The binding energies of the decomposition products and intermediate surface species formed on Ni(111) from adsorption of ethylamine (CH3CH2NH2) have been calculated, using semiempirical model based on the extended-Huckel theory to calculate the energies of the surface ligands and the gas-phase molecules. The results provide information about the energetics of the intermediate surface species which is not directly accessible experimentally. With this insight we have inferred a decomposition pathway which supports the one proposed by a recent experimental study. Furthermore, the calculations suggest a pathway for the hydrogenation to ethylamine (CH3CH2NH2) from coadsorption of acetonitrile (CH3CN) and hydrogen (H-2) on the surface. This proposal awaits experimental examination.