Chemists have explored silane chemistry for more than a century, pushing boundaries on versatile silicon-based compounds. N-Propylmethyldimethoxysilane entered the scene as researchers needed more robust molecules for surface modification and crosslinking. Back in the mid-20th century, materials scientists faced new challenges in polymer and coating industries. Simple silanes didn’t always deliver performance in demanding environments, which drove work on alkyl and alkoxysilane hybrids. My own time in university labs mirrored this trend: precise tailoring of the alkyl groups altered everything from adhesion to water resistance, fueling new applications in electronics, automotive, and beyond. Progress never slowed, and today’s formulations trace their roots to those postwar innovations.
N-Propylmethyldimethoxysilane, with the formula C6H16O2Si, stands out for its balanced alkyl and methoxy composition. Producers sell it as a clear, mobile liquid, usually with minimal odor. Companies in Europe, North America, and Asia list it under a variety of names, reflecting broad adoption across supply chains. Industrial catalogs often give it the CAS Registry Number 16881-77-9, streamlining regulatory and procurement processes. My experience in product sourcing reinforced the need for rich documentation, so buyers can compare purity grades and avoid hidden stabilizers or additives that could sabotage sensitive applications.
This silane offers a boiling point near 130°C under atmospheric pressure, which simplifies storage and handling compared to many higher-molecular-weight analogs. Density sits around 0.89 g/cm³ at room temperature. Given those methoxy groups, it reacts briskly with water, releasing methanol and forming silanols. The propyl and methyl groups both lend flexibility to the molecule, helping it wet organic or partially polar substrates. Manufacturers often highlight the flash point, typically in the 20–25°C range, so safe storage becomes a real-world concern, not just a regulatory detail. What stands out in practice: it bridges the gap between hydrophobic silicone pastes and older, less stable organosilanes.
Buyers want clear data. Spec sheets highlight important parameters: purity above 98%, controlled water content under 0.1%, minimal acidity, and consistent refractive index values. Labels often reference batch numbers and manufacturing dates, since shelf life typically runs about twelve months. I learned during audits that trace contaminants—like peroxides or unreacted starting material—can torpedo performance in electronics or advanced coatings. Reliable suppliers submit samples to gas chromatography and NMR analysis well before shipment. Strict labeling not only meets GHS hazard standards but reassures operators in the field about correct identification.
Getting to pure N-Propylmethyldimethoxysilane involves careful organic synthesis steps. Usually, researchers start with methyltrichlorosilane or a related chlorosilane. Through controlled hydrosilylation or alkylation, they introduce a propyl group, balancing reaction temperature and catalyst selection for optimal yield. The next phase involves exchanging chloro groups with methoxy via methanol in the presence of an acid scavenger. Small errors, especially water contamination, lead to unwanted siloxane networks. From my perspective in process development, closed systems and precise moisture control make or break production economics.
N-Propylmethyldimethoxysilane serves as a swinging gate in silicones chemistry. On contact with water, methoxy groups hydrolyze, generating silanols and liberating methanol. Pair those newly formed silanols with silica, cellulose, or metal oxides, and durable siloxane bonds form, anchoring the modifier at the surface. Adjusting reaction conditions tunes the hydrophobicity or adhesion of the end material. Labs have explored additional alkylations, creating custom silanes for pigments or pharmaceutical intermediates. In my own work on glass coatings, surface pretreatment with this molecule often delivered better scratch resistance and easier cleaning—especially in humid climates where some alternatives failed.
Depending on geographic region or industrial sector, companies market this silane under several labels. Common synonyms include “1-propyl-1-methyl-2,2-dimethoxysilane” and “dimethoxy(methyl)(n-propyl)silane.” Some product lines use trade-names, bundling minor stabilizers for niche applications. Chemical catalogs maintain cross-listings to minimize errors in reordering or safety documentation. Context matters: paint formulators use one name, while electronics assemblers recognize another, but all refer to the same backbone chemistry. I’ve encountered this firsthand, ensuring global teams spoke the same “language” despite regional terminology drift.
