3-Chloroisobutylmethyldimethoxysilane stepped onto the industrial landscape after the second wave of organosilicon research in the 1960s and 70s, riding the momentum kicked off by silicone coatings and sealants decades earlier. Early developments in alkoxysilanes prioritized performance in plastics, glass, and advanced rubber industries, and chemists soon realized the tailored properties of chlorinated functional groups. This compound evolved from both curiosity and a pressing need for silanes that could bind selectively to surfaces without giving up their activity under tough processing conditions. Over the years, researchers steered its synthesis to higher yields and cleaner conversion, aware that the growing electronics and specialty coatings markets couldn’t compromise on quality or reproducibility. Sourcing and manufacturing kept pace with the digitization of chemical supply chains, making it more accessible to labs and industry by the 2000s.
The silence around 3-Chloroisobutylmethyldimethoxysilane in day-to-day conversation doesn’t diminish its significance behind the scenes. Its role shows up in silane coupling solutions and coatings, chosen for balanced reactivity and the tweakable group structure. As a clear, colorless to light yellow liquid, it shapes its use in moisture-sensitive formulations, fills unique gaps in the silane modification toolkit, and brings remarkable utility for specialty glass treatments. Supply chains feed it into a niche where performance trumps price, and the end users—ranging from advanced composite manufacturers to electronics fabricators—keep pushing for even more specialized variants.
This compound’s boiling point often clocks in around 90-100°C at reduced pressure, and its density hovers near 0.99–1.01 g/cm³ at 25°C. The chemical structure—anchored by methoxy and chloro-functionalized isobutyl and methyl groups—makes it both moisture sensitive and fairly volatile. Tread lightly around air and water: exposure to moisture triggers hydrolysis, generating methanol and hydrochloric acid, which in turn alters surface chemistries in composite formulations. Its flashpoint falls below many other organosilanes (commonly between 65–75°C), so fire safety training becomes relevant wherever it’s stored or handled.
Industrial suppliers offer this chemical at purities exceeding 97%, as any trace moisture or hydrolyzed product muddies performance. Labeling on containers highlights the UN number for hazardous organosilanes and storage limitations—usually directing handlers to keep it sealed tight, shielded from humidity above 50%, and far from acids or bases. Standard packaging comes in fluorinated containers or tamper-proof drums. Lab suppliers print synthesis lot numbers and technical specs—like GC area% purity and trace chloride ions—so researchers know precisely how the batch will behave. These little details, often overlooked, matter deeply in any setting where downstream reliability carries real weight.
Manufacturing starts from isobutylmethyldichlorosilane, which undergoes controlled methoxylation using methanol under dry, inert atmospheres. The protocol requires slow addition—rapid mixing releases heat and accelerates side reactions, lowering purity. Industrial installations monitor temperature, pressure, and methanol/silane ratios, often in glass-lined reactors. Next comes vacuum distillation: residual solvents and low-boiling impurities get stripped away until the product tests clear. My time in pilot plant scale-up taught me that small changes in nitrogen flow or water content alter everything, so experienced teams chart every detail.
This silane stands out for both its chlorinated and methoxy functionalities, which open a variety of downstream transformations. The chloro group attaches directly to silicon, letting users introduce the molecule onto surfaces by nucleophilic substitution, bringing silane-based coatings to glass or metal. The methoxy groups hydrolyze in the presence of water, forming silanol intermediates that anchor firmly to inorganic substrates. Materials chemists sometimes swap out the chloro via Grignard or lithium reagents, creating new hybrid silanes for ultra-high-performance composites. Back in graduate research labs, debugging these reactions meant constant vigilance against moisture leaks and stray acids—not just because reactions failed, but due to the fingertip burns or lab bench etching that marked a single slipup.
Names for this compound multiply across catalogs and technical papers. You see it listed as (3-chloro-2-methylpropyl)(methoxy)dimethylsilane, chloroisobutylmethyldimethoxysilane, or with abbreviations like Cl-iBuMeSi(OCH3)2. Product codes differ by manufacturer—TCI, Gelest, Alfa Aesar—yet all flag the same backbone. Some industry users simply call it “3-Cl silane” or “chlorinated isobutyl methyl dimethoxysilane” when communicating with chemical buyers. Navigating the variety of names gets less confusing once you know the skeletal structure, though any confusion at the warehouse level can slow down entire projects.
