Diaminophenetole

Updated: 2026-09-11

Overview

Diaminophenetole is an organic compound primarily used as an intermediate in the synthesis of dyes and pharmaceuticals. Its molecular structure features two amino groups and an ethoxy group attached to a benzene ring, enabling versatile reactivity. The compound is commercially available as a light brown powder, with typical purity levels exceeding 98% for industrial applications. First synthesized in the early 20th century, diaminophenetole gained prominence in the dye industry due to its ability to form stable azo dyes. Its role in pharmaceutical manufacturing includes serving as a precursor for antimalarial and antifungal agents. Industrial buyers should prioritize suppliers with documented quality control processes to ensure consistency in batch production.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Diaminophenetole exhibits moderate solubility in polar organic solvents like ethanol and ether but is only slightly soluble in water. Its melting point ranges between 85-88°C, making it stable at room temperature. The compound is sensitive to oxidation and moisture, requiring inert storage conditions to prevent degradation. Key chemical properties include its ability to undergo diazotization and coupling reactions, essential for dye synthesis. The ethoxy group enhances electron density on the benzene ring, increasing reactivity in electrophilic substitutions. Analytical methods such as HPLC and GC-MS are commonly used to verify purity and detect impurities like unreacted precursors or byproducts.

Main Applications

In the dye industry, diaminophenetole is a critical intermediate for producing azo dyes, which are widely used in textiles, inks, and pigments. Its amino groups enable the formation of chromophores, resulting in vibrant colors with good lightfastness. Pharmaceutical applications include its use in synthesizing antiparasitic drugs, where it acts as a building block for active ingredients. The compound also finds niche uses in agrochemicals and specialty polymers. For example, it can be incorporated into epoxy resin formulations to enhance thermal stability. Buyers should specify application-grade purity (e.g., dye-grade or pharmaceutical-grade) when sourcing, as impurity profiles may vary significantly between suppliers.

Safety and Storage

Diaminophenetole is classified as an irritant, requiring handling with nitrile gloves, goggles, and fume hoods. Prolonged exposure may cause skin sensitization or respiratory irritation. Spills should be contained with inert absorbents and disposed of as hazardous waste according to local regulations. Storage recommendations include airtight containers under nitrogen atmosphere to prevent oxidation. Bulk quantities should be kept in temperature-controlled warehouses (below 25°C) with humidity below 60%. Suppliers often provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS) detailing first-aid measures and firefighting protocols, which should be reviewed prior to use.

B2B Procurement Guide

Industrial buyers should evaluate suppliers based on technical specifications, batch consistency, and logistical capabilities. Key procurement criteria include: purity (≥98% by HPLC), moisture content (<0.5%), and heavy metal limits (e.g., <10 ppm lead). Request certificates of analysis (CoA) for each batch and consider third-party testing for high-volume purchases. Packaging options range from 25 kg fiber drums to 1 kg vacuum-sealed bags, depending on usage scale. Lead times vary by region, with Chinese suppliers typically offering 2-4 weeks for standard orders. Negotiate incoterms (e.g., CIF or FOB) and confirm regulatory compliance (e.g., REACH, TSCA) for international shipments.