What Is Ethyleneimine?
Ethyleneimine, also known as aminoethylene, is a clear, colorless liquid with a strong ammonia odor. It is miscible in water and soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol. The vapor is heavier than air and can form explosive mixtures. It is highly corrosive and can corrode plastics, metals, and glass.
Ethyleneimine is produced by reacting chloroethylamine or aminoethyl sulfuric acid with sodium hydroxide.
Uses of Ethyleneimine
Ethyleneimine is used in various fields such as papermaking, fiber fixing agents, liquid purification agents, dispersing agents, antibacterial and sterilizing polymers, electronic and electric materials, and water-based paints. It serves as a raw material for organic synthesis, including taurine, and polyaziridine production.
Ethyleneimine is highly toxic and can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, headache, breathlessness, and pulmonary edema upon inhalation.