Safety conversations never get old, especially when the chemical toolbox involves moisture-sensitive and toxic compounds. 3-Chloroisobutylmethyldimethoxysilane spawns hydrochloric acid and methanol during hydrolysis—both hazardous to skin and respiratory systems. Facilities handling this product fit out fume hoods with proper airflow alarms, eye washes get stocked with fresh saline, and personnel cycle through chemical-specific safety training. GHS labeling highlights skin and eye hazards, warning against direct exposure. Fire marshals check warehousing plans, as the low flash point means a minor leak or spill could quickly escalate. PPE—gloves, splash goggles, and vapor-proof aprons—forms the minimum barrier before uncorking a drum or pipetting inside a glovebox. In my own experience, skipping even one protocol due to deadline pressure brings trouble, not just for the user but across entire workflow teams.
While the public never sees this chemical at retail stores, its imprint spreads through automotive adhesives, protective glass coatings, printed circuit board insulation, coatings for LED surfaces, and sometimes in solar cell module encapsulants. Material scientists often reach for it when tailoring surface energy for unique fiber matrix interfaces, since the dual nature—chloro and silane—encourages durable binding in environments hostile to less robust compounds. Specialty electronics and composite aerospace projects lean on it to extend lifetimes, prevent electrical shorts, and add mechanical resilience. In areas like polymer processing or advanced paint systems, the compound plays its part in ground-level advances that trickle up to real products, from touchscreens to wind turbine blades.
For years, research teams have poked at limitations: hydrolysis resistance, environmental persistence, and functional group diversification. Electrochemical device developers tweak the structure to balance adhesion with water repellency in next-generation batteries. Teams building biomedical scaffolds look for modified analogs that graft more easily onto biological polymers, aiming for compatibility without reactivity headaches. As funding priorities shift toward sustainability, R&D now includes life cycle analyses, pushing manufacturers to cut waste and speed up greener, solvent-free production lines. I’ve seen companies sponsor university research to hunt for silanes with lower toxicity but identical performance, using computational modeling and high-throughput screening. Collaboration guides progress, and open publication of both failures and incremental advances helps the whole field move faster.
Toxicology panels run both in vitro and animal exposure studies, tracking methanol generation, skin irritation, respiratory impacts, and bioaccumulation patterns. Reports flag primary concerns with inhalation: acute exposure can cause coughing, headache, or drowsiness, while chronic low-level exposure increases risks for organ toxicity—methanol converts inside the body to formaldehyde and formic acid, known problems for liver and nervous system health. Environmental impact studies test freshwater ecotoxicity, and regulators challenge industry to reduce emissions at production sites. International safety agencies, including ECHA and the EPA, established strict occupational exposure limits. Data often points back to process design, urging use of closed-system transfers and improved ventilation before ramping up production.
Looking ahead, the chemical industry’s push toward digital supply chains, circular economy design, and safer working conditions means 3-chloroisobutylmethyldimethoxysilane sits at a crossroads. Researchers test next-generation analogs with lower toxicity, and automation in both lab and factory settings promises fewer human exposures. Regulatory landscapes in Europe and Asia may tighten further, pushing for clearer labeling, detailed tracking of downstream emissions, and recycling mandates. Advanced materials teams want molecules with more precise control over crosslinking density or surface properties, leading to custom-tailored silanes based on this core structure. Investment in occupational health pays off on every level: fewer accidents, lower insurance overhead, and a workforce more comfortable working with high-value, specialty chemicals in demanding markets. Continued open-source publication of performance and safety findings builds stronger trust not only between companies, but with the communities living near these manufacturing sites.
3-Chloroisobutylmethyldimethoxysilane may sound like something out of a lab manual, but people use its chemical strengths across different industries. I have seen its presence especially in settings where materials like glass or metal need some extra protection or bonding power. Manufacturers turn to this silane because of how it lets surfaces and coatings connect more tightly, increasing the toughness of whatever gets treated.
