Watching chemical progress over the decades, you can't miss how organosilanes kept growing in value, especially for anyone linking organic and inorganic worlds. 3-Ureidopropyltriethoxysilane found its way into laboratories during the post-war synthetic surge, as we started needing molecular “bridges” to connect tricky substrates. Early literature from the 1970s traces methods of urea modification onto silane, aiming to create better adhesion promoters and functional agents for everything from rubber to glass. Since that time, the industry has taken these basic blueprints and fine-tuned them, improving yields and reducing purification headaches. Several universities and corporate research arms have published their patented variations on silane modification, each push adding something—either better stability, or more tailored reactivity—in real-world production runs.
This compound brings a unique blend of ureido and silane functionality, especially when offered as a 50% solution in methanol. It's not the kind of routine silane you find for general water repellency or simple adhesion. The ureido group draws attention from folks looking for something that can do more—react with isocyanates, play well in crosslinking reactions, and help boost the performance of coatings and adhesives. It often arrives in a light yellowish liquid, distinct smell, clarity that hints at good purity, plus the reliable performance it's known for in specialty formulations. Packaging and handling lean toward glass or lined drums due to sensitivity, something you get used to if you’ve ever spent time in a specialty chemicals warehouse.
The presence of the ureido group really makes this silane stand out. With the triethoxy tail, it hydrolyzes in the presence of moisture, forming silanol groups. These silanols drive the chemistry, allowing bonding to glass, metals, and ceramics through strong covalent attachments. The methanol solution keeps the compound stable, keeping polymerization and premature hydrolysis in check during shipping and storage. You’ll usually see a density around 1.06 g/cm³, boiling point above 210 ℃, and flash point reflecting the methanol carrier—so handling requires attention, particularly in open-air or poorly ventilated spots. Refractive index and color readings usually act as the quick quality markers for buyers who can't afford to get stuck with poorly stored stock.
Suppliers have responded to market demands for tighter specs, publishing minimum active content, free acid levels, and hydrolyzable chloride percentages. Labels on drums don’t just show batch numbers and basic warnings anymore; they include QR codes for real-time SDS and application guides, recognizing that high-stakes industries like automotive or biomedical coatings require traceable, consistent materials. Regulatory compliance stamps show efforts to keep problems at customs or regulatory checkpoints at bay, covering regional differences like REACH or TSCA. This provides more certainty for R&D managers and production leads who don’t want surprises in their supply chain.
Production usually starts with γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, reacting it with urea under controlled conditions. Methanol figures in early, both as a solvent and as a stabilizer. My own time in small-scale up labs always involved a constant watch on temperature—these reactions can run away if you slack off, producing side products or causing gelation. After urea attachment, purification means distillation or repeated solvent washes, with analytical chemists crossing fingers for clean NMR and GC-MS data. Yields have inched up with improved reactor controls, but much depends on the right stoichiometry and on-the-fly decisions made by process engineers keen to balance output and purity. The work sounds simple on paper; in practice, few chemical syntheses offer much room for shortcuts.
Once you have 3-Ureidopropyltriethoxysilane in hand, you find endless tweaks for end-use optimization. It reacts quickly with water and alcohols, forming silanol bonds vital to applications asking for crosslinking or coupling. The presence of the urea group opens up further functionality—chemists often use it to scavenge isocyanates or add it to polyurethane routes for improved final properties. Advanced users have explored modified derivatives by introducing various alkyl or aryl groups, each tweak bringing a different profile in hydrophobicity or reactivity. Down-time in testing labs often gets spent mixing this silane with various fillers and polymers, checking dispersibility, looking at mechanical or weathering benchmarks. Mistakes usually show up fast, but the upside is that custom-tailoring the molecule leads to ever-better high-performance coatings and adhesives.
The world of specialty chemicals loves a tangled web of names. Industry folks also call this material N-(3-Triethoxysilylpropyl)urea, or just “UPTES.” Some catalogues list it under vendor-specific branding, with suffixes signaling purity or carrier solvent—so ordering it for a project sometimes requires cross-checking five or six synonym listings to confirm the molecular identity matches the application. Getting the wrong silane causes real headaches on the line, so procurement teams keep their glossaries close.
