N-Ethyl-m-toluidine
A high-purity secondary aromatic amine, supplied as N-ethyl-3-methylaniline (MEMT) for use as a coupling agent across dye and specialty chemical manufacture.
What is N-Ethyl-m-toluidine?
N-Ethyl-m-toluidine, abbreviated MEMT, is a colorless to pale yellow oily liquid built on a benzene ring carrying a secondary N-ethylamino group at C-1 and a methyl group at the meta (C-3) position.
As a secondary amine, MEMT retains one N-H bond alongside its ethyl and meta-methyl substituents, which lets it act either as a coupling agent in its own right or as a starting point for further N-alkylation on the way to more heavily substituted coupling agents used in basic and solvent dye synthesis.
At Chelora Dyes, MEMT is distilled and stabilised to a controlled colour and low moisture, so downstream alkylation, condensation and coupling reactions run cleanly and give a consistent, reproducible result batch to batch.
- Appearance
- Colorless / pale yellow liquid
- Odour
- Amine-like, characteristic
- Solubility
- Alcohol, ether, dilute acid
- Function
- Coupling agent
- Grade
- Technical / dye grade
Benzene ring with a secondary N-ethylamino group and meta-methyl
- Molecular formulaC9H13N
- Molecular weight135.21 g/mol
- IUPAC nameN-Ethyl-3-methylaniline
- Functional groupsSecondary aromatic amine, alkyl
- CAS number102-27-2
Technical product information
Standard specification for Chelora Dyes' technical grade N-Ethyl-m-toluidine. Custom-grade and bulk specifications are available on request.
| Chemical name | N-Ethyl-m-toluidine |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | MEMT, N-Ethyl-3-methylaniline, N-Ethyl-m-toluidine |
| CAS number | 102-27-2 |
| Molecular formula | C9H13N |
| Molecular weight | 135.21 g/mol |
| Assay (purity) | ≥ 98.5% |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
| Boiling point | 226°C |
| Density (20°C) | 0.933 g/mL |
| Moisture content | ≤ 0.3% |
| Colour (APHA) | ≤ 50 |
| Solubility | Practically insoluble in water; miscible with alcohol, ether, benzene and dilute acid |
| Packaging | 200 kg / 225 kg drums, 1000 L IBC totes, bulk flexitanks |
| Shelf life | 24 months in sealed original packaging |
Applications of N-Ethyl-m-toluidine
Basic & solvent dye synthesis
Used as a coupling agent and N-alkylation starting point in basic and solvent dye manufacture.
Triarylmethane dye intermediates
Serves as a building block toward more heavily substituted coupling agents for triarylmethane dyes.
Pigment & ink intermediates
Feeds into intermediates used in solvent dye and printing ink formulation.
Fine chemical intermediates
Supplies a secondary aminotoluene core for further alkylation and condensation chemistry.
Specialty chemical intermediates
Used as a synthesis building block across specialty and fine chemical applications.
Analytical reagents
Used as a reference amine in analytical and research-scale organic chemistry.
Why choose Chelora Dyes
Consistent purity
Assay controlled at ≥98.5% with moisture and colour verified before dispatch.
Full documentation
COA, SDS, and regulatory data supplied with every shipment.
Flexible volumes
From drums to IBC totes and bulk flexitanks.
Technical support
Process, coupling, and compliance guidance from our chemistry team.
Storage and guidelines
- Store in tightly sealed original drums or totes in a dry environment.
- Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Keep containers closed when not in use to limit air and moisture exposure.
- Segregate from strong oxidising agents and strong acids.
- Use compatible containers: steel or lined drums and totes.
- Re-seal containers promptly after use to preserve colour and assay specification.
Handling precautions
N-Ethyl-m-toluidine is a combustible liquid that is harmful if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin, and can cause irritation to skin and eyes.
Use chemically resistant gloves, eye protection, and adequate ventilation during transfer, charging, and any bulk handling operation.
Keep away from open flame and sources of ignition. The substance is also classified as hazardous to aquatic life, so avoid release to drains or watercourses.
Refer to the full Safety Data Sheet for exposure limits, spill containment, disposal, and first-aid measures before use.
Frequently asked questions
What is N-Ethyl-m-toluidine used for?
N-Ethyl-m-toluidine is used as a coupling agent and intermediate in the manufacture of basic and solvent dyes, and as a building block in specialty and pharmaceutical chemical synthesis.
How does the secondary amine structure affect its reactivity?
As a secondary amine, the nitrogen carries one ethyl group and one remaining N-H bond, alongside a meta-methyl group on the ring. This leaves the nitrogen free to be further alkylated or to participate directly in condensation and coupling reactions used to build dye chromophores.
Is N-Ethyl-m-toluidine soluble in water?
It is practically insoluble in water but miscible with common organic solvents such as alcohol, ether and benzene, and it dissolves readily in dilute mineral acids as its salt.
What purity do you supply?
Standard technical grade is supplied at a minimum assay of 98.5%, with moisture and colour held within tight limits. Redistilled, higher-purity grades can be manufactured to order for specialty applications.
How is N-Ethyl-m-toluidine packaged and shipped?
As a liquid, it is supplied in 200 kg / 225 kg net drums, with bulk supply available in 1000 L IBC totes or flexitanks.
How should it be stored, and for how long?
In tightly sealed original containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated store away from direct sunlight, heat and strong oxidisers. Shelf life is 24 months from manufacture when storage conditions are maintained.
Is it hazardous to handle?
It is a combustible liquid that is harmful if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin, and it is classified as hazardous to aquatic life. Handle with PPE, adequate ventilation and away from ignition sources. Review the Safety Data Sheet before any handling operation.
Do you provide a Certificate of Analysis?
Yes. Each batch ships with a Certificate of Analysis and Safety Data Sheet covering assay, moisture, colour and density.
