People have explored cyclic amines since the early twentieth century, digging into N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidine for both academic and industrial reasons. Chemists have long recognized the value of nitrogen-containing rings, driven by the pharmaceutical industry's constant push for new building blocks. N-ethy-2-pyrrolidine, with its five-membered saturated ring and ethyl side chain, entered the scene as laboratories experimented with alkylated pyrrolidines. Early uses stayed on the edges, but rising demand for fine chemicals and intermediates in the 1950s pushed N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidine into a more active role. Patent filings and industrial reports in the 1970s documented both more sophisticated syntheses and wider availability through chemical suppliers. It's a classic case of an overlooked compound gaining new respect when synthesis methods matured and downstream users needed reliable supplies.
N-Ethyl-2-pyrrolidine stands as a versatile, colorless liquid featuring a faint amine-like odor that many chemists will recognize. It's neither flashy nor heavily marketed outside of technical circles, but its niche value echoes throughout pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and research labs. The ethyl substitution differentiates it from unsubstituted pyrrolidine, shifting both physical behavior and reactivity. Commercial samples typically offer 98–99% purity, geared toward both R&D and select production-scale uses, with mild volatility and no frills packaging. Labels often highlight its identity, purity, and relevant regulatory warnings, reinforcing the chemical's need for respectful, knowledgeable handling.
In terms of raw numbers, N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidine shows a boiling point hovering just above 130°C, with a melting point deep below freezing that keeps it liquid nearly year-round. The density sits close to 0.86 g/cm³, slipping gently into common organic solvents and water thanks to both its ring structure and amine group. Its refractive index, around 1.45, lines up with other saturated amines. On the chemical side, the ethyl group brings a slight bump in lipophilicity and nuances the molecule’s base strength, compared to non-alkylated pyrrolidine. The structure holds up under standard lab conditions, but moisture and air can prompt slow degradation—smelling traces of amine often signals an open bottle left unchecked.
Commercial bottles of N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidine come with detailed specs: purity, water content, and known byproducts, plus lot numbers for traceability. Reputable vendors supply certificates of analysis, echoing the expectations set by pharmaceutical and fine chemical standards. Labels carry hazard pictograms and R-phrases covering flammability and acute toxicity. Safety Data Sheets warn about inhalation and skin absorption risks, reflecting both regulatory mandates and real-world lab experience. Practically, bottles use chemical-resistant packaging, since the amine risks softening some polymers over time.
Lab routes to N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidine center on alkylation and cyclization. One familiar approach involves treating 2-pyrrolidinone with ethylating agents—not a gentle procedure, given how amines can over-alkylate if left unchecked. Another common lab synthesis starts from 1-aminoethane and gamma-butyrolactone, blending ring closure and substitution chemistry. At bigger scales, continuous flow chemistry sometimes enters the game to boost yields and cut down on problematic side products. Waste streams, especially hydrobromic acid or other salts, require responsible disposal to stay on the right side of regulations and local safety norms.
For organic chemists, N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidine unlocks more than just the parent compound. The nitrogen center can anchor further alkylations, acylations, or even serve as a nucleophile in ring-forming reactions. Oxidation can introduce N-oxides, tweaking both electronic properties and reactivity toward even more ambitious synthesis plans. Some researchers introduce substituents at the ring carbons, chasing down analogues with different bioactivities. Its ability to tolerate many standard reaction conditions, without decomposing or interfering as a side reactant, makes it a valuably resilient starting material or intermediate.
N-Ethyl-2-pyrrolidine can show up in different catalogs or regulatory documents under several names: 2-Pyrrolidineethanamine, N-ethylpyrrolidine, or less often, ethylpyrrolidine. CAS registry number 2434-66-6 serves as a definitive reference, especially important when trading across borders or ordering from global suppliers. As with many specialty chemicals, synonyms sometimes trip up even experienced buyers, so cross-referencing with structural diagrams or InChI keys avoids confusion.
