Looking back at the chemical industry’s growth, N-Dodecylmethyldichlorosilane stands out as a result of both curiosity and necessity. Organosilicon compounds emerged as game-changers after the 1940s, as chemists searched for water-repellent coatings, resilient sealants, and innovative surface treatments. Early on, most research focused on simpler chlorosilanes, but as applications broadened, longer-chain alkyl derivatives like n-dodecylmethyldichlorosilane gained traction. Firms in Europe, Japan, and the United States steadily invested in producing higher purity grades to meet the demands of high-performance coatings and advanced functional materials, especially after realizing how surface chemistry had the power to transform glass, metals, textiles, and even electronic components.
N-Dodecylmethyldichlorosilane carries both a silicon atom and a highly hydrophobic dodecyl chain, offering a mix of reactivity and lasting surface effects unusual in commercial silanes. The molecule delivers a tight balance—a reactive dichlorosilane group, which easily bonds under mild conditions, and a robust, wax-like tail that keeps moisture away. Suppliers typically offer this material as a clear to faintly yellow liquid, always sealed tightly to keep it from reacting with ambient humidity. Standard drums or Schlenk bottles dominate its packaging, not for glamour, but to limit exposure and preserve its punch.
This compound packs a punch with its formula C13H29Cl2Si, weighing in at 285.37 g/mol. Pouring n-dodecylmethyldichlorosilane shows the liquidity you expect from a mid-length alkyl chain derivative. Most users notice the sharp, almost pungent odor—a signature of volatile chlorosilanes. Boiling points average around 120-130°C at reduced pressure, while flashpoints stay low, so open flames or poorly ventilated environments spell trouble. On skin, the liquid feels oily, but its chemical bite can’t be overlooked. Chemically, the dichloro groups bring high reactivity toward water or alcohols, releasing hydrochloric acid fumes, which bites at both mucous membranes and metal surfaces.
Producers label each lot not just with purity (usually above 97%) but also with acidity, color, and trace contaminants like iron and water. Safety data sheets (SDS) mark the hazard pictograms not for decoration but as a big warning: corrosive, flammable, and an irritant. Companies often assign stock codes, batch numbers, and tracking for audits. Labels carry standard warnings about avoiding water, skin, and eye exposure; workers trained with these labels remember the strong acid smell and the need for real gloves and face shields, not the cheap stuff you slip on for dishwashing.
Synthesizing n-dodecylmethyldichlorosilane means working with highly reactive precursors—usually methyltrichlorosilane or dimethyldichlorosilane—with a controlled addition of n-dodecylmagnesium bromide or similar Grignard reagents. These methods settle on anhydrous conditions. Even a hint of moisture spells disaster: side reactions, low yields, or unwanted gels. After synthesis, manufacturers use vacuum distillation and scrubbers, pulling off unreacted starting material and byproducts like magnesium salts. Skilled chemists know the importance of patience here. Rushing distillation brings cloudy product, while slow, steady heating protects both purity and the expensive glassware required to handle corrosive vapors.
The star performer in n-dodecylmethyldichlorosilane is those two chlorine atoms clinging to the silicon. During practical work, these get replaced readily with alkoxy groups, typical in surface modification. Sometimes, hydrolysis forms the silanol, which rapidly condenses onto surfaces ranging from glass microfibers to metal oxides. Many researchers use this pathway for making self-assembled monolayers—single-molecule-thick films—that guard surfaces from everything from fingerprints to graffiti. In the lab, acid or base catalysts speed up the process, letting scientists play with rates and resulting film morphologies. Down the line, this base structure can get functionalized further, laying the groundwork for custom coatings with specialized electrical, thermal, or adhesive properties.
Over years of catalog searches, trade shows, and academic articles, I’ve found this compound called out as Dodecylmethyldichlorosilane, 1-Dodecyl-1-methyldichlorosilane, or even Dodecyl-Methyl-Dichloro Silane. Some suppliers lean towards systematic IUPAC names, but anyone deep in purchasing or regulatory work quickly learns to check CAS numbers: 18166-61-3. Mix-ups between suppliers often get sorted only by tracing this unique identifier alongside purity grades.
Ask any lab worker or process technician about dichlorosilanes: their faces tighten a bit. N-Dodecylmethyldichlorosilane reacts quickly with water, producing dense fumes of hydrochloric acid. Only chemical fume hoods, impervious gloves, and face shields stand between users and a trip to the clinic. Handling spills requires specialized neutralizers—not water, but solid soda ash or lime. Fire suppression relies on dry powder extinguishers; spraying water brings violent, toxic clouds. Any workspace processing or decanting these silanes enforces tight training protocols, regular gear inspections, and leak checks. Environmental teams keep their eyes on residual waste, ensuring that off-gas scrubbers and storage tanks never threaten workers or ground water.