Safety looms large with alkoxysilanes, as methanol byproduct presents acute hazards. Workers need splash goggles, gloves, and well-sealed handling systems in any setting above laboratory scale. Ventilated storage cabinets, explosion-proof electricals, and solvent-rated pumps remain baseline standards. Spill kits with absorbent pads and vapor suppression ensure accidental releases stay contained. As regulators continue to tighten exposure thresholds for both methanol and volatile organic compounds, responsible suppliers provide comprehensive SDS paperwork, hazard labels, and training guides. From my time on industrial safety teams, nothing replaces first-hand drills: theoretical rules never substitute for real preparedness on the shop floor.
Demand for N-Propylmethyldimethoxysilane cuts across sectors. In automotive assembly, it’s key in primer systems, boosting corrosion resistance and paint adhesion. Electronics suppliers use it to treat glass or ceramic packages, improving moisture barrier properties. Building trades lean on its water-repellent finish for tiles, stone, and facades. Adhesive formulators blend it into reactive hot-melts, seeking faster cure and stronger substrate bonding. Even in personal care—think hair conditioners and specialty textiles—this molecule improves water beading and feel. My consulting clients found that simple test panels often outperformed complex fluorosilicone rivals for certain anti-fog and antistatic coatings.
R&D teams around the globe push N-Propylmethyldimethoxysilane into new territory. Hybrid silane networks now anchor nanomaterials, unlocking sensors, anti-bacterial coatings, and flexible circuit boards. Green chemistry principles drive researchers to use less toxic catalysts, recycling streams, or biobased starting materials. I’ve visited labs racing to find lead-free, low-VOC adhesive systems using this silane as a bridge. Collaborations between academia and industry have spawned countless new patents, particularly where custom side-chain modifications fine-tune everything from tack to clarity. Continued government funding in sustainable polymers gives this family of materials a bright outlook.
Long-term studies draw a careful picture. Acute inhalation or ingestion risks connect mainly to methanol released during hydrolysis. Flammability increases hazard in tight spaces. Animal exposure trials show low chronic toxicity when handled with adequate ventilation and protective equipment. My own experience reviewing regulatory dossiers matches published findings: accidental spills carry bigger risks than end-use products. Manufacturers push for greener synthesis routes, minimizing residual solvents. Ongoing research into environmental breakdown ensures new regulations reflect both acute and chronic hazards—especially as stricter REACH and TSCA guidelines roll out.
Growth continues in performance coatings, semiconductor packaging, and lightweight composites. As electric vehicles and smart devices proliferate, better dielectrics and moisture barriers come into play. Markets in Asia-Pacific and South America turn to these silanes for infrastructure upgrades and weatherable surfaces. Climate targets push research into low-carbon feedstocks and circular chemistry, keeping innovation focused. Investment in R&D—supported by both private capital and public policy—ensures new applications and greener synthesis routes emerge. Personal experience suggests that the most agile producers, combining technical depth with customer collaboration, will shape where this chemistry goes next.
People rarely talk about silanes at the dinner table, yet these chemicals quietly make daily life smoother. N-Propylmethyldimethoxysilane doesn’t roll off the tongue, but this compound has built a reputation in industries like manufacturing, construction, and electronics. Anyone who’s sealed a bathroom, watched rain bead up on a windshield, or handled electronics has probably brushed past the work of this kind of silane.
Walk into a building finished in the past few decades; you’ll notice crisp paint lines, squeaky-clean windows, fewer leaks around frames and joints. Pros in construction seek out this silane because it helps adhesives and sealants stick longer and resist weathering. The bond between glass, metal, and plastics often comes down to what’s mixed in with the glue. Silanes like this one build a “bridge” between surfaces that would rather stay apart, especially when things get wet.
Makers of automotive coatings or waterproof sprays know water doesn’t like to hang around where there’s silane treatment. After a rainy day, streaks and spots appear less often on well-treated glass. Paint jobs on cars last longer thanks to better protection against harsh environments. Electronics factories use N-Propylmethyldimethoxysilane to fight off moisture in circuit boards, which keeps gadgets running smoother for longer periods. Corrosion and short circuits become smaller worries.
Back in my college years, I spent time in a materials science lab, where our focus was getting films to stick evenly to silicon surfaces. We ran test after test without much luck, until a chemical supply company dropped off a small bottle containing a clear liquid: N-Propylmethyldimethoxysilane. With only a few drops mixed in, our stubborn films clung tight under the microscope. This wasn’t luck — it was the chemistry at work.
Research teams often use this silane to pre-treat glass slides or silicon wafers. A good surface treatment shapes the way future coatings hold up. Researchers trust it to cut back on surface defects, leading to more reliable test results. These findings filter out into the real world, speeding up product development in engineering and medicine.
Handling chemicals brings questions about health and safety. This silane isn’t something to splash around, since vapors can irritate skin, eyes, and lungs. Responsible workplaces provide proper gear, solid ventilation, and training — no shortcuts here. Companies disposing waste watch for runoff and contain spills, knowing that environmental agencies keep a close eye on these practices.
Sustainable chemistry has stepped into the spotlight, with firms looking for cleaner alternatives or safer blends. Still, the staying power of N-Propylmethyldimethoxysilane speaks to its usefulness. Regulation and transparency, not just clever chemistry, reassure everyday folks that products made with this silane aren’t putting people or the planet at more risk.
N-Propylmethyldimethoxysilane earns its keep by binding surfaces, repelling water, and sharpening up materials that see heavy use. End users may not recognize the name, but research pushes forward because practical chemicals like this improve performance and stretch out product life. Those few drops in a formulation can change whether a seal fails or lasts, whether an electronic device keeps humming or shorts out. Progress, in my experience, rarely arrives with fireworks; it comes with smart choices and quiet expertise embedded in the things we use every day.
Storing chemicals such as N-Propylmethyldimethoxysilane isn’t just about following the rulebook. History shows that improper care can lead to ruined products or health risks. I’ve seen workers learn the hard way after discovering that tiny lapses—like an open drum lid—turn expensive stock into hazardous waste overnight.
This particular organosilicon compound brings value to coatings, adhesives, and plastics, but it’s sensitive. Exposure to air and moisture causes the liquid to hydrolyze, releasing methanol and forming silanols. Methanol vapors, even in small amounts, bring fire risks and health concerns. It’s easy to forget that a chemical in a clear glass bottle doesn’t wait politely for you; it starts changing right away if you don’t control its world.
Concrete floors and rusty metal racks might save a company money, but they create avoidable headaches. Spills soak into porous surfaces, and old containers corrode, exposing contents to air faster than most realize. In my years handling volatile silanes, I found that control comes down to a simple set of precautions.
Safe storage doesn’t stop with racks and lids. Training workers pays off tenfold. It’s not enough for a supervisor to post a list of chemical rules. When everyone who moves or opens a drum recognizes what hydrolysis smells like—an unpleasant, faintly sweet odor—problems get fixed fast, before they spread.
I remember technicians who started tracking temperature and humidity daily—something simple—just a chart on the door. This small routine caught problems before they grew. Some reported sticking labels if condensation built up, a hint that moisture found its way into the room. That’s the level of awareness that builds a safe environment.
Leaving outdated silane around tempts fate. Old product breaks down, turns cloudy, and can become pressurized. Once the manufacturer’s expiry date passes, arrange for professional disposal. Don’t try to pour leftovers down a drain or toss them with garbage. Local hazardous waste guidelines provide safer routes and protect both workers and the environment.
Protecting N-Propylmethyldimethoxysilane isn’t complicated or high-tech. The smartest companies stick to reliable basics: tight sealing, separating chemicals from water and sun, and paying attention as product ages. These steps won’t just meet regulations—they make the workplace safer and save money in the long run.
N-Propylmethyldimethoxysilane shows up in a lot of modern industrial processes. You find it in adhesives, paints, coatings, and various specialty chemical blends. During my time working in a small manufacturing lab, I remember the distinctive, sharp odor and the caution we all displayed when opening bottles labeled with silicon-based chemicals. Common sense, sure, but the safety sheets posted on the wall always carried an even bigger message: chemistry can bite if you don’t respect it.
N-Propylmethyldimethoxysilane isn’t as well-known outside chemical circles, and that can create issues for anyone who handles or stores it without proper information. According to multiple safety data sheets, this silane can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. If you breathe in vapors or droplets, expect coughing or a burning sensation in your throat. My former lab partner once missed the warning about using it under a hood and ended up with red, watery eyes for the rest of his shift. Proper handling equipment—gloves, goggles, and working ventilation—helped keep those episodes rare.
Another concern—fire. It ignites easily, and as it burns, it releases fumes that aren’t good for lungs or the planet. Flammable liquids add a layer of pressure to workplaces. I saw people double-checking their spills kits and extinguishers more frequently when this compound was on a shelf. The fumes from burning silanes include methanol and even formaldehyde, both linked to health risks. That reality keeps you on guard, and experienced staff never let containers stay open longer than needed.
Long-term data on N-Propylmethyldimethoxysilane itself is less robust than for some industrial chemicals, but its structure—and past research on similar compounds—raises some flags. Chronic exposure can dry out or crack the skin. Some studies suggest that silanes in general cause moderate respiratory issues during repeated, long-term exposure, and sometimes, they leave chemical burns if you ignore small spills or splashes. There’s little solid proof connecting this specific silane to cancer, but the lack of in-depth testing doesn’t mean it’s risk-free. Chronic exposure, especially when inhaling the breakdown products like methanol, could easily stack up health risks over months or years.
Simple safety measures, clear communication, and detailed training make a big difference. In the places I worked, there was never an incident serious enough to require emergency medical care. That was down to routine: gloves made of the right material, splash goggles, and—most important—a working fume hood. Reading and understanding safety data matters as much as procedure, because people forget, and accidents often come from small, ignored warnings.
The risk with N-Propylmethyldimethoxysilane doesn’t vanish just because you handle it every day. Regular review of the latest studies and safety data sheets goes a long way. Substitution with safer alternatives and the strict separation of incompatible chemicals help lower risk further. So does good record-keeping—if someone feels unwell or develops an irritation, a fast connection to what chemicals they handled helps medical staff respond fast.
Respect for chemicals like N-Propylmethyldimethoxysilane stays rooted in real stories and shared experience, not a sense of fear. The goal remains the same every shift: make things, stay safe, and leave work as healthy as you walked in.
N-Propylmethyldimethoxysilane has the formula C6H16O2Si. It breaks down to one silicon atom in the center, two methoxy groups hanging from the sides, and a propyl with a methyl attached. Chemists see this sort of silane show up most often in the world of surface science, materials fabrication, and the development of specialty coatings.
Molecules like this don’t get identified just for paperwork or compliance. I’ve seen projects struggle or fail simply because a supplier provided an impure or misidentified silane. That’s not just annoying. It’s expensive. If a chemist mistakes N-Propylmethyldimethoxysilane for a similar-looking cousin, performance can tank. Surfaces might stop bonding the way they should, coatings may not stick, and glass treatments can lose the water beading that’s crucial for certain applications. Precision matters here.
People don’t think about the silent work a compound like this does in the background. At home, the water-repellent layer on your shower glass or automotive glass likely owes something to functional silanes. N-Propylmethyldimethoxysilane enables that slick surface. In electronics, proper adhesion matters even more. A silicon wafer in your computer or phone doesn’t function if its components aren’t securely attached. The right chemical structure keeps those layers stuck over years of thermal cycling.
Over the years, I’ve talked shop with plenty of R&D engineers. A common headache comes up: vague or incomplete supplier documentation. Just slapping a label on a barrel isn’t enough. Miss a methyl group or swap a propyl for an ethyl, and the product behaves differently. Manufacturers can lose entire shipments over this, and researchers sometimes have to rebuild test setups, wasting time and money. Intellectual property can be lost, since the final functionality hinges on the original, correct molecule.
Reliable testing and transparency in the supply chain give everyone more confidence. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Mass Spectrometry remain the strongest tools for confirming formulas. Real labs don’t just take a supplier’s word for it — and neither should companies pushing new tech to market. Third-party validation can save months of frustration.
Builders and chemists benefit when industry reaches for tighter standards. Clear labeling, fast traceability, and independent verification rebuild trust after a failure. In day-to-day work, hands-on experience makes a difference, too — chemists who have watched a batch go wrong develop stronger instincts for spotting problems early. Someone who’s seen an unexpected haze develop on a treated glass panel tends to double-check documentation, and ask smarter questions up front.
Demand for smarter, more transparent sourcing and standard practices continues to grow. Better training across the workforce helps. Reliable chain-of-custody records so each drum or bottle of N-Propylmethyldimethoxysilane can be traced back to its source means less risk. A little rigor in the beginning prevents big headaches for everyone involved — from researchers down to end-users.