In practice, working with N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidine means respecting its amine-based volatility and flammability. Proper gloves, eye protection, and lab coats limit exposure, especially since skin contact or inhalation can cause acute irritation. Fume hoods stay busy in labs using this substance, keeping vapors away from both noses and sensitive reactions. Storage in tightly sealed amber glass, clear labeling, and segregated shelving reduce risk of accidental mixing with acids or oxidizers—lessons learned through more than a few lab slip-ups over the decades. Waste handling follows regional hazardous waste processes, echoing both regulatory frameworks and best practice.
Demand for N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidine lives at the crossroads of discovery and process chemistry. Pharmaceutical projects look for it as a scaffold for CNS-active compounds or as a chiral building block, particularly in custom synthesis routes that need oddball nitrogen rings. In agrochemicals, its backbone can support analog design for pesticidal or herbicidal action. Academic chemists rely on its straightforward structure to anchor reaction studies or mechanism tests. Chemical suppliers keep it on hand for researchers who constantly switch gears, proving its versatility beyond a single industrial application. As someone who’s spent hours hunting down rare heterocycles, I can say N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidine saves time and opens up new reaction pathways when the usual suspects fall short.
N-Ethyl-2-pyrrolidine stands out for how it fits into the ongoing exploration of synthetic amino compounds. Its straightforward ring structure and secondary amine functionality make it an appealing testbed for new coupling reactions and asymmetric synthesis strategies. Research groups interested in chiral auxiliaries or non-proteinogenic analogues keep coming back to this molecule as a starting point. Patent activity reflects steady interest from both medicinal chemistry and performance materials firms, especially for any projects running up against the limits of traditional amines or needing improved solubility. Investment in purification techniques and greener synthesis routes hints at both rising market demand and the challenges of balancing cost, purity, and sustainability.
Toxicological studies anchor how N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidine is handled in labs and factories. Acute exposure can inflame eyes, airways, and skin, while chronic dosing data remains much spottier thanks to limited industrial volume. Animal testing points to moderate oral and inhalation toxicity, stronger than simpler amines but not among the most hazardous organic bases. Absorption through skin and mucous membranes keeps gloves and fume hoods as must-haves during use. Environmental persistence studies show the compound breaks down relatively quickly, but carelessness around drains or open soil has led to local contamination blooms in poorly managed facilities. Regulatory agencies keep updating permissible limits, nudging chemists toward safer handling and containment as more is learned about its health and environmental profile.
The road ahead for N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidine looks promising, if a bit off the main highway of chemical sales. Demand from pharmaceutical and agrochemical developers will likely continue to rise as more emphasis falls on nitrogen-rich scaffolds and sustainable reaction sequences. Improvements in synthetic efficiency, especially methods that cut down on byproducts or solvent use, may unlock broader applications and lower costs. Expect to see expanded environmental and health research, especially as regulators step up scrutiny on specialty amines with potentially unexplored hazards and metabolites. For those working at the shifting edge of chemical research, N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidine remains a reliable, adaptable piece of the toolkit—quietly supporting breakthroughs that demand both precision and creative thinking.
N-Ethyl-2-Pyrrolidine doesn’t show up in everyday conversations. On its own, the name might even trip up someone comfortable around chemistry labs. Still, the uses of this chemical point toward bigger discussions about the role of specialty chemicals in pharma, research, and sometimes even in areas we rarely think about.
Folks in chemical research spend plenty of their time looking for building blocks—simple molecules that let them create much more complicated structures. N-Ethyl-2-Pyrrolidine fits the bill. It serves as a handy intermediate or starting point in making new compounds. Instead of just acting as a filler on a spreadsheet, it gives researchers a tool to build molecules for medicines. The compound’s structure, featuring a five-member ring with a nitrogen atom, turns it into a great piece for putting together custom pharmaceutical agents.