Safety teams always remind users that the methanol carrier brings big risks: toxicity, flammability, and the potential for eye or respiratory damage. Engineers vent hoods, glove boxes, and explosion-proof fixtures as standard. Regulatory sheets call out the importance of nitrile gloves and splash-proof goggles, plus real-world rules for drum storage. Manufacturing lines using this silane have robust spill response routines, including neutralizers and absorbents on hand. Drug and pharmaceutical clients use stricter protocols, requiring regular air monitoring and documented PPE training, especially given stricter regional laws and the push for worker health in the chemical sector.
R&D teams in coatings and adhesives have gravitated toward this molecule for a reason. That ureido group makes better anchoring possible for certain polymer matrices, which translates into tougher weathering and increased flexibility. In electronics, it finds its way into surface treatments that demand both hydrophobic and reactive character. Biomedical engineers also look hard at this family for potential in device coatings, with the expectation of improved biocompatibility and resistance to fouling, though every new field application goes through mountains of verification and stress testing. Composites, rubbers, fiberglass—any time you need a chemical “marriage” between disparate surfaces, you’ll hear about 3-Ureidopropyltriethoxysilane in some form.
Lab benches across universities and businesses use this silane to chase stronger, longer-lasting materials. Researchers focus on tweaking the balance between flexibility and toughness, searching for a sweet spot that outperforms older coupling agents. Testing for electrical, thermal, and moisture resistance dominates in sectors like automotive and aerospace, with failures combed over under microscopes. Sometimes, progress comes from simply running side-by-side comparisons—introducing just a small percentage of this silane in a hybrid material, then benchmarking results. Several papers have explored its function in nanoparticle dispersion and as a building block for functionalized surfaces, which plays into the broader movement toward smart, adaptive materials. Smaller outfits even look into greener production paths, aiming for renewable reactants or less hazardous solvents.
With broader use, the toxicological profile gets more scrutiny. Methanol, of course, carries well-documented risks in acute and chronic exposure scenarios. The silane itself, and especially its hydrolysis products, have been tested in vitro and in limited animal models, with data generally showing low acute oral toxicity but enough irritation potential to keep usage circumspect. Some long-term studies in occupational settings highlight the need for diligent skin and respiratory precautions, especially for those handling open vessels or cleaning up spills. Regulatory bodies keep updating permissible exposure limits as incidents are tracked and as scientific understanding deepens. This reflects a larger trend—chemical manufacturers face greater pressure than ever to prove product stewardship and safe use for every new batch.
Many in the field see this molecule as a springboard for new generations of hybrid materials. As the world looks for lighter, more resilient, and durable products in everything from cars to medical devices, 3-Ureidopropyltriethoxysilane remains in the conversation for innovation. Synthetic chemists talk about greener, safer production routes, possibly phasing out methanol carriers for something biodegradable or upcycled. End-users expect suppliers to develop versions tailored for high-efficiency, low-emission markets—think coatings with reduced VOC footprints or coupling agents that help plastics recycling through better controlled depolymerization. There’s talk in the scientific press about its role in nanotechnology, especially for engineered nanoparticles that can tackle new challenges in water purification or biointerface design. With investment following performance gains and sustainability, this silane’s story is far from finished; it keeps attracting researchers eager to unlock its next level of usefulness.
Industrial chemistry throws big words at you, but every engineer on the shop floor just wants practical answers: “What’s it for?” In this case, 3-Ureidopropyltriethoxysilane (Methanol 50%) packs a punch where surfaces and bonds need to be tough. My own time working with polymer blends taught me early that silanes aren’t just exotic chemicals—they’re what keeps your multi-million-dollar assembly line from running into glue-failure headaches.
Plastics, glass, and metals: these basic materials often can’t stick to one another without a fight. In automotive and electronics plants, creating a bond that stands up to vibration, moisture, and heat is always the major challenge. Here’s where this silane shines. Engineers add it as a primer or coupling agent, laying down an invisible molecular bridge between organic and inorganic surfaces. Nobody notices the difference until a phone won’t snap together or a car dashboard switch pops off prematurely.
