What Is Aniline?
Aniline, also known as aminobenzene, phenylamine, and benzeneamine, is an aromatic amine with the chemical formula C6H5NH2. It is a clear, colorless liquid at room temperature that gradually turns reddish brown when exposed to air. Aniline is toxic and can cause poisoning through inhalation or skin absorption. Therefore, it must be handled with care.
Uses of Aniline
Aniline is primarily used as a raw material in various industries. It’s used in the production of dyes, pigments, rubber sulfurization accelerators, synthetic resins, plastics, conductive polymers like polyaniline, and in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and other chemicals.
Properties of Aniline
Aniline has a molecular weight of 93.13, is weakly basic, and has an amine odor. It has a specific gravity of 1.022, a melting point of -6°C, and a boiling point of 184°C. It is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents like ether, ethanol, and benzene. Aniline reacts with metals to produce hydrogen and anilide.
Other Information on Aniline
1. Aniline Production Methods
There are three industrial methods for producing aniline: reduction of nitrobenzene with hydrochloric acid, catalytic reduction of nitrobenzene with hydrogen, and ammonia substitution reaction of chlorobenzene. These methods involve various chemical reactions and catalysts to obtain aniline.
2. Safety of Aniline
Aniline is toxic and can be absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes, causing anemia, kidney and liver damage, nerve damage, and dermatitis. Protective measures are essential when handling aniline, including skin and eye protection and proper ventilation.
3. About Polyaniline
Polyaniline is a conductive polymer made from aniline. Its properties depend on the pH of the solution used during electrolytic polymerization. Conductive polyaniline is produced in acidic solutions while insulating polyaniline is formed in neutral or alkaline solutions.