Much of drug development depends on finding compounds that fit complicated targets. Sometimes, that takes sticking an ethyl group or tweaking a ring. You’d be surprised at how a small structural change can turn an inactive molecule into a medicine. Medicinal chemists often need to quickly try out new derivatives, and this is one of those chemicals that makes quick experiments possible. It’s not a big headline-getter, but it’s a bit like a socket wrench in a toolbox: versatile and essential when the job fits.
Having spent some time in research circles, I’ve seen how compounds like this show up in both small-batch syntheses and bigger projects. Few people outside a lab might notice, but dozens of seemingly unremarkable chemicals enable breakthroughs. For example, students and researchers rely on it when they build up libraries of molecules for screening new drug candidates. If you’ve ever taken a prescription med, odds are good that chemicals like this played at least a background role somewhere in the journey from raw concept to final product.
Beyond medicine, N-Ethyl-2-Pyrrolidine sometimes appears in materials research, especially when scientists want to explore the synthesis of new polymers with precise properties. Rarely do the products of these experiments make the evening news, but the foundations they set become important as the world leans harder on innovation, especially in biomedicine, electronics, and clean technology.
Not every lab chemical deserves open access. Safety forms the backbone of chemical practice, and with N-Ethyl-2-Pyrrolidine, there’s no exception. Handling it calls for decent ventilation, gloves, and a solid understanding of spill response. Institutions should only stock it where skilled professionals monitor its use, both for personal protection and to ensure its right use. That guidance guards against accidents and supports responsible research.
Chemistry advances by standing on the shoulders of small pieces like N-Ethyl-2-Pyrrolidine. Looking at its uses, the biggest challenge comes from ensuring transparent sourcing, sound risk management, and open reporting when any new application appears. Regular training and audits by staff keep labs accountable. Sharing what works and what doesn’t in open forums helps community knowledge grow—and keeps misuse at bay.
Without these careful steps, even simple compounds could pose risks. By making safety, transparency, and skilled oversight part of the culture, chemical research stays creative and responsible. Sometimes that means giving equal attention to the little-known chemicals, not just the ones that make headlines.
Chemists value clarity, especially with small molecules that keep industry and research running. N-Ethyl-2-pyrrolidine sits among these unsung helpers. Chemically, it combines the structure of pyrrolidine—a five-membered ring with four carbons and one nitrogen atom—with an ethyl group attached to the nitrogen atom. Its chemical formula: C6H13N.
Placing trust in numbers comes naturally in science. To get the molecular weight, each element plays its part. Carbon weighs in at about 12.01 g/mol, hydrogen at 1.008 g/mol, nitrogen at 14.01 g/mol. For N-Ethyl-2-pyrrolidine, add up these values: six carbons, thirteen hydrogens, and one nitrogen. That gives a total molecular weight of about 99.18 g/mol. It’s nothing flashy, but reliable numbers add up when you're planning reactions or designing experiments.
I remember during my early days in the lab, tracking small amines like N-Ethyl-2-pyrrolidine proved tedious without exact values. Synthetic chemistry lives and dies by stoichiometry. Messing up a calculation means wasted time, wasted money, and sometimes dangerous side reactions. N-Ethyl-2-pyrrolidine pops up in a range of syntheses, sometimes as a solvent, sometimes as a building block. A clear molecular weight and formula help ensure you get your ratios right, especially in pharmaceutical or agrochemical development, where tighter regulatory control means no leeway for fudged math.
Mistakes seem small on paper, but any synthetic chemist will tell you the whole chain can break if you start with wrong numbers. The chemical industry balances speed, pricing, and workplace safety, which makes knowing the basics—including N-Ethyl-2-pyrrolidine’s formula and molecular weight—more than a formality. Calculations shape batch size, risk assessments, and safety protocols. Product recalls or dangerous exposures often trace back to skipped double checks or poor documentation.
