m-Xylylenediamine is an organic compound with the formula C6H4(CH2NH2)2. A colorless oily liquid, it is produced by hydrogenation of isophthalonitrile.[4]
m-Xylylenediamine (MXDA) is used in a variety of industrial applications including amine based curing agents for epoxy resins[5] which may then be formulated into coatings, adhesives, sealants, and elastomers.[1]
m-Xylylenediamine undergoes to Sommelet reaction to give isophthalaldehyde.[6]
Exposure to m-xylylenediamine may occur by inhalation, skin contact, eye exposure, or ingestion. It can cause chemical burns, tissue damage, delayed pulmonary edema, shock, and skin sensitization. Symptoms of inhalation include a burning sensation in the respiratory tract, cough, sore throat, labored breathing, and dyspnea (shortness of breath). It is also flammable and produces toxic fumes when burned. m-Xylylenediamine reacts with acids, acid chlorides, and acid anhydrides.[1][7]