4-Ethylmorpholine stands as a member of the morpholine family, shaped by a six-membered ring containing oxygen and nitrogen atoms. Picture a clear liquid, frequently used as an intermediate for organic synthesis. With the chemical formula C6H13NO and a molecular weight of about 115.18 g/mol, this substance doesn’t come up in everyday conversation. Still, it matters for chemists and manufacturers trying to push boundaries in pharmaceuticals, coatings, and specialty materials. The structure features an ethyl group attached to the nitrogen atom, setting it apart from its parent compound morpholine. Chemists look at this design and see opportunities for selectivity and reactivity, paving the way for new products and creative research.
This material pours as a colorless liquid, with a faint amine odor not easily ignored in the lab. Testing in real settings puts its boiling point near 158-160°C, handy knowledge when planning reactions or controlling volatility in an industrial plant. The density at 20°C sits around 0.92-0.94 g/cm3. In direct sunlight, this chemical holds up—meaning it brings a stability that’s essential in settings where other solutions would break down. Through experience, storing it in glass or high-strength plastic containers keeps it pure and ready for the next step. Solubility checks show strong mixing with water, alcohol, ether, and most polar solvents, which means scientists can dissolve it in the right environment for their needs. As for appearance, you won’t see 4-ethylmorpholine as a powder, flakes, or crystals; it shows up as a viscous liquid. Producers and suppliers don’t offer it as solid, pearls, or crystal forms because that doesn’t line up with how it functions best. Buyers can source it by the liter with tight specs to meet strict regulations and consistent formulation.
The backbone of 4-ethylmorpholine comes down to a morpholine ring plus an ethyl group at position 4. The formula—C6H13NO—gives enough information to distinguish it from its isomers and relatives. Specifications from major suppliers often include purity (usually greater than 99%), moisture content (less than 0.5%), color on the APHA scale, and water or solvent content. These benchmarks keep batch quality in line and allow users to plan for reaction yields and performance. Each shipment typically comes with detailed supporting data—infrared and NMR spectra, density, and exact grade designation—for industries that demand reliable and traceable raw materials.
In practice, 4-ethylmorpholine enters as a raw material in synthesis for various accelerators, corrosion inhibitors, textile additives, or pharmaceutical intermediates. This isn’t a household item but finds space in the toolbox for industrial chemists. With all these uses comes the reality of its chemical nature. 4-Ethylmorpholine does not register as a mild substance; it carries risks if handled without care. Work in the lab required gloves and goggles, because skin and eye contact could bring burns or irritation. Breathing in vapors shouldn’t be brushed off, since inhalation may lead to respiratory irritation or other health effects. Proper ventilation and local diffuser systems help reduce exposure. The HS Code for shipping and trade is commonly listed under 2934999099 but regional variations deserve checking for international orders.
Most concerning is the potential harm in spills or improper use. Water-solubility means 4-ethylmorpholine can move fast through drains or groundwater if it leaves the lab or factory unchecked. Harm to aquatic life and disruption of biological wastewater systems show up in accident reports for related amines if safety steps get skipped. So, every company and lab team has to pay attention to post-use treatment, air emissions controls, and solid waste handling. Even though this chemical brings value in specialty synthesis, the hazards and risks highlight the need for accountability at every step from storage to disposal. This reflects a broader challenge: society wants smart, selective molecules for new products, but with that comes a duty to weigh the dangers and costs of the underlying chemistry, inside and beyond the laboratory.