Reading accident reports drives home the point: labeling and verification can’t be afterthoughts. Companies taking the time to cross-verify molecular data avoid nasty surprises. Anyone working around organic amines like this one knows they often carry risks—flammable vapors, potential toxicity, and skin irritation. So it pays to rely on trusted, up-to-date sources and rigorous internal documentation.
Too many accidents start with simple missteps. Training newcomers to recognize the formula C6H13N and the molecular weight 99.18 g/mol makes the whole chain stronger. Everybody feels pressure to work faster, but shortchanging checks comes back to bite both people and profit. Investing in quality resources, consistent training, and maintaining clear digital and paper records can curb errors. Calling out unsafe shortcuts early encourages better practices that outlast audits or management rotations.
Once, an outdated document circulated in our lab listed the wrong weight for a similar amine. It nearly derailed a synthesis, costing a full day and precious reagents. Since then, we've made it standard practice to review chemical data sheets every time a new order comes in. Confirm from reputable sources—Sigma-Aldrich, Merck catalogs, or peer-reviewed databases. This habit, combined with good teamwork, means everyone shares responsibility, which boosts both safety and collaboration.
N-Ethyl-2-Pyrrolidine lands on the radar for anyone working in chemistry labs or the pharmaceutical sector. It's a clear liquid, giving off an ammonia-like smell, and it acts as an important building block for drug manufacture or specialty chemicals. This compound doesn’t appear in consumer products on the shelves at the local store, but workers encounter it in chemical processing.
Anybody who’s spent years handling chemicals knows that you don’t have to see a skull-and-crossbones sticker to take a substance seriously. N-Ethyl-2-Pyrrolidine fits this category. The jury remains out on many long-term health effects, but its structure suggests caution, not carelessness.
The material can irritate the skin and eyes if it splashes during transfers or leaks from poorly maintained equipment. Sometimes the fumes become strong enough to sting the nose or eyes, especially in confined spaces with poor ventilation. Personal experience in the lab taught me to respect volatile amines. A whiff may seem minor, but several minutes with leaky gloves or a missed spot on safety goggles led to redness and discomfort. Labs often emphasize safe handling through clear labeling, fume hoods, and gloves resistant to organic solvents. Teaching new chemists means telling them: treat every exposure as a potential risk, even if no one collapses after a spill.
Toxicology data for N-Ethyl-2-Pyrrolidine remains limited. The structure—an N-ethyl derivative of pyrrolidine—suggests the possibility of significant central nervous system effects. Similar compounds in the pyrrolidine family show potential for CNS depression at high doses, as well as liver and kidney effects when inhaled or absorbed through the skin over time. Rodent studies with related chemicals sometimes show harm to internal organs when exposure goes on for weeks. Scientists have found that many small, nitrogen-based rings behave unpredictably. Chronic effects can go unnoticed for months until fatigue, headaches, or neurological complaints bring someone to the doctor.
Because strong evidence lags behind, some regulators classify chemicals like this as "potential hazards." Workers get warnings to avoid breathing vapors and to wash up after handling. Engineering controls, such as well-maintained fume hoods and proper air filtration, become standard for any job involving large batches or regular use. Medical monitoring for employees—regular checkups targeting liver and kidney function—can catch problems early.
Treating N-Ethyl-2-Pyrrolidine with respect comes down to strict procedural controls and real training. I’ve seen labs where management invests in good ventilation, clear signage, and gloves rated for harsh organics. Workers who know how to spot a leak and respond immediately make more difference than any rulebook. Keeping showers and eyewash stations accessible saves precious seconds if something spills.
Education matters most. Quick huddles to remind the crew about risks, posters breaking down symptoms of overexposure, and honest conversations between supervisors and employees go a long way. Firms that maintain clear policies on personal protective equipment and regular chemical audits experience fewer incidents.
