In this detailed guide to allylamine, its properties, uses, and potential risks will be highlighted to provide a comprehensive understanding of this compound.

What is Allylamine?

Allylamine is an organic compound with various industrial and medicinal uses. It is an ammonia-scented liquid that may be colorless or have a light-yellow hue. For industrial usage, allylamine is typically used as a polar solvent and in organic synthesis to create ion-exchange resins for ion-exchange chromatography and intermediate molecules used for pharmaceutical synthesis. Allylamine-based antifungals, such as terbinafine, are commonly used to treat fungal infections in humans, such as athlete’s foot, and animals.

Chemical Structure of Allylamine:

This is the structure of allylamine, where an amine group (NH2) is connected to an allyl group (-CH2-HC=CH2).

Key Allylamine Properties

Molecular formula: C3H7N
Other names: 2-propen-1-amine, prop-2-en-1-amine, monoallylamine
Molecular weight: 57.09 g/mol
Flash Point: -20 ℉
Boiling Point: 131 ℉ to 136 ℉ at 760 mmHg or 1 atm
Melting Point: -126 ℉
Solubility: very soluble, miscible with water, alcohol, and other polar solvents
Density: 0.76 at 68 ℉
Relative density (water =1): 0.8; less dense than water, will float
Vapor density (air = 1): 2.0; heavier than air, will sink
Vapor pressure: 242 mmHg at 77 ℉
Autoignition temperature: 705 ℉
Dissociation Constant: pKa = 9.7

Allylamine Pharmacology and Hazards:

Allylamine can pose risks when exposed or handled improperly in an industrial or laboratory setting. Since allylamine has a low flash point, it is easier to ignite, making the compound highly flammable. Moreover, allylamine is toxic as it gets broken down into acrolein and hydrogen peroxide. When ingested or inhaled, allylamine becomes highly toxic as acrolein and hydrogen peroxide can irritate and burn the mouth, eyes, nasal passages, throat, and stomach.

Even small amounts of allylamine can be fatal or lead to permanent heart damage if ingested or inhaled. When the skin is exposed to the compound, it is not as toxic but can still cause irritation and burns that may or may not be reversible. Allylamine gets absorbed by the body quickly and has a half-life of under an hour. However, repeated exposure can affect the nervous system and lead to liver and kidney damage.

Although allylamine itself is a dangerous chemical, it is found in antifungals to effectively treat a variety of fungal infections. This is because allylamine prevents a key enzyme, squalene oxidase, used by fungi to create new cells from working, which leads to fungal cell death. These medications are formulated and used in a way that these infections are safely treated and that the allylamine can do its job without causing harm.

It is also important to keep in mind the effects that allylamine may have on the environment. Allylamine is extremely toxic to aquatic animals and may cause long-term consequences to aquatic ecosystems. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid any amount of allylamine from getting dumped or entering the sewage system. Always dispose of allylamine according to your regional, state, and national regulations to prevent avoidable harm.

Safety Measures:

Since allylamine can be toxic when inhaled, ingested, or contacts skin, it is crucial to ensure personal and general safety when using the chemical in an industrial or laboratory setting.

✅To Prevent Fires and Explosions:

Receive training on how to handle and store allylamine before usage.
Have no open flames near allylamine.
Prevent sparks from forming near allylamine.
Prohibit smoking near the workstation.
Maintain a closed system with the proper ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment, and lighting.
Never use compressed air for filling, discharging, or handling of chemicals near allylamine.
Do not store allylamine near any sources of heat, metals, or peroxides.
Ensure that allylamine is stored in tightly closed containers in a cool and well-ventilated environment.
Metal containers involved in transferring or storing allylamine must be properly grounded and bonded.
Only store allylamine in fireproof containers.
Do not mix allylamine near the following chemicals, as they will react: oxidizing agents (perchlorates, peroxides, permanganates, chlorates, nitrates, chlorine, bromine, and fluorine); strong acids (hydrochloric, sulfuric, and nitric acid); combustibles; carbon dioxide; halogenated compounds; acid chlorides; and acid anhydrides.

In case of a fire or explosion, use water sprays, foam, powder, and carbon dioxide to extinguish the flames. Keep equipment cool with water sprays.

✅To Prevent Health Hazards:

1) To prevent inhalation of allylamine, use ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection. If necessary, use an MSHA/NIOSH-approved supplied air respirator with a full facepiece working in pressure-demand or any positive pressure mode. The respirator can be used along with a self-contained breathing apparatus that is also set to a pressure-demand or positive pressure mode to increase protection. If allylamine is inhaled, call 911 quickly for immediate medical attention. The affected individual should be in a half-upright position, such as sitting at 45°, in an area where there is fresh air to further limit exposure to inhalable allylamine.

2) To prevent skin contact with allylamine, wearing protective clothing and gloves is not optional. It is imperative to wear clean clothing every day as rewearing clothing can increase the risk of coming in contact with allylamine. An example of protective material is butyl rubber creates an airtight and waterproof seal. However, it is not flameproof, so be cautious when wearing it around open flames. If skin contact is made with allylamine, call 911 quickly for immediate medical attention. Then rinse the contaminated area with clean water for at least 15 minutes. Afterwards, remove contaminated clothing and rinse again for another 15 minutes. Change into clean clothing.

3) To prevent allylamine from getting into the eyes, wear a face shield or have the proper eye protection. The ideal eye protection will be impact and splash resistant with indirect ventilation. If eye exposure with allylamine occurs, call 911 quickly for immediate medical attention. Then go to the eye wash station and rinse the eye with water. Try to remove contact lenses before washing your eyes if possible.

4) To prevent allylamine ingestion, do not eat, drink, or smoke while working. If you need to eat, drink, smoke, or use the toilet, wash your hands before. If suspected allylamine ingestion occurs, call 911 quickly for immediate medical attention. Then rinse the mouth to remove as much of the allylamine as possible. However, do not induce vomiting as it can cause further problems or exacerbate their symptoms. On a similar note, do not induce neutralization or use activated charcoal. If the individual is unconscious, do not perform CPR, as mouth-to-mouth resuscitation can result in an additional person getting exposed and potentially ingesting or making contact with allylamine.

✅If there is a spillage:

Use the proper personal protection equipment to prevent inhalation, ingestion, and other forms of exposure while dealing with an allylamine spillage.
Make sure that the spill and the affected area are isolated at a minimum of 150 feet in all directions.
Evacuate all personnel.
Move all ignition sources that are near the spillage.
Be aware that allylamine vapors will sink and stay in low areas and use water sprays to disperse them.
Gather as much of the liquid in sealable containers to prevent further spilling and contamination.
If there is any liquid remaining, use absorbent materials such as sand or another inert absorbent material, like clay.
Store and dispose of the allylamine according to local regulations to avoid the allylamine from entering the sewage system or affecting others.

Conclusion:

Allylamine is a valuable organic compound that can be used for both industrial and pharmaceutical processes. Although allylamine is most notable for its basis of creating effective antifungal medications, allylamine is a highly flammable and potentially toxic compound if not handled and stored properly. All individuals using allylamine in an industrial and laboratory setting should be properly trained and educated on how to handle the compound and ensure their safety.