N-Dodecylmethyldichlorosilane leaves its mark across several fields. In microelectronics, its long, hydrophobic tail helps lay down non-wetting layers, perfect for protecting moving parts or insulating sensitive contacts. Textile firms treat fabrics with the silane to produce water-repellent carpets, outdoor gear, and even medical dressings. Paint and coatings producers lean on its power to create non-stick or easy-clean surfaces on glass and metals. Some researchers anchor enzymes or other biomolecules to these functionalized surfaces, crafting biosensors or filters. The reach has proven wider than just odd specialty uses—a sign of the molecule’s versatility and punch.
Science keeps finding new tricks for N-Dodecylmethyldichlorosilane. Teams keep pushing to develop denser, more uniform coatings for touch screens and high-voltage insulators. Some labs race to lower the byproduct load by switching up synthetic routes, swapping out magnesium reagents for less wasteful options. Others focus on greener chemistry—finding ways to reclaim or reuse solvents and side products. Collaboration between academia and industry shows up at conferences: posters display advances in adhesion, anti-fouling surfaces, or the incorporation into hybrid materials. Continual grant funding underlines the recognition that these silanes have not reached their peak potential.
Years of toxicology work have shown clear risks with both acute and chronic exposure. Inhalation burns airways; skin contact blisters. Animal studies cite lung inflammation and, in rare cases, sensitivity to organ damage after prolonged exposure. The requirements for exhaust systems and closed equipment reflect these risks. As regulation has tightened, companies monitor vapors in real time, relying on badges or sensors to catch leaks before they grow. Reviewing recent literature, researchers push for better in vitro data, moving beyond rodent studies to cell models and bioassays. Safety always outruns comfort: better to stay unscathed than reckless with powerful reagents.
As technology keeps advancing, calls for smarter, tougher surfaces keep growing. N-Dodecylmethyldichlorosilane, with its unmatched water-repelling chain and high reactivity, holds promise for next-generation electronics, membranes, coatings, and low-energy surfaces. Emerging research focuses on tweaking its structure to reduce toxicity without losing its signature properties. Some innovators aim to polymerize similar silanes onto flexible substrates for use in wearable electronics or medical devices. Ongoing demand for durable, clean surfaces in consumer goods, transport, and infrastructure projects sends a clear message: this silane’s story has chapters yet to be written, shaped by lessons from both industries and frontline workers who know its strengths and limits firsthand.
Anyone dealing with electronics, glass, or lab supplies knows water can ruin good work. N-Dodecylmethyldichlorosilane plays a quiet but critical role in keeping unwanted moisture at bay. This compound, which belongs to the organosilane family, gets used in labs and industry to create water-repellent coatings, mostly on glass and silicon. The beauty of this substance starts in its structure: it has a long dodecyl (12-carbon) tail and a pair of reactive chlorine atoms attached to a silicon. That structure makes it able to create a thin hydrophobic—water-repellent—layer where it is applied.
Many researchers, myself included, have fought with lenses, slides, and chip surfaces fogging up or letting water stick around where condensation can be harmful. N-Dodecylmethyldichlorosilane solves that by bonding instantly to the surface and putting up a shield made of its hydrocarbon tail. The water beads up, rolls off, and does not stay long enough to cause corrosion, staining, or collection of dirt. This property keeps microscope lenses clean, electronic sensors responsive, and medical devices sterile. In the lab, you can take a glass slide, treat it with this silane in a fume hood, and within hours the glass shrugs off splashes that would have made experiments unpredictable.
Major tech companies making microchips depend heavily on surface chemistry. Research published over the past ten years, from journals like Langmuir and Surface Science, highlights the surge in precision that comes with using silanes. In the semiconductor industry, N-Dodecylmethyldichlorosilane coats silicon wafers before intricate photolithography, blocking water and some chemicals from muddying the tiny patterns engineers etch to make chips. This raises production yields and results in fewer failures down the line. Researchers working with microfluidics—a field where water’s every move matters—find these hydrophobic surfaces help steer tiny droplets without loss, enabling accurate diagnostics and new medical devices.
The technical upside to N-Dodecylmethyldichlorosilane also comes with precautions. Like many silanes, its vapors cannot be ignored. Inhaling or mishandling the chemical poses health risks; it needs to be handled under a fume hood by trained professionals using gloves and eye protection. For workplaces considering green chemistry, the byproducts (hydrochloric acid) generated during application should not wash into the drain. Instead, professional disposal keeps both workers and the environment safer.