Anyone handling N-Ethyl-2-Pyrrolidine or similar chemicals needs to rely on common sense and peer support. New studies may someday answer lingering questions around long-term toxicity, but no lab should wait for that perfect dataset before adopting safe work habits. Industry and research communities can push for more studies to clarify health outcomes and update guidelines as soon as new facts emerge. The takeaway: informed caution and hands-on training keep people out of the emergency room and the job site safe for all.
Anyone stepping into a chemistry lab or plant knows the stakes with chemicals aren’t small. N-Ethyl-2-Pyrrolidine, a colorless liquid with a slight amine smell, looks innocent enough at first glance. There's a temptation to shrug it off as just another bottle in the cabinet. But experience shows that skipping the right storage steps can leave a lab scrambling or worse, facing a dangerous accident. Over time, I’ve learned to treat even the most mundane-seeming solvents with real caution — and this one easily flies under the radar.
N-Ethyl-2-Pyrrolidine catches fire at fairly low temperatures, so care is not optional here. Storing it out on a regular shelf or in a regular cabinet puts people and projects at risk. It belongs inside a purpose-built flammable liquids cabinet, far from ignition sources, because this is how small spark tragedies usually begin. OSHA and NFPA codes aren’t just bureaucratic hurdles; they come from decades of hard-earned lessons.
Leaving the cap slightly loose or letting the bottle sit near heat ducts creates unnecessary issues. Vapors from N-Ethyl-2-Pyrrolidine can drift and collect in low spots. I’ve watched how quickly a missed detail like that turns into a headache. Tight bottles and a cool, well-ventilated spot make a real difference. Most people don’t realize how quickly temperatures can climb even from sunlight sneaking through a window in the back of a storage room. Direct sun is out of the question.
Lab life gets busy. People refill containers, relabel, and repurpose bottles. Mistakes love chaos. Every bottle should show the substance’s name, hazard class, date of receipt, and the person responsible. It sounds simple until someone grabs the wrong bottle in a rush. For chemicals like this, information saves time and prevents problems.
Even seasoned chemists sometimes forget that mixing incompatible substances can have explosive results. N-Ethyl-2-Pyrrolidine goes especially badly with oxidizers and strong acids. I store it in a section clearly marked for amines and organic solvents only, well away from any corrosion-prone chemicals. A simple shelf divider can stop a spill from turning into a runaway reaction.
I’ve worked with people who cut corners or thought goggles were for rookies. But this solvent brings health risks — inhaling its vapors, splashing it on skin, getting it in eyes. It quickly irritates the mucous membranes and can cause headaches or dizziness. Gloves, goggles, lab coats: not negotiable. Access to an eyewash station means peace of mind, not just compliance.
Keeping an eye on the waste container matters just as much. Mixing this solvent with regular lab trash leads to smells, contamination, and regulator visits nobody wants. Dedicated containers labeled for organic solvent waste keep things organized and minimize risk to the entire staff.
Errors drop sharply when teams follow explicit storage checklists, including regular inspections for leaks, cracked bottles, or outdated stock. In my experience, these simple steps prevent headaches down the line and keep the work moving. Mistakes still happen, but a clear system reduces their odds — and their impact — dramatically.
Trained staff, clear labels, working ventilation, and the right storage can all feel like extra work in the moment. Yet, every step upholds a safety culture built on respect for employees and the science itself. That’s what really matters in any lab worth trusting with something as tricky as N-Ethyl-2-Pyrrolidine.
Working with chemicals like N-Ethyl-2-Pyrrolidine gets risky fast if you cut corners. This compound gets used in research labs and sometimes pops up in chemical manufacturing. Being careless doesn’t just mean ruined experiments. People can get hurt. So the difference between a smooth day and an emergency room visit comes down to following some common sense steps and smart habits.
N-Ethyl-2-Pyrrolidine brings concerns because it irritates the skin and eyes. Breathing the vapor can trigger headaches, dizziness, and worse if you get enough of it. Liquid on skin sometimes brings numbness and irritation. Accidents spill into bigger problems fast if you let it touch your skin or if you forget eye protection. From my own lab days, a splash from an overlooked container gave one of my colleagues a scare and a trip to eyewash—nobody forgot their goggles again.
