Diethylamine

Diethylamine is a secondary amine with formula (C₂H₅)₂NH, in which two ethyl groups are bonded to one nitrogen atom. It is a volatile, flammable, basic liquid with a fishy odor.

Secondary amine: An amine whose nitrogen is bonded to two carbon-containing groups and one hydrogen atom. Diethylamine is a simple example of this amine class.
Diethylaminoethanol: A tertiary amino alcohol used as a chemical intermediate and corrosion inhibitor. It is made industrially using diethylamine and ethylene oxide.
Ethyl group: A two-carbon alkyl substituent with formula C₂H₅. Two ethyl groups are attached to diethylamine’s nitrogen.
Methylamine: A primary amine with formula CH₃NH₂, containing one methyl group bonded to nitrogen. Its smaller alkyl substituent changes its properties relative to diethylamine.
Amine basicity: The tendency of an amine to accept a proton using its nitrogen lone pair. Proton acceptance governs diethylamine’s behavior with acids.
Diethylamine hydrochloride: The hydrochloride salt formed by protonating diethylamine with hydrochloric acid. This isolable salt is used as a reagent in chemical synthesis.
Nitrogen: A chemical element with atomic number 7 that forms the central atom in diethylamine. Its valence and lone pair determine the molecule’s bonding and basicity.
Triethylamine: A tertiary amine with formula (C₂H₅)₃N, containing three ethyl groups bonded to nitrogen. It has no nitrogen-bound hydrogen, unlike diethylamine.
Ammonium salt: An ionic compound containing a positively charged nitrogen species paired with a counterion. Protonation converts diethylamine into a diethylammonium salt.
N,N-Diethyl-m-toluamide: A topical insect repellent commonly known as DEET. Diethylamine is a feedstock in the manufacture of this repellent.

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DimethylamineCompared with: Its larger alkyl groups distinguish its volatility and physical properties from dimethylamine.