Convulsions induced by 2-N-di-n-butylaminoethanol

Aliphatic and alicyclic amines are a diverse family of chemical substances that touch every aspect of human life. Simple amines are common intermediates used in chemical synthesis and millions of tons are produced annually. Amines are both raw materials needed for bodily function and are prominent waste products. Amines are used in foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural chemicals. In general, it is far more difficult to find a use that does not include amines than to find one that does. Over time, knowledge of the effect of amines on living systems has been increasing, with the largest increases in‐line with the sensitivity of the use. That is, the more of an impact a substance has on the population, the greater the chance a robust database exists. The European Union REACH program (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization of Chemicals) has been responsible for a large influx of data for amine substances that have significant relevance to society but did not have a potential for significant exposure under proper conditions of use. The open use policy from the European Chemicals Agency has allowed REACH data, which was primarily from industrial manufacturers, to be added to this chapter revision, which previously contained academic sources.

Aliphatic and Alicyclic Amines

Cavender,

Green

2023

Aliphatic and Alicyclic Amines

Cavender¹

2000

Aliphatic and alicyclic amines are nonaromatic amines that have a straight chain, a branched chain, or a cyclic alkyl moiety attached to the nitrogen atom. Aliphatic amines are highly alkaline and tend to be fat soluble. As such, they have the potential to produce severe irritation to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Corrosive burns as well as marked allergic sensitization may also occur. Volatile amines, which are characterized by boiling points lower than 100°C, are highly irritating and include methylamine, dimethylamine, trimethylamine, ethylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine, n ‐propylamine, isopropylamine, diisopropylamine, allylamine, n ‐butylamine, isobutylamine, sec ‐butylamine, tert ‐butylamine, and dimethylbutylamine. Workplace practice must consider these properties in developing strategies to protect workers. Toxicity information in humans continues to be limited. Although great strides in understanding the process of carcinogenicity have been made in recent years, controversies regarding potential aliphatic amine carcinogenicity are far from being resolved. Of considerable interest is the possibility of nitrosamine formation, which is both compound specific and pH dependent.

Aliphatic and Alicyclic Amines

Cavender¹

2012

Aliphatic and alicyclic amines are nonaromatic amines that have a straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic alkyl moiety attached to the nitrogen atom. Aliphatic amines are highly alkaline and tend to be fat soluble. As such, they have the potential to produce severe irritation to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Corrosive burns as well as marked allergic sensitization may also occur. Volatile amines, which are characterized by boiling points lower than 100°C, are highly irritating and include methylamine, dimethylamine, trimethylamine, ethylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine, n ‐propylamine, isopropylamine, diisopropylamine, allylamine, n ‐butylamine, isobutylamine, sec ‐butylamine, tert ‐butylamine, and dimethylbutylamine. Workplace practice must consider these properties in developing strategies to protect workers. Toxicity information in humans continues to be limited. Although great strides in understanding the process of carcinogenicity have been made in recent years, controversies regarding potential aliphatic amine carcinogenicity are far from being resolved. Of considerable interest is the possibility of nitrosamine formation, which is both compound specific and pH dependent.