2-Amino-4-hydroxyethylaminoanisole sulfate is a chemical compound synthesised in 6 rather complex steps using 4-methoxyanilines, acetic anhydride, sulphuric acid, nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, potassium hydroxide.

The name describes the structure of the molecule.

• 2-Amino indicates the presence of an amino group (NH2) at the 2nd position of the molecule.
• 4-hydroxyethylamino suggests the presence of an ethylamino group with a hydroxy group at the 4th position.
• anisole refers to the anisole aromatic core of the molecule.
• sulfate indicates that the molecule is present as a salt of sulfuric acid.

Function of the Components

2-Amino-4-hydroxyethylaminoanisole sulfate. It is commonly used as a dye in hair coloring products.

Raw Materials Used in Production.

• Anisole: An aromatic organic compound often used as a starting point in chemical synthesis.
• Aminating agents: To introduce amino groups into the molecule.
• Sulfuric acid: Used to introduce the sulfate group into the final molecule.

Step-by-step Summary of Industrial Production Process.

• Preparation of Anisole. Anisole is purified and readied for reaction.
• Amination. Amino groups are introduced into the molecule.
• Introduction of Sulfate Group. Sulfuric acid is used to convert the final molecule into a sulfate salt.
• Purification. Removal of impurities through various purification processes.

Form and Color.

2-Amino-4-hydroxyethylaminoanisole sulfate is a brownish solid powder.

What it is used for and where

Cosmetics

Coupling agent. It is an ingredient that plays the role of a 'coupling component' in oxidation colours and reacts with a precursor when an oxidising agent is present.

CAS: 83763-48-8

Commercial Applications

Often used as an intermediate in the production of hair dyes.

Safety

2-Amino-4-hydroxyethylaminoanisole sulfate is generally considered safe, but should be avoided in cosmetic products where the compound N-nitroso, a carcinogen that interacts with nitrites and nitrosamines, may be formed (1).

2-Amino-4-hydroxyethylaminoanisole sulfate is considered a rare and novel contact allergen (2).

References_____________________________________________________________________

(1) Lijinsky W. N-Nitroso compounds in the diet. Mutat Res. 1999 Jul 15;443(1-2):129-38. doi: 10.1016/s1383-5742(99)00015-0.

Abstract. 2-Amino-4-hydroxyethylaminoanisole and its salt, 2-amino-4-hydroxyethylaminoanisole sulfate, are used as coupling agents in oxidative hair dyes. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel reviewed relevant animal and human data related to the ingredient. The Expert Panel concluded that 2-amino-4-hydroxyethylaminoanisole and 2-amino-4-hydroxyethylaminoanisole sulfate are safe for use in oxidative hair dye formulations. The Expert Panel cautioned that these ingredients should not be used in cosmetic products in which N-nitroso compounds may be formed.

(2) Madsen JT, Andersen KE. 2-Amino-4-hydroxyethylaminoanisole sulfate - a coupler causing contact allergy from use in hair dyes. Contact Dermatitis. 2016 Feb;74(2):102-4. doi: 10.1111/cod.12494. Epub 2015 Nov 13. PMID: 26563828.