolysis of ethylenimine resulted in the formation of acetylene, methane, ethane, ethylene, hydrogen cyanide, methyl radicals, and hydrogen (Scala and Salomon, 1976). Photolysis of ethylenimine vapor at krypton and xenon lines yielded ethylene, ethane, methane, acetylene, propane, butane, hydrogen, ammonia, and ethyleneimino radicals (Iwasaki et al., 1973).
Chemical/Physical. Polymerizes easily (Windholz et al., 1983). Hydrolyzes in water forming ethanolamine (HSDB, 1989). The estimated hydrolysis half-life in water at 25 °C and pH 7 is 154 d (Mabey and Mill, 1978).

When male Dow-Wistar rats were injected intraperitoneally with [¹⁴C]-ethylenimine (80mug), approximately half of the dose was excreted in the urine (Wright and Rowe 1967). The major portion of the radioactivity in the urine consisted of unidentified products, although a small amount was excreted unchanged. A small portion, 3-5%, was expired as ¹⁴C02, and 1-3% was expired as a volatile, basic material, probably ethylenimine, during 24 h. Significant amounts of radioactivity were accumulated in liver, intestines, cecum, spleen, and kidneys. After 24 h, tissue radioactivity became constant and essentially unavailable for further metabolism. The aziridine ring of drugs is readily cleaved by microsomal enzymes, possibly with intermediate formation of an N-oxide (Oelschlager and Al Shaik 1985).

(1) Color Code—Red: Flammability Hazard: Storein a flammable liquid storage area or approved cabinetaway from ignition sources and corrosive and reactivematerials. (2) Color Code—Blue: Health Hazard/Poison:Store in a secure poison location. Prior to working with thischemical you should be trained on its proper handling andstorage. Before entering confined space where this chemicalmay be present, check to make sure that an explosive concentration does not exist. Ethyleneimine must be inhibitedand stored to avoid contact with strong acids (such ashydrochloric, sulfuric, and nitric) and oxidizers (such asperchlorates, peroxides, permanganates, chlorates, andnitrates) since violent reactions occur. Store in tightlyclosed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area. Sources ofignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibitedwhere ethyleneimine is handled, used, or stored. Metal containers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more of ethyleneimine should be grounded and bonded. Drums mustbe equipped with self-closing valves, pressure vacuumbungs, and flame arresters. Use only nonsparking tools andequipment, especially when opening and closing containersof ethyleneimine. Wherever ethyleneimine is used, handled,manufactured, or stored, use explosion-proof electricalequipment and fittings. A regulated, marked area should beestablished where this chemical is handled, used, or storedin compliance with OSHA Standard 1910.1045

Redistil it in an Ar or N2 atmosphere in a fume hood, and store it over KOH in sealed bottles in a refrigerator. Commercial aziridine has been dried over sodium and distilled from the metal through an efficient column before use [Jackson & Edwards J Am Chem Soc 83 355 1961, Wenker J Am Chem Soc 57 2328 1935]. It is a weaker base than Me2NH (pK2 5 10.87) but is caustic to the skin. It should not be inhaled, causes inflammation of the eyes, nose and throat, and one may become sensitized to it. It is soluble in H2O, has an ammoniacal smell and reacts with CO2. Pure aziridine is comparatively stable but polymerises in the presence of traces of H2O and is occasionally explosive in the presence of acids. CO2 is sufficiently acidic to cause polymerisation (forms linear polymers) which is not free radical promoted. It is stable in the presence of bases. The violet 2:1 Cu complex crystallises from EtOH containing a few drops of aziridine and adding Et2O, and has m 142o(dec). The picrate has m 142o. [O'Rourke et al. J Am Chem Soc 78 2159 1956.] It has also been dried over BaO and has been distilled from sodium under nitrogen. [Allen et al. Org Synth Coll Vol IV 433 1963, Beilstein 20 III/IV 1.] TOXIC.

Ethyleneimine is an extremely reactive alkylating agent that undergoes ring-opening reactions with cellular nucleophiles.