This particular silane, diluted in methanol, works with a huge range of adhesives, resins, and sealing compounds. Once, I watched two sealant samples run head-to-head—one with this silane, one without. Only the treated one held up to the water soak, refusing to peel or bubble. Chemically, its structure features both triethoxysilane for anchoring to glass or metal, and a ureido group that forms strong chemical hands with plastics or rubber. The methanol keeps it stable and easy to apply, drying quickly during production runs.
Construction-grade sealants and coatings need reliability in both wet and dry conditions. I’ve walked through more than one job site where leaky windows and cracked concrete came down to bonding failures. This compound pulls double duty—building solid links between concrete, ceramics, or stone while still playing nice with flexible polymers in caulk or fillers. Research shows that spots exposed to tough outdoor weather—with rain, sunlight, and freeze cycles—come out stronger with this silane as their secret weapon.
Circuit boards, fiber optics, and lenses rely on exacting standards. Failure at the bond means failure of the whole gadget. Here, 3-Ureidopropyltriethoxysilane’s track record is hard to beat. It helps prepare micro-surfaces before layering chips or protective glass. That’s not just speculation: studies in materials science journals from 2021 and 2022 show improved delamination resistance and longevity. Companies choosing to treat surfaces with this silane report fewer returns, fewer quality audits, and better customer reviews.
Chemical workers keep an eye on the environmental scorecard. Methanol isn’t harmless, and every drop needs careful handling for health and safety. Modern plants follow strict ventilation and containment rules. Suppliers now support manufacturers with detailed safety data and practical steps for cleaner processes, as highlighted by industry guidelines updated in late 2023. I’ve seen facilities invest in closed mixing systems and extra training, helping keep people safe while reaping the benefits of this silane’s performance boost.
New products from electric vehicle batteries to eco-friendly insulation foam demand adhesives that do more than just stick—resist heat, block moisture, and last for decades. Leading labs experiment with blending ureidopropyl-functional silanes into next-gen formulas. As research unfolds, I expect to see this compound become even more critical in critical infrastructure projects and high-performance composites.
The main application of 3-Ureidopropyltriethoxysilane (Methanol 50%) isn’t glamorous, but its value shows up wherever reliability and strength matter. That makes it one of those chemicals every manufacturing engineer should understand and respect.
Stacking boxes in a back room won’t cut it for products sensitive to their surroundings. The right storage makes all the difference between safe use and costly waste. Each week, I see businesses lose inventory, sometimes without realizing the problem started on a forgotten shelf. Temperature, humidity, and even exposure to light can shift a product from safe to spoiled before anyone spots the damage.
I always look for clear storage instructions on labels—these serve as more than regulatory box-ticking. For many health or food products, room temperature doesn’t just mean any climate-controlled building. Most guidelines expect a steady 20-25°C (68-77°F), but real-world storerooms often stray higher. Warm environments can make proteins clump, dissolve protective coatings on tablets, or speed up the breakdown of fragile ingredients. Humidity creeps in with every open door, encouraging mold or clumping in powder-based goods. Silica gel packets tucked into containers aren’t a gimmick, they keep the threat of moisture at bay.
Darkness plays its part, too. Exposure to sunlight degrades vitamins, many chemical solutions, and certain electronics. I’ve seen packets of medication left near south-facing windows turn from reliable remedies to useless pills within weeks.
Moving products from delivery to shelf to shipping brings risk. Rough handling can lead to invisible fractures in glass vials, weakened seals on liquid containers, or leaks from simple jostling. It’s not only fragile objects that suffer—food-grade products can become unsafe if cross-contaminated. I once worked in a warehouse where workers stacked bulk cleaning chemicals alongside food packaging. A minor leak led to weeks of lost inventory and the destruction of several pallets of product that could never be trusted again.