To boost safety, companies have started exploring alternative handling methods, like using the material in sealed, pre-weighed ampoules. Some academic labs have looked into substituting certain solvents or even using vapor-phase deposition to limit worker exposure. Training for lab staff now includes extra attention on organosilane use, and medical researchers team up with industrial hygienists to keep everyone safe while pushing boundaries in diagnostics, sensors, and coatings.
N-Dodecylmethyldichlorosilane brings practical, reliable water-repellent properties to glass and silicon. From experience, its impact on making laboratory work smoother and protecting delicate electronics cannot be overstated. As advances in chemistry offer safer and greener handling methods, the applications for this compound will keep growing across science and industry.
N-Dodecylmethyldichlorosilane brings some real hazards to the workplace. Touching this stuff or just breathing in the fumes can do serious harm. As someone who's seen chemical handling go sideways before, I know storage mistakes lead to emergencies fast. Improper storage can trigger corrosive leaks, fires, or burst containers. The terrifying part? Moisture sets off a chemical reaction that produces hydrochloric acid gas, which can burn your skin and your lungs. Keeping this material in check makes all the difference for worker safety and keeping production running smoothly.
You never want to store this chemical in just any old container. Choose tightly sealed glass or high-grade plastic containers, since metal can corrode or react badly. Label the container clearly. Anyone walking by must know exactly what’s inside. I've seen colleagues mistake one drum for another because someone skipped this step; better stickers could have avoided hours of clean-up.
Choose a storage spot that's cool, dry, and well-ventilated. Heat or sunlight speeds up decomposition and the risk of explosion grows. Don’t stick it in a room with sink pipes or floor drains nearby: even a small leak invites moisture, risking toxic fumes. Use spill trays under the container, so even if something leaks, the mess doesn't spread.
Some chemicals don't play well together, and N-Dodecylmethyldichlorosilane tops that list. Acids, strong bases, strong oxidizers, and water react violently with it. Place these on separate shelves or even store them in another room. A former coworker once had to seal off a lab for days because containers sharing a shelf got knocked together and leaked. Staying strict about chemical neighbors prevents chaos later.
No matter how careful you feel, gear matters. Anytime I’ve had to move or inspect this silane, gloves, goggles, and lab coats came first. Respirators step in for situations with poor ventilation. Chemical-resistant gloves won't let acid through—nitrile or neoprene work well. Safety glasses with side shields protect from splashes. Dress like you’re expecting trouble, and you won’t regret it.
Routine checks stop small leaks from becoming headline news. Walk through the storage area regularly. Look for cracked seals, swollen containers, or moist patches. Keep material safety data sheets close at hand, so any responder knows how to act. I always like seeing spill kits and eyewash stations nearby. If a spill happens, workers react faster if tools are close rather than locked in a cabinet down the hall.
People forget, new hires come on board, and details slip through the cracks. I believe every lab or warehouse team deserves real, hands-on safety training. Reading a binder doesn’t cut it. Practice what to do in a spill, a fire, or a chemical exposure. Some companies hold regular drills, morning safety reminders, or post step-by-step guides on the wall. These things stick when panic sets in.
Safe storage isn't busywork—it's the baseline for anyone handling chemicals like N-Dodecylmethyldichlorosilane. Smart container choices, thoughtful placement, diligent checks, and real training create a safer workplace and protect everyone’s health. Simple steps make a big difference, and a little extra care now avoids a world of hurt later.
Every lab worker—whether in a bright university research wing or a gritty industrial plant—remembers moments dodging splashes and sniffing the sharp warning scent of chlorosilanes. N-Dodecylmethyldichlorosilane isn’t famous, but anyone who’s worked with organosilicon compounds knows this chemical demands respectful handling. My own first encounter with similar silanes taught me to never relax before the container is closed, bench wiped down, and gloves changed.
N-Dodecylmethyldichlorosilane reacts with water. A careless move—a sweaty palm, a forgotten droplet, humid air—starts a fast reaction that spits out hydrochloric acid fumes. In a small space, the acid hits the nose and throat. More than once, I’ve had to pause an experiment, let the fan run, and get fresh air after underestimating how easily those fumes spread.
Contact with skin or eyes lands you in the safety shower. Those who shrug off goggles soon learn the sting of even a tiny splash. Respiratory irritation, chemical burns, and tissue damage don’t fade after a quick rinse. Facts from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) confirm these risks aren’t just overblown caution.
