N-Ethyl-2-Pyrrolidine stands out as a clear and important organic compound in the realm of chemical raw materials. Chemists around the world rely on its specific structure, featuring a five-membered nitrogen-containing ring with an ethyl group attached to the second carbon. This unique structure shapes its physical and chemical properties, dictating its place in research, manufacturing, and industry. Knowing its basic facts is useful for professionals handling synthesis or formulating new products, as well as for regulatory officers tasked with proper classification and logistics.
The molecular formula for N-Ethyl-2-Pyrrolidine is C6H13N, revealing the way carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen atoms come together in the compound. A quick sketch shows a compact ring of four carbons and one nitrogen—pyrrolidine—modified by the ethyl group. This setup brings about a boiling point above room temperature and a moderate molecular weight of roughly 99.17 g/mol. Most pure samples appear as a colorless to pale yellow liquid. The density generally lands close to 0.87 g/cm3 at 20°C, which sets it apart from water and gives hands-on professionals confidence when measuring or mixing. Due to its structure, this substance does not often appear as flakes, powder, pearls, or crystals, sticking to its characteristic liquid phase at standard conditions. Suppliers and laboratory staff pay attention to purity, water content, and specific spectral fingerprints to guarantee batch reliability.
Quality assurance in any technical field calls for accurate data. N-Ethyl-2-Pyrrolidine is usually sourced at above 97% purity, reducing the risk of impurities that could derail sensitive reactions. Its refractive index hovers around 1.446 and it often gives a pungent, amine-like odor familiar to those handling pyrrolidines. With a flash point that falls near 60°C, storage and handling protocols call for suitable ventilation and flame protection to avoid workplace accidents. Chemists size up its solubility, noting full miscibility with organic solvents like ethanol or acetone, and limited solubility in water. I have watched colleagues use gas chromatography or HPLC to check sample integrity efficiently. Every shipment must include safety data sheets, reflecting agreed-upon global standards on hazardous chemicals under the Harmonized System (HS) Code 293339. This code clusters it with other organic nitrogen compounds—important for customs and logistic chains. Knowing these values gives not only a sense of the raw material’s consistency but also its fit for specific reactions.
Chemicals like N-Ethyl-2-Pyrrolidine demand straightforward respect in a lab or factory. My own experience tells me not to ignore the sharp, unpleasant odor or the warnings found on every material safety data sheet. This compound earns a hazardous label thanks to potential harm if inhaled, swallowed, or brought into contact with skin and eyes. Prolonged exposure or mishandling can lead to irritation or more serious health effects, which has prompted regulatory agencies to advise well-ventilated workspaces, strict use of gloves, eyewear, and emergency showers nearby. Fire safety plans rarely skip over its flammability, demanding proper fire extinguishers and chemical-resistant containers in all storage areas. Training must cover accidental spillage or first aid procedures, routines that helped my team avoid costly incidents in the past. Rules from bodies like OSHA, REACH, or local equivalents list this compound among notable hazardous materials, compelling companies to disclose its presence, trace shipments, and monitor exposure continuously.
On production floors, N-Ethyl-2-Pyrrolidine often features as a building block for other fine chemicals. Its reactivity, driven by the amine and ethyl groups, makes it a tool for crafting pharmaceuticals, specialty coatings, and agricultural intermediates. Developers count on its reliable carbon-nitrogen bonds for making heterocyclic compounds that appear in thousands of finished products. The liquid nature simplifies dosing and pump transfers at scale. When seeking alternatives to harsh or less stable amines, this compound proves efficient and manageable in both pilot and commercial operations. Production teams and procurement officers regularly compare its shelf-life, effectiveness, and compatibility with other solvents or reactants to minimize downtimes and maximize product quality. As regulatory expectations focus on traceability and safety, consistent sourcing and careful tracking of N-Ethyl-2-Pyrrolidine help keep industrial workflows smooth and safe.
The stories behind chemical incidents often share the same roots—lack of preparation and poor communication. Tackling risks tied to N-Ethyl-2-Pyrrolidine starts with updated training on handling and disposal. Clear labeling, familiar emergency gear, and routine checks on ventilation keep workplaces accident-free. Using modern storage drums and automated transfer pumps lowers the odds of accidental splashes or leaks, saving both time and expense. Environmental managers must partner with waste handlers skilled in processing amine-containing liquids, avoiding unauthorized dumping or mixing that could trigger chemical reactions. Research teams look for substitutes that maintain function but pose fewer hazards when regulatory pressure increases. Sharing real-time data and open conversations across departments helps organizations spot patterns, catch gaps, and respond before small mistakes grow into large-scale emergencies.