In industries that rely on construction compounds or advanced electronics, products face tough conditions—temperature swings, moisture, and physical stress. This silane acts as a bridge between otherwise awkward partners: for example, layering plastic onto glass or applying weather-resistant coatings onto metal. Its secret comes from those chemical groups (the “silane” part) that grab onto both organic stuff (like resins or polymers) and inorganic things (like silica or aluminum).
I have talked to engineers who appreciate how bonds created using this compound last longer during routine wear and tear, especially in outdoor environments. Adhesion promoted by 3-Chloroisobutylmethyldimethoxysilane means paints peel less and sealants stand up to water. The silane’s chlorine group also adds a bit of punch, helping to fend off fungus or bacteria, so surfaces stay cleaner for longer periods—something you notice on painted railings or outdoor signage.
Efforts to miniaturize electronics depend on solutions like this silane. Chips and sensors often get packed together closely, so any disruption—say a little moisture vapor—might wreck an entire batch. Engineers use this compound to “prime” surfaces, letting adhesives or encapsulants grip better. This approach shields parts from short-circuits or slow corrosion. Such improvements can shrink device sizes, extend product life, and cut down electronic waste over time.
The composite materials world—think aerospace or high-performance sporting gear—leans on these chemistry tricks, too. Carbon fiber layers, for example, require a strong connection to resins. Treatments with silanes make those micro-scale links stronger. That difference means a lighter wing or racquet, but with enough strength to take real-world punishment. Less breakage means fewer replacements, reducing both costs and waste.
I have also followed the push to keep workplaces safer. Some silane compounds can harm workers if handled carelessly. Factories should adopt better ventilation and personal safety equipment whenever workers deal with chemicals like 3-Chloroisobutylmethyldimethoxysilane. Many manufacturers now review their processes so emissions stay within health standards, and training gets shared across teams, not just specialists. This approach builds a safer environment and keeps production lines moving without health scares or stoppage.
3-Chloroisobutylmethyldimethoxysilane gives chemists and engineers the power to push past limits of older adhesives and coatings. As more projects demand longer-lasting bonds and tougher materials, companies invest in both the science behind new silane compounds and safer, greener ways to use them. Open conversations about worker safety, environmental responsibility, and end product quality help keep this chemical’s growing role both productive and accountable.
Anyone who’s stored chemicals for any amount of time knows how fast small slip-ups turn into real problems. 3-Chloroisobutylmethyldimethoxysilane doesn’t ask for fancy tech, but it isn’t as easygoing as something like salt or sugar. My past work with specialty silanes in labs and workshops has taught me that the devil sits in tiny details. This compound reacts with water. Even moisture in the air starts a slow breakdown. Fumes build up, and the label’s warnings on flammability and toxicity didn’t end up there just for peace of mind. Carelessness can cost safety, product, and sometimes even equipment.
Small leaks and vapor releases don’t just make the building smell bad. Over time, even low exposure creates chronic headaches, skin troubles, or worse. I’ve watched coworkers rush through handling because “it’s just another silane” only for someone else to later scrub surfaces or clear out the room. Early mistakes taught me the value of fresh air. Chemical vapors tend to hang low, leaving workers exposed for longer stretches. Good ventilation lifts those worries. Don’t skimp on gloves—nitrile works better than latex, and splash goggles block out surprises if bottles drip or hoses snap.
Opening a container without checking the pressure inside runs a bigger risk than many expect. Even temperature swings during storage sometimes increase internal pressure. I always remind beginners to crack the seal slow, with the opening pointed away from their face and body. Leaving that to chance goes against both safety guidance and basic self-preservation. Proper signage—clear and weather-resistant—helps visitors and staff recognize what sits in those drums or bottles, especially if labels start to fade.
Once, a colleague forgot to reseal a half-used drum after a late delivery. By morning, the silane had picked up enough humidity to start forming a gel. Replacing contaminated batches costs a lot more than an overtime shift from doing it right the night before. Keeping lids tightly secured after use, storing drums indoors in dry storage areas, and away from acids or oxidizers becomes a routine that pays for itself.
