Colorless and strongly alkaline volatile viscous liquid. There is an ammonia smell. Flammable. Can dissolve in water and ethanol, and form hydrates when dissolved in water. Slightly soluble in ether, insoluble in benzene. Ethylenediamine has strong alkalinity and is prone to salt formation when exposed to acid. It can absorb moisture and carbon dioxide in the air to generate non-volatile carbonates. Ethylenediamine can also form complexes with many inorganic substances. There is a risk of combustion and explosion when exposed to open flames, high heat, or contact with oxidants. Reacts violently with strong acids such as sulfuric acid, nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, etc.

Used for titration of non-aqueous solutions. Aminocarboxylic chelating agent. Determination of antimony, bismuth, cadmium, cobalt, copper, mercury, silver, and uranium. Used as a curing agent for epoxy resin and a solvent for protein and fibrin.