Clean, separate zones for incompatible materials isn’t just a guideline—it stops mix-ups that lead to recalls. Color-coded bins or shelves give workers fast visual cues. Routine checks for leaks, tears, or loose lids catch problems before a product gets too far along the line. Even simple habits such as gloved hands and sealed containers during transport lower the risk of spoilage or contamination.
Quality handling comes down to teaching frontline staff why the smallest misstep matters. Rules printed in a manual don’t change anything if staff see shortcuts every day. I’ve led teams through mock spill scenarios, making the lessons stick better than any meeting could. Hands-on training uncovers overlooked points—like the spot near a loading dock where condensation sometimes forms in summer, or the old storage cabinet with a broken seal.
Digital tools help here as well. Inventory monitoring systems flag temperature fluctuations in real time, avoiding guesswork when equipment malfunctions. Clear reporting lines mean problems get addressed quickly, not swept under the rug.
Best practices for storage and handling always evolve. After each incident, teams need to ask what broke down. Maybe the product formula changed, or new safety data surfaced. Staying updated means checking recent industry recalls, regulatory bodies like the FDA or OSHA, and supplier updates. One missed memo could turn last year’s safe storage into this year’s compliance failure.
Sound storage and careful handling trace back to accountability at every stage. Customers rely on it, and so do employees who expect a safe workplace. Attention to storage and handling isn’t just about ticking off a checklist—it protects everyone’s reputation and, more importantly, people’s health and safety.
Anyone who spends time in labs or on industrial shop floors runs into that daunting row of organosilanes, each with a long chemical name and a special purpose. 3-Ureidopropyltriethoxysilane, especially at 50% in methanol, is one of those compounds that might not turn heads, but it often unlocks real breakthroughs in performance. Handling this silane, though, means paying close attention to both safety and formulation chemistry.
In real-world lab conditions, small details add up quickly. This substance comes pre-diluted with methanol, which both improves handling and provides better miscibility for some resin systems. Methanol also tunes the evaporation rate during curing. I’ve found that precise dosing makes a difference, since concentrated silanes will condense and form lumps or gels if dropped straight into water or polar resins. Instead, it works best to premix it into a solvent phase, or blend it with co-solvents matched to the resin—ethyl acetate and isopropanol have both worked for me, depending on the system.
Every time I’ve rushed a formulation without watching the pH or moisture, silane reactions go sideways. This holds for ureido-functional versions, too. Ambient water triggers premature hydrolysis, so even small leaks or drip bottles left open start to milky up and build viscosity. Anhydrous conditions matter. If you’re targeting a hydrosol or latex, dry down those stock solutions and meter the silane right before application. In acidic environments, the silane produces more consistent bonds, so pre-testing the final mix with litmus strips or inexpensive pH meters avoids headaches during full-scale runs.
Silanes create chemical bridges between organic and inorganic materials. The ureido group brings strong hydrogen bonding with polar resins—polyurethanes, epoxies, polyacrylates. I’ve used this silane to improve paint adhesion on glass and metals. It opens up more hydrolysis sites, which produce strong, even films on ceramic or metallic surfaces. Direct spraying or dip-coating thin layers improves coverage, and curing at moderate temperatures yields tougher, longer-lasting results. If you’ve ever watched a coating peel because of poor primer, a ureido silane treatment can change the outcome completely.
Some manufacturers forget how harsh the fumes are. Methanol exposure can damage vision and central nervous systems, so fume hoods or well-ventilated work benches go from “nice to have” to “non-negotiable” for daily use. Nitrile gloves work, but systematic checks for skin contact and proper storage cut down on near-misses. Waste streams containing this silane plus methanol require careful neutralization—standard practice includes activated carbon filtration or specialist chemical drains. Manufacturing plants that invest in solvent recovery hardware quickly see payback in lower costs and less risk to staff.
Real success comes from strict batch testing: measure bond strength, flexibility, and chemical resistance. Run small pilot batches, adjust for local humidity, then scale up and recheck. Regular updates with new regulatory data protect end-users and prevent product recalls. This approach, shaped by years of troubleshooting, centers on attention to detail, tight process control, and safe practices every step of the way.
Walking through a supermarket or pharmacy, most people check the expiry date before dropping something in their basket. That little number holds more power than it looks. The shelf life speaks for more than storage time—it's about safety, potency, and whether what you paid for will work as promised. For food, it affects flavor and nutrition. For medicine, it might mean the difference between relief and disappointment, or even danger.
Products don’t last forever. Nature always nudges molecules toward change. Foods break down, flavors fade, vitamins lose power, and the risk of contamination grows. Temperature, humidity, light, and how often a package gets opened all affect the countdown. Toss a loaf of bread on the counter in July and watch mold take over in days. Tuck that loaf in the fridge and buy yourself an extra week.
Some things handle time better. Dried beans or canned goods stay edible for years because bacteria and moisture can’t get a foothold. In my own cupboard, canned tomatoes easily outlive their cardboard-boxed cousins. I’ve learned to check for dents or swelling—a lesson earned after a family stomach ache.
People assume that expired medicine just gets a little weak. Not always. Aspirin turns into acetic acid, that vinegar smell signaling the pill has changed. Antibiotics may lose power, risking undertreatment. Liquid medicine can harbor bacteria, which wind up doing more harm than whatever the patient hoped to cure. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration pushes drug makers to test products under tough conditions—heat, bright light, jostling—to learn how fast things change and what the real shelf life should read.
I once worked in a hospital pharmacy. Every shift started by double-checking expiration dates and tossing out the old stock. It hurt to waste, but mistakes could cost lives. Hospitals, grocery chains, and even shipping companies all pay people to keep watch. For high-risk products, it’s a full-time job.
Fresh salad in a bag or expensive probiotic supplements point to another side of the story—the shorter the shelf life, the tougher the journey from producer to consumer. Cold trucks, fast restocking, and careful inventory all cost more money. If a store misjudges, food spoils and losses cut into profits. This cost gets passed on, whether we see it or not.
Manufacturers and retailers don’t have to lean only on tradition. Science gives a few hands-on solutions that have proven their worth. Smart packaging now tracks temperature changes in transit. Oxygen-absorbing packets slow spoilage in snacks and even pet food. Fermentation, pickling, and dehydration keep staples edible beyond the season. Barcode systems warn staff to use older stock first, trimming waste and saving money.
For consumers, storing things the right way makes a world of difference. A cool, dry cupboard often trumps that spot above the stove. Refrigerating, sealing tightly, and avoiding the urge to freeze products that say otherwise all help stretch time without losing value. If in doubt, contact the maker or look for clear guidelines from the U.S. Department of Agriculture or the FDA.
Everyone has tossed out milk gone sour days before the printed date. Each wasted item offers a reminder—a product’s shelf life isn’t just a company’s problem. Paying attention, making smart choices, and supporting responsible producers turns the abstract idea of stability into something real and useful for every household.
Chemicals touch almost every part of daily life. Cleaning the kitchen, fueling a car, painting a room—many folks don’t think twice about the risks behind the bottles and cans they handle. Over the years, I’ve seen neighbors store jugs of bleach under the sink, pour paint thinner into a backyard drain, or fill up plastic soda bottles with gasoline. These habits highlight a big problem: people either don’t know the hazards, or they brush them off as unlikely threats. But stories of accidents at home and work remind us that a bit of information and caution saves lives.
Some substances poison with just a whiff. Others burn skin, blind eyes, or explode under the wrong conditions. Take ammonia, a common cleaner. Even at household strength, it sends harsh fumes that irritate lungs. Worse, mixing it with bleach forms a toxic gas. The CDC reports dozens of accidents every year from this combination alone. Simple exposure to solvents like acetone or toluene can cause headaches or nausea long before any label promises that risk. Acids, bases, and heavy metals find their way into household and industrial chemicals, often in plain packaging. Without proper labeling and care, the danger is easy to miss.
The Environmental Protection Agency surveys chemicals and rates those that require special handling. The American Chemical Society trains lab technicians to treat even water with respect, recognizing that spills and accidents often come from habits, not malice. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) tells workers to wear gloves, glasses, or respirators, based on decades of accident statistics. These aren’t just box-ticking exercises—they come from people who’ve seen what goes wrong when shortcuts happen.
Lately, chemical spills at factories and train derailments have made headlines. My own community watched a local creek bubble with foam after a nearby warehouse fire soaked everything with firefighting chemicals. Pets got sick, local fish died, and families asked if tap water was safe. Emergency crews struggled because they didn’t know exactly what had burned. In these moments, hazard information can’t just sit in filing cabinets or behind paywalls. It belongs in the hands of the people who live near and work with these substances every day.
Labels need to be clear and honest. Storage should keep chemicals away from each other and from places where kids reach. Education matters too. Schools teach basic science, but not enough students leave with the skills to read a safety data sheet. Industry leaders invest in training, but small businesses sometimes cut corners. Regular drills and easy access to safety showers or eyewash stations save time when seconds count.
Communities can also set up simple alerts about spills or leaks—text messages, posted warnings, and social media updates. Regulators and companies can share more data about what’s stored or shipped through towns and cities. Open, honest conversations between local governments, workers, and residents build trust and prepare everyone for potential emergencies.
No one wants their family harmed or their town on the evening news for the wrong reasons. Paying attention to chemical safety isn’t a luxury; it’s a responsibility that stretches from factories to kitchen sinks. By respecting proven safety advice and learning from each other’s mistakes, we cut down on needless suffering and keep our communities healthy.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 3-[Bis(ethyloxy)methoxy-(3-ureidopropyl)silyl]oxypropane |
| Other names |
N-(3-Triethoxysilylpropyl)urea 3-(Triethoxysilyl)propylurea Urea, N-(3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl)- N-[3-(Triethoxysilyl)propyl]urea TRIETHOXY(3-UREIDOPROPYL)SILANE A-1160 KBM-861 |
| Pronunciation | /θriː-jʊˌriːdoʊˌproʊpəlˌtraɪˌɛθɒksiˈsaɪleɪn/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 238911-13-2 |
| 3D model (JSmol) | `CCO[Si](CCCNC(=O)N)(OCC)OCC` |
| Beilstein Reference | 5757091 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:143808 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL2106047 |
| ChemSpider | 29918285 |
| DrugBank | DB14470 |
| ECHA InfoCard | ECHA InfoCard: 100.254.408 |
| EC Number | 431-890-5 |
| Gmelin Reference | 1079279 |
| KEGG | C19609 |
| MeSH | D017325 |
| PubChem CID | 162110804 |
| RTECS number | WK1985000 |
| UNII | WM47KDP2M5 |
| UN number | UN1993 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C13H32N2O7Si |
| Molar mass | 222.34 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless to light yellow transparent liquid |
| Odor | Ammonia-like. |
| Density | 1.01 g/cm3 |
| Solubility in water | Soluble in water |
| log P | -2.7 |
| Vapor pressure | 1.6 hPa (20°C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 10.5 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 13.7 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -7.04E-6 cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.420 |
| Viscosity | 2-6 mPa.s |
| Dipole moment | 2.94 D |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | A05BA03 |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS05, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS05,GHS07 |
| Signal word | Danger |
| Hazard statements | H225, H302, H312, H319, H332, H336 |
| Precautionary statements | Precautionary statements: P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P260, P264, P271, P280, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P312, P337+P313, P370+P378, P403+P235, P501 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 2-3-1 |
| Flash point | Flash point: 17°C |
| Autoignition temperature | 293°C (559°F) |
| Explosive limits | Lower: 6 vol% (Methanol), Upper: 36 vol% (Methanol) |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 Oral (Rat): 2,000 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): Oral - rat - >2,000 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | Not listed |
| REL (Recommended) | REL: 5 mg/m³ |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | IDLH: Not established |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane 3-Isocyanatopropyltriethoxysilane N-(3-Triethoxysilylpropyl)urea 3-Ureidopropyltrimethoxysilane 3-Ureidopropylmethyldiethoxysilane |