Static isn’t just some winter annoyance. While handling silanes, grounding containers and wearing antistatic shoes reduce ignition chances. The fumes from many of these compounds catch fire easier than gasoline fumes. I learned early to store away from heat sources, open flames, or even sunlit windowsills. I’ve known shops that skip daily checks because “it always works” until it doesn’t. Small daily habits—walking the aisle, feeling drums for warmth, watching for leaks—put real eyes on potential hazards.
The chemical industry backs up its rules with plenty of accident reports. Insurers watch for evidence of secondary containment—those catch trays under drums can save thousands after a spill, not to mention compliance with environmental laws. Workers forget, storms knock out air systems, and storage racking sometimes gets overloaded. Investing time in periodic training and updated procedures limits mistakes and saves people from unnecessary risk. Good organizations invite team input on storage layout and emergency response tweaks, so procedures fit the space and workflow.
There’s no single “best” way to store every chemical, but the industry keeps learning. Working with safer packaging, using less material at a time, and always pushing for better labeling help everyday safety. Some labs push for real-time monitoring—digital sensors that watch humidity, vapor concentrations, and temperature. This approach highlights small issues before they turn to major cleanups. The lesson stands clear every time: treat storage with care, keep people informed, and stay ahead of problems before they start.
3-Chloroisobutylmethyldimethoxysilane packs a name that twists the tongue, but the parts tell a story. Chemistry takes all the credit here. The backbone comes from silicon, typical in silane chemistry, with both methyl and dimethoxy groups hanging off one side. The isobutyl chain features a chlorine atom at the third carbon, giving it unique character among its kind.
Talking formula, chemists know it as C7H17ClO2Si. Every piece matters: seven carbons, seventeen hydrogens, one chlorine, two oxygens, and a single silicon atom. Each of them changes how this molecule works and fits into bigger systems.
Numbers tell a story that goes past the blackboard. 3-Chloroisobutylmethyldimethoxysilane clocks in with a molecular weight of about 212.75 g/mol. This number shows up during all kinds of work, from weighing out reactants to setting up complex processes. Some might think the mass only helps in math. In the real world, knowing the weight makes shipping, dosing, and hazard assessments all more manageable. It makes a huge difference if a facility is handling twenty grams or twenty kilograms.
Exact details in research save headache down the road. A single digit off the formula can throw off entire batches or safety datasheets. Over time, accurate chemical records make a lab more reliable and keep staff safe. Get the molecular weight wrong, and measurement drifts show up in unexpected places.
Mistakes don’t just burn money—they risk health. Chlorinated silanes have a track record of being irritants if handled wrong. Reliable data keeps workers out of the doctor’s office. With the right information, teams can set up the ventilation, avoid skin contact, and know how to react if something spills.
Not all chemicals fill textbooks or gather dust. 3-Chloroisobutylmethyldimethoxysilane shows up in surface chemistry, sealants, and coatings. Its unique structure helps it attach to both organic and inorganic surfaces, giving products better durability or flexibility. In day-to-day work, manufacturers lean on details like formula and molecular weight every time a batch hits the mixing tank.
Workers on the shop floor might not say “C7H17ClO2Si” out loud, but their job depends on clean records and clear weights. For labs developing new hybrids or custom coatings, nothing matters more than knowing the right building blocks. I’ve seen teams chase their tails for hours over a tiny label mix-up, and it always circles back to getting the fundamentals right.
Numbers and names look dry on paper, but they back up real lives and projects. Companies that focus on solid data cut down on accidents, confusion, and waste. Simple checklists can save big headaches. Smart companies ask workers to double-check formulas before use. Training never hurts and paying attention to chemical labels pays off quickly.
Even in big organizations, teamwork matters. Every link in the chain—from researchers to warehouse staff—plays a role in keeping production smooth and people safe. For 3-Chloroisobutylmethyldimethoxysilane, and every bottle on a shelf, getting the science right means better business and fewer problems.
3-Chloroisobutylmethyldimethoxysilane shows up in quite a few chemical processes, especially where folks need strong bonds between plastics, rubbers, and glass. People working in advanced manufacturing or specialty coatings may know this chemical by reputation. It smells sharp, it evaporates fast, and it’s classified as a hazardous liquid by both OSHA and the European Chemicals Agency.
After handling chemicals in industrial settings for years, there are a few safety lessons that stick—never take clear liquids for granted, especially not ones like this. Direct contact with 3-Chloroisobutylmethyldimethoxysilane attacks skin and eyes, leading to redness and severe irritation. Breathing in the vapors can irritate the nose, throat, and lungs. More troubling, long-term exposure leads to breathing trouble and may trigger asthma-like reactions if somebody becomes sensitized.
Fire is also an issue. The chemical contains both chlorine and silicon, which sound harmless, but the compound ignites easily and releases toxic gases if it catches fire. Years ago, I watched a warehouse incident unfold because someone left volatile silanes near a space heater. The fumes hung in the air, and emergency crews came in wearing full respirators. That image sticks.
Staying safe around chemicals like this is more than avoiding pain or a hospital bill. I’ve seen proud, stubborn workers brush off skin splashes only to regret it hours later as the burns set in. It's not just about protecting the individual. One slip-up leads to contamination of workspaces, emergency shutdowns, and headaches for everyone involved. Once, a single spill forced a crew to stop work for an entire day because the local fire marshal forced a full decontamination. Lost time, lost pay, and plenty of stress. Safety protocols exist for a reason, and nobody benefits from shortcuts around chemicals with bite.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and similar agencies offer clear advice about handling this chemical. Gloves with solid resistance—nitrile or butyl rubber—protect skin. Goggles or face shields keep splashes off the eyes. In my own experience, disposable respirators rarely offer enough protection; half-face or full-face respirators with organic vapor cartridges make a real difference. Any workspace must have strong ventilation—if you smell the chemical, that’s a red flag. Automated or closed systems that keep the chemical away from open air change the game, especially for bulk handling or high-throughput work.
Spill kits must be nearby: absorbent material, neutralizing agents, and clearly labeled containers for waste. Part of my early career involved cleaning up after sloppy chemical practice, and the difference between a prepared station and a panicked scramble can't be overstated. Even small leaks, if ignored, can lead to bigger problems—corroded equipment, lingering smells that trigger headaches, or worse, invisible long-term risks to everyone in the building.
Emergency showers and eyewash stations should never be more than a few seconds away, and everyone should know where they are. It sounds basic, but muscle memory helps when adrenaline hits. Training isn’t just videos and checklists; real hands-on drills teach people how to help themselves and each other. I’ve seen well-practiced teams jump into action and limit injuries, simply because they took preparation seriously.
Good safety culture means workers return home healthy every day. Proper handling cuts down on spills, waste, and emissions—my old shop had strict logs for every drum. Even minor improvements—like swapping open beakers for sealed transfer systems—drop exposure rates and make everyone feel more secure. Environmental impacts haunt companies that ignore best practice, with fines and bad press following any major mishap. Smart planning and reliable training keep both people and communities safe from incidents that always seem unlikely—until they aren’t.
Working with chemicals like 3-Chloroisobutylmethyldimethoxysilane isn’t just about handling them in the lab or on a shop floor—it’s the end of the road that often tells the biggest story. Every bottle or barrel has a life beyond its last use, and carelessness here invites real harm. My time handling specialty chemicals taught me this lesson early: a spill or careless pour can travel far, sometimes ending in waterways or the air, harming more than just those nearby.
The world of silanes is more complicated than most cleaners or inks. With 3-Chloroisobutylmethyldimethoxysilane, you’re dealing with a compound that can break down in unpredictable ways, reacting with water and giving off corrosive vapors. Even a tiny amount, if dumped or evaporated, can create real trouble for folks who breathe it or touch contaminated surfaces. More than once, I watched managers try to ‘just dilute and flush’—the warning signs on the drums exist for a reason.
Dumping this stuff down the drain or mixing it with household garbage doesn’t just break the law in most places. It kicks the problem down the line: wastewater plants won’t catch these types of chemicals, and landfill leachate might carry toxins into the soil and water for years. Suffering from chemical burns back in my early lab days taught me just how quickly carelessness adds up. Proper handling comes down to two things: containment and connection.
