Ethyleneimine
Agent Name
Ethyleneimine
Alternative Name
Ethylenimine
CAS Number
151-56-4
Formula
C2-H5-N
Major Category
Toxic Gases & Vapors
Synonyms
Ethylenimine; 1H-Azirine, dihydro-; Aethylenimin [German]; Azacyclopropane; Aziran; Aziridin [German]; Aziridine; Dihydro-1H-azirine; Dihydroazirene; Dihydroazirine; Dimethyleneimine; Ethyleenimine [Dutch]; Ethyleneimine; Etilenimina [Italian]; TL 337; [ChemIDplus] UN1185
Category
Other Toxic Gases & Vapors
Description
Colorless liquid with an ammonia-like odor; Note: Usually contains inhibitors to prevent polymerization; [NIOSH]
Sources/Uses
Used to produce polyethyleneimine and other organic chemicals; [ACGIH] Used in the paper, textile, petroleum, lacquer, cosmetic, and photography industries; [HSDB]
Comments
Liquid causes first degree burns on short exposure and second degree burns on long exposure; [CHRIS] Skin sensitization, mucous membrane irritation, liver and kidney injury, and toxic pneumonitis have been seen after occupational exposure; [ACGIH] A lachrymator; [HSDB] "Germ cell mutagens that have shown to increase the mutant frequency in the progeny of exposed mammals." [MAK] Ethyleneimine, stabilized (UN1185) has warning of explosive polymerization; [ERG 2016]
Restricted
Regulated as a carcinogen--See 29CFR1910.1003 (Code of Federal Regulations pertaining to the manufacturing, processing, repackaging, releasing, handling, and storing of this chemical);
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Skin Designation (ACGIH)
Yes
TIH
Yes
TLV (ACGIH)
0.05 ppm
STEL (ACGIH)
0.1 ppm
IDLH (NIOSH)
100 ppm
Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs
Other animal data: It has been reported that rats and guinea pigs survived 2hour exposures to 50 ppm [Carpenter et al. 1949]. . . .Human data: Exposure to concentrations greater than 100 ppm has caused respiratory tract irritation and inflammation, but symptoms may be delayed several hours [Gosselin et al. 1976]. Also, it has been presumed that severe exposures might result in an overwhelming pulmonary edema since ethyleneimine is a powerful lacrimator and emetic [Gosselin et al. 1976].
Vapor Pressure
213 mm Hg
Odor Threshold Low
2 ppm
Lethal Concentration
LC50 (rat) = 100 mg/m3/2H
Explosive Polymerization
Yes
Explanatory Notes
Odor threshold from CHEMINFO; The Guide from the Emergency Response Guidebook is for "ethylenimine, inhibited." Flash point = -11 deg C; VP from HSDB;
Half Life
No reports found; [TDR, p. 688]
Reference Link #2
NFPA
may ignite at ambient temp
Adverse Effects
Skin Sensitizer
Yes
Lachrymator
Yes
Toxic Pneumonitis
Yes
Hepatotoxin
Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion
Nephrotoxin
Yes
Dermatotoxin
Skin burns
IARC Carcinogen
Possible (2b)
ACGIH Carcinogen
Confirmed Animal
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Diseases
Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:
Processes
Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: