2-Thiopheneethylamine stands out as a sulfur-heterocyclic amine, widely recognized among researchers and chemical suppliers for its thiophene ring attached to an ethylamine side chain. This composition sets it apart from classic aromatic amines and marks it essential for synthetic pathways in diverse laboratory and industrial contexts. CAS number for 2-Thiopheneethylamine is 4123-81-7. From familiarizing myself with this material over years spent in chemical storerooms and browsing reference libraries, I’ve seen this compound recognized not just as a specialty organic building block, but as an example of the intersection between aromatic sulfur chemistry and amino group reactivity.
The pure substance most often comes as a clear to yellowish liquid or transparent solid, depending on storage temperature. At room conditions, it tends toward a low melting crystalline state, but slight warming quickly yields a runny, oily liquid. The density clocks in around 1.12 g/cm³, a feature encountered often enough that weighing out a sample in the lab rarely surprises anyone. Solubility tilts toward water and polar organic solvents including ethanol and acetone, which reflects back on its polar amine group and aromatic ring. Tackling synthesis or sample prep, users find the molecular formula C6H9NS easy to remember, clocking in at a molar mass of about 127.21 g/mol.
One glance at its structure shows a five-membered thiophene ring connected to an ethylamine tail. Compared with phenethylamine, the sulfur atom changes its electron distribution, a feature that can tweak the outcome in condensation or alkylation reactions. Specifiers and catalogs often list this product as a solid, oil, or solution, with descriptions such as 'flakes', 'powder', or 'crystal', typically dependent on how recently the sample was warmed, the degree of purity, and the method of isolation during synthesis. In most research settings, the bottle may reveal a faint yellow cast, an expected result of trace oxidation or mild impurities, though this rarely impacts function in most protocols.
Quality checks for 2-Thiopheneethylamine focus on purity (often reaching 97-99%) and moisture content, both of which matter for storage stability and reproducibility of downstream reactions. The Harmonized System (HS) Code most often assigned is 2934999099, dropping this compound into a broader classification for organic chemicals with nitrogen or sulfur. This regulatory detail impacts import-export routines, sometimes complicating the paperwork for research labs or factories bringing in drums from overseas. At the bench scale, knowing the precise purity and batch data helps avoid wasted effort when tackling custom syntheses or calibration runs.
With its primary amine and aromatic sulfur moieties, 2-Thiopheneethylamine displays classic nucleophilic and reductive traits, making it a staple for chemists piecing together complex molecules. That same amine group accounts for much of its reactivity: alkylation, acylation, condensation, and formation of Schiff bases all arise from the free '–NH2' tail. Whenever I’ve opened a container, there’s a sharp, distinct odor not unlike other ethylamines—hard to ignore without proper ventilation. Skin contact, inhalation, or accidental ingestion spells trouble, as the amine can provoke burns, irritation, or toxic effects, especially on prolonged exposure. MSDS data flags it as hazardous; lab workers should lean on eye protection, gloves, and fume hoods—lessons learned first-hand and reinforced by countless reminders from safety officers.
Industry demand for 2-Thiopheneethylamine traces back to its role in pharmaceutical intermediates, specialty dyes, and sometimes as a monomer in polymer labs. Starting materials often stem from 2-thiopheneacetonitrile via reduction, or through other thiophene derivatives worked up under controlled, often pressurized, conditions. Production cycles echo the push for tighter raw material tracking, and tighter tolerances in purity, particularly for pharmaceuticals applying this compound at a kilo or semi-bulk scale. Quality control matters here: unchecked impurities in the raw material chain may drag down downstream results, something I’ve witnessed too many times during audits and troubleshooting calls.
Safe storage involves cool, dry, tightly sealed containers kept away from oxidizers or open flames. Amine odor lingers, and over months a bottle left open too often may yellow, signaling reaction with air or slow degradation. The compound resists hydrolysis and retains structure under most ordinary conditions, but should not be allowed to evaporate or contact incompatible substances. Disposal follows hazardous waste protocols; sinks, trash, or casual drains don’t cut it. Recognizing the risks and planning ahead, a few extra steps in labeling and inventorying go a long way toward avoiding costly cleanups or regulatory headaches.
2-Thiopheneethylamine exists as a practical tool in organic chemistry, supported by real-world needs in synthesis, material science, and fine chemical production. Respect for its hazards blends with appreciation for its functional versatility among research teams and industrial chemists. Safety and careful tracking define responsible use—hands-on habits, learned over years, help keep both people and projects on course. Reliable sources, up-to-date data sheets, and strong supply chain partners create the foundation for handling this compound, connecting the dots between innovation and care.
