National Pollutant Inventory

Substances

Aniline (benzenamine): Overview

Description

Aniline is used in rubber accelerators and anti-oxidants, dyes and intermediates, photographic chemicals, as isocyanates for urethane foams, in pharmaceuticals, explosives, petroleum refining; and in production of diphenylamine, phenolics, herbicides and fungicides. Aniline is also used in the manufacture of polyurethanes, rubber processing chemicals, pesticides, fibres, dyes and pigments, photographic chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.

Substance details

Substance name: Aniline (benzenamine)

CASR number: 62-53-3

Molecular formula: C6H7N

Synonyms: benzamine; aniline oil, phenylamine; aminobenzene; aniline oil; phenylamine; aminophen; kyanol; benzidam; blue oil; C.I. 76000; C.I. oxidation base 1; cyanol; krystallin; anyvim; arylamine

Physical properties

Aniline is a colourless to brown, oily liquid which darkens on exposure to air and light. It has a characteristic amine odour (detectable at 0.6 to 10 ppm ) and burning taste. Hygroscopic. Moderately soluble in water. Aniline is miscible with alcohol, benzene, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, acetone, and most organic solvents.

Melting Point: -6.2°C

Boiling Point: 184°C

Specific Gravity: 1.0217

Vapour Density: 3.22

1 ppm = 3.8 mg/m3
formula weight 93.128

Chemical properties

Combustible. Darkens on exposure to air and light. The substance decomposes on heating at temperatures above 190°C, or on burning producing toxic and corrosive fumes (ammonia, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide) and flammable vapours. The substance is a weak base. Reacts vigorously with strong oxidants, acids, acetic anhydride, chloromelamine monomers, beta-propiolactone, and epichlorohydrin causing fire and explosion hazard. Reacts with metals such as sodium, potassium, and calcium, producing flammable hydrogen gas. Attacks copper and its alloys.

Further information

The National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) holds data for all sources of aniline emissions in Australia.

Key

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Factory. Credit: Michael Lindquist