What Is Diisopropylethylamine?
Diisopropylethylamine, also known as N,N-diisopropylethylamine, is an organic compound featuring two isopropyl groups and an ethyl group attached to a nitrogen atom. It is a common reagent in pharmaceutical manufacturing and organic synthesis research, valued for its sterically bulky structure.
The primary method for producing diisopropylethylamine involves the ethylation of diisopropylamine with diethyl sulfate or ethyl iodide.
Uses of Diisopropylethylamine
As a low nucleophilic base with bulky isopropyl groups, diisopropylethylamine is primarily used as a reagent in organic synthesis. It finds application in:
- Synthesis of biologically active substances, particularly peptides.
- Production of oxime resins for solid-phase synthesis of cyclic peptides.
- Manufacture of benzotriazole derivatives like 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt) and 1-hydroxy-7-azabenzotriazole (HOAt), used as coupling reagents in peptide synthesis.
Diisopropylethylamine is also widely used in laboratory research as a bulky base in organic reactions.
Properties of Diisopropylethylamine
Chemical Formula: C8H19N; CAS No: 7087-68-5; Molecular Weight: 129.24 g/mol; Melting Point: -50°C; Boiling Point: 127°C. It is soluble in ethanol and acetone but insoluble in water.
Aliases and Safety Information for Diisopropylethylamine
Also known as N-ethyl diisopropylethylamine or Hünig’s Base (named after German chemist Siegfried Helmut Hünig), DIPEA is a flammable and hazardous material. It requires careful handling with protective gear, especially in well-ventilated environments, due to its pungent odor. For storage, it should be kept in a cool, dark place, away from light to prevent decomposition.
Considering its toxicity to aquatic life, disposal of diisopropylethylamine should be conducted through specialized waste disposal services to mitigate environmental impact.