I’ve worked around all sorts of chemicals in labs and industrial settings, so I know a thing or two about the surprises they can spring on you. N-Propylmethyldimethoxysilane—try saying that five times fast—packs potential that manufacturers love, but it doesn’t take much to turn an average day into a bad one. The stuff catches fire easily, evaporates before you know it, and can make your air tough to breathe. You don’t want to cut corners with safety here.
I used to roll my eyes at wearing gloves and goggles until a splash nearly took out one of my eyes. With silanes, skin doesn’t just feel dry, it can actually get burned or irritated. Always suit up with chemical-resistant gloves, a face shield or good goggles, and a proper lab coat. In my experience, wearing a simple mask won’t cut it; a real respirator graded for organic vapors is what stops the headaches, coughs, and long-term lung issues from starting in the first place.
Some folks try to “crack a window” or rely on the building’s regular ventilation. I’ve learned it doesn’t work well enough with volatile compounds like this one. A fume hood, or at the very least, a strong local exhaust system should handle all mixing, pouring, or diluting. Teams need to check those fans for leaks and clogs on a set schedule, or air gets loaded with fumes before anyone realizes. The health risk climbs every time a shortcut gets taken.
Leaving this stuff out on a lab bench, even just overnight, is gambling with safety. Flammable stores designed for chemicals keep problems contained. The wrong container—like a soda bottle—might let unexpected gas build up or leak. From my work, labeling is king. Write the full name, date opened, and hazard warnings right on the bottle. No one wants to open something unmarked and get a lungful of vapor or sparks flying. If moisture sneaks in, it basically spoils: hydrolysis makes it way more reactive and sometimes even more hazardous.
I remember my first big spill—panic doesn’t even start to describe it. Don’t just start mopping. Evacuate if it’s a lot, and grab the right absorbent, like dry sand or a spill kit meant for chemical use. Never pour anything down a drain unless local rules say it’s safe, which rarely happens with silanes. Double-bagged hazardous waste bins with clear signage leave no questions. Training everyone and running practice drills keeps heads cool if something ever does go wrong.
No piece of equipment or protocol works if people ignore it. I’ve worked with crews who treated safety rules like a joke, and the accidents always happened there. An honest culture—where folks actually look out for each other, report problems fast, and stop to fix something unsafe—protects better than anything else I’ve seen. N-Propylmethyldimethoxysilane has a place in industry and research, but the only way it works is if everyone truly respects its risks.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | N-methyl-N-propyl(dimethoxy)silanamine |
| Other names |
Methyldimethoxypropylsilane n-Propyl(methyl)dimethoxysilane Dimethoxy(methyl)n-propylsilane n-Propylmethyldimethoxysilane |
| Pronunciation | /ɛn-ˈproʊpɪl-ˈmɛθɪl-daɪˌmɛθɒksi-saɪˌleɪn/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 10329-76-7 |
| 3D model (JSmol) | C[Si](C)(OCC)O |
| Beilstein Reference | 1461050 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:87438 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL4300405 |
| ChemSpider | 154315 |
| DrugBank | DB14096 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03-2119961354-48-0000 |
| EC Number | 245-924-7 |
| Gmelin Reference | 84851 |
| KEGG | C18539 |
| MeSH | D02.241.081.864.248.625 |
| PubChem CID | 15835063 |
| RTECS number | UB2975000 |
| UNII | XK53K1K7Q2 |
| UN number | UN1993 |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DTXSID8036347 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C6H16O2Si |
| Molar mass | 148.28 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless transparent liquid |
| Odor | Characteristic |
| Density | 0.85 g/mL at 25 °C(lit.) |
| Solubility in water | Insoluble |
| log P | 0.8 |
| Vapor pressure | 3.3 hPa (20 °C) |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -8.0E-6 cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.387 |
| Viscosity | 0.6 mPa·s |
| Dipole moment | 1.17 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 207.6 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -274.7 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -1791.6 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS02,GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H226, H302, H319, H332, H335 |
| Precautionary statements | H226, H315, H319, H335 |
| Flash point | 80 °C |
| Autoignition temperature | 260 °C |
| Explosive limits | Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): 1.1%, Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): 9.7% |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 Oral Rat: >2000 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): Oral rat LD50 > 2000 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | GV8590000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL: Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 10 ppm |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Trimethoxymethylsilane Dimethyldimethoxysilane n-Propyltrimethoxysilane Methyltriethoxysilane n-Propylmethyldiethoxysilane |