No one ever regrets putting on gloves and goggles before opening a bottle. Rubber or nitrile gloves keep your skin safe. Wrap-around safety glasses stop splashes. I always checked for holes in gloves first—people forget, but old gloves tear just when you need them most.
VentilationTrying to cut corners by skipping the fume hood makes no sense. This compound gives off vapors, and pulling in a full breath of it by mistake is no joke. Fume hoods save lungs and keep air cleaner for others in the lab. Checking airflow with a scrap of paper became a habit for me before any mixing or pouring.
Safe Handling and StorageUsing the right storage matters more than people think. Tightly sealed bottles, away from open flames or direct sunlight, stop leaks and chemical breakdown. I’ve seen cracked lids turn into whole mornings of cleanup. Labeling bottles the moment you decant them makes sure nobody pours the wrong thing or tries to clean up a spill with water when it needs something else.
Spills and splashes still happen, even with good habits. Eyewash stations and safety showers should never be blocked. I remember hearing stories of folks improvising with a garden hose during a spill. Nobody wants to trust their luck. Training everyone, even the new folks, helps build a team that knows what to do. Drills and posted instructions save precious seconds if someone gets exposed.
Pouring leftover chemical down the sink is lazy and dangerous. Collect waste in labeled containers for hazardous pickup. Some folks try shortcuts, but the consequences spread beyond the lab. Cities have strict rules for a reason: protecting groundwater, pipes, and everyone downstream.
Every safe day starts with preparation. From making sure gear fits, to reading updated data sheets every time a new shipment arrives, small habits add up. I learned the hard way after a close call with another solvent—never open a bottle without double-checking the label, even if you think you know what’s inside.
Taking safety seriously with chemicals like N-Ethyl-2-Pyrrolidine doesn’t need to slow down your work. Most of the time, it keeps everyone healthy, keeps equipment in good shape, and helps research move forward without drama. Experience shows that cutting corners only buys trouble.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | N-ethylpyrrolidin-2-amine |
| Other names |
NEP N-Ethylpyrrolidine Ethylpyrrolidine 2-Ethylpyrrolidine |
| Pronunciation | /ɛn-ˈɛθɪl-tuː-pɪˈrɒlədiːn/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 3731-52-0 |
| Beilstein Reference | 64124 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:51406 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL15314 |
| ChemSpider | 21514 |
| DrugBank | DB01524 |
| EC Number | 205-486-5 |
| Gmelin Reference | 157681 |
| KEGG | C06306 |
| MeSH | D051520 |
| PubChem CID | 14947 |
| RTECS number | UE2800000 |
| UNII | 4H5L449H9P |
| UN number | UN1993 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C6H13N |
| Molar mass | 99.16 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
| Odor | Fishy |
| Density | 0.958 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.) |
| Solubility in water | sparingly soluble |
| log P | 0.22 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.9 mmHg (25°C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | pKa = 11.3 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 5.10 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -72.6·10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.457 |
| Viscosity | 13 mPa·s (25 °C) |
| Dipole moment | 3.49 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 329.2 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -61.7 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -3906 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | N05CM22 |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS02,GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H302: Harmful if swallowed. H312: Harmful in contact with skin. H332: Harmful if inhaled. |
| Precautionary statements | P210, P261, P280, P305+P351+P338, P337+P313, P403+P235 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-3-0 |
| Flash point | 73 °C |
| Autoignition temperature | 215 °C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 oral rat 800 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (oral, rat): 600 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | UF9275000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) for N-Ethyl-2-Pyrrolidine: Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | Not established |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | 100 ppm |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone 2-Pyrrolidone N-Ethylpyrrolidine 1-Ethyl-2-pyrrolidone N-Propyl-2-pyrrolidone |