ContainmentAlways keep the chemical in tightly sealed, labeled containers. Never let small spills or leftover product collect in unlabeled jars or gets mixed with unrelated waste. The fumes given off by spilled 3-Chloroisobutylmethyldimethoxysilane can damage lungs or eyes long after visible signs disappear. Double-bagging or using secondary containment shields both your workspace and the people walking through it.
ConnectionLocal hazardous waste programs provide the outlet you need. Getting in touch with regional authorities, especially your city or county environmental office, helps you stay legal and safe. Most communities run regular chemical waste collections where trained technicians know how to handle, store, and ultimately neutralize oddball silanes and solvents. After running industrial maintenance teams, I saw firsthand how much safer these drop-off days made workplaces. If nobody is sure what to do, call your fire department or poison control—sometimes they can point you to disposal sites or give practical advice if an accident already happened.
The evidence is clear: improper dumping and venting of chlorinated silanes like this can cause local pollution and direct health problems. Academic reviews have shown these chemicals linger, meaning short-term convenience becomes long-term regret. Government guides, including the US EPA and European Chemicals Agency, demand that substances like 3-Chloroisobutylmethyldimethoxysilane be neutralized under controlled conditions, usually at licensed hazardous waste facilities. They break down and incinerate these compounds with proper scrubbers to catch the by-products.
Education plays a big part. Sharing stories of accidents, near misses, and clear outcomes kept my teams alert. Simple reminders, clear labels, and up-to-date training build a culture where people see chemical disposal as more than just a forgotten step. Many organizations post updated posters and keep printed guides near chemical storage areas, making the right move the easy one. On a personal level, pushing for better chemical purchasing decisions—think less hazardous or non-chlorinated alternatives—helps everyone down the line. Sometimes, you don’t just clean up after yourself; you prevent trouble from starting at all.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | [chloromethyl-[(2-methylpropyl)dimethoxy]silane] |
| Other names |
Isobutylmethyldimethoxysilane, 3-chloro- 3-chloro-isobutylmethyldimethoxysilane Chloroisobutyl(methyl)dimethoxysilane |
| Pronunciation | /ˈθriː-klɔːr.oʊ-aɪ.soʊˈbjuː.tɪlˌmɛθ.əlˌdaɪˌmɛθ.ɒk.siˈsaɪ.leɪn/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 31001-77-1 |
| Beilstein Reference | 6353660 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:188789 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL4294837 |
| ChemSpider | 23020218 |
| DrugBank | DB16826 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 08e02b1a-8c08-4fff-b689-9c8e037cb6a9 |
| EC Number | Chemical has no EC Number assigned |
| Gmelin Reference | 127595-66-4 |
| KEGG | C18709 |
| MeSH | 3-Chloroisobutylmethyldimethoxysilane" does not have a specific MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) term assigned. |
| PubChem CID | 70596071 |
| RTECS number | GZ1220000 |
| UNII | 4J4JUD62WF |
| UN number | UN1993 |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DJ7L2X9G0B |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C7H17ClO2Si |
| Molar mass | 212.74 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless transparent liquid |
| Odor | Characteristic |
| Density | 0.97 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.) |
| Solubility in water | Insoluble |
| log P | 1.9 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.9 hPa (20 °C) |
| Basicity (pKb) | Product not listed |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.4180 |
| Viscosity | 3 cP |
| Dipole moment | 1.6952 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 354.6 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | ATC code not assigned |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS02, GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H226, H315, H319, H335 |
| Precautionary statements | H226-H302-H312-H315-H319-H332-H335 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-2-1-~ |
| Flash point | 73 °C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 (oral, rat) > 2000 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): Rat Oral >2000 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | WX9800000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL (Permissible) for 3-Chloroisobutylmethyldimethoxysilane: Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 250 kg steel drum |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Trimethylchlorosilane Dimethyldichlorosilane Methyltrichlorosilane Isobutylmethyldimethoxysilane 3-Chloropropylmethyldimethoxysilane Methyldimethoxysilane Isobutyltrichlorosilane |