Personal protective equipment creates a shield. I never handle chlorosilanes unless my nitrile gloves reach snug over my wrists. I keep a spare set nearby in case drips or rips appear. Goggles stay on—even when others roll their eyes—and I always reach for a lab coat that’s seen its share of chemical stains. A fume hood isn’t optional. Any work outside one puts lungs and eyes on the line.
Containers should stay tightly sealed. Original glass or high-performance polymer bottles block slow leaks and help avoid accidental water contact. I remember one college classmate using a makeshift container; within hours, the lab reeked of hydrochloric acid, and we all lost a day’s worth of research.
Never underestimate how easily spills happen. Absorbent pads or chemical spill kits should sit within arm’s reach. Prompt cleanup stops contamination. Clear labeling avoids messy mix-ups—especially with clear or colorless reagents. Practical steps might save a colleague from stumbling into a dangerous puddle or grabbing the wrong bottle.
Waste disposal needs just as much care. Local, state, and federal regulations limit what can go down the drain or into a regular trash bin. Many labs keep a special container for halogenated waste—bypassing that rule costs fines and puts people at risk. Working in industrial settings, I’ve seen environmental teams stress over compliance audits; nobody wants to explain a chemical release to regulators or neighbors.
No checklist substitutes for common sense and attention. Regular safety training—tailored to actual lab risks—raises awareness and keeps old hands from getting too comfortable. Up-to-date Safety Data Sheets should always be within reach. Senior lab members can spot shortcuts and lead by example. Strong safety practices build trust across teams and send everyone home in good health.
Handling N-Dodecylmethyldichlorosilane with respect and knowledge makes painful accidents rare. Those of us who spend long hours in the lab do it not just for ourselves, but for everyone who walks into shared spaces. Clear protocols, practical gear, and the right attitude beat luck every time.
N-Dodecylmethyldichlorosilane often comes up in research labs and specialty manufacturing settings. Its tongue-twister of a name hides a pretty clear chemical backbone. Strip it down: you get a silicon atom sitting at the center, bonded to two chlorine atoms, one methyl group (a single carbon atom with three hydrogens), and a dodecyl group—a chain of twelve carbons. Built together, that gives the formula: C13H29Cl2Si.
Formulas like C13H29Cl2Si sound dry on paper, but they’re a gateway to understanding how the molecule acts. Toss this compound into the right reaction and it branches out into everything from water-repellent coatings to advanced electronics. As someone who’s spent time in a research setting, I remember how a slight mistake in the number of carbons or chlorines can derail a synthesis, waste hours, and lead to a pile of useless goo at the bottom of the flask. It underlines how important nailing the formula becomes for anyone working at the bench or managing quality control.
Production runs on accuracy. If the formula gets muddled up, researchers might unknowingly introduce impurities, with side effects that echo down the line. Companies use N-Dodecylmethyldichlorosilane to modify surfaces—to make glass stay dry or plastics resist the elements. Messing up the chemical structure may leave a coating patchy, food packaging vulnerable, or crucial semiconductor parts out of spec. Safety takes a hit, and so does product lifespan.
I’ve seen firsthand what happens when careless sourcing brings in chemicals labeled incorrectly. It grinds development to a halt while teams track down the error and try to recover expensive materials. Reliable supply chains and robust labeling standards make a massive difference, something the European Chemicals Agency and OSHA both highlight in standard operating procedures for handling and shipping specialty silanes.
N-Dodecylmethyldichlorosilane doesn’t play nice with water or humidity: it reacts fast, releasing hydrochloric acid vapor. This isn’t just a chemical footnote—it’s a big reason why proper chemical storage, airtight bottles, and clear hazard labeling come into play. I once opened a poorly sealed bottle and caught a whiff that made it clear: safety data sheets and protocols aren’t just box-ticking exercises. Small lapses can sting, literally.
One key step involves insisting on clear chemical labeling and verification for every new batch received. Digital inventory systems—scanning barcodes, cross-checking formulas—cut down on wasted time and resources. More manufacturers are sharing batch-level analytical results to verify identity and purity. In the lab, regular safety training helps keep everyone sharp and responsive. Scientists, engineers, and managers all benefit when resource management meets chemical accuracy head-on.
Mastering a formula like C13H29Cl2Si is more than rote memorization. It’s about building confidence in outcomes, setting the foundation for reliable products, and keeping everyone safe and efficient throughout the entire supply chain.
Anyone who’s handled specialty silanes knows the odd push-pull of curiosity and caution. N-Dodecylmethyldichlorosilane, with its long alkyl chain and a pair of reactive chlorine atoms, easily draws attention both for what it can do and what it can undo. In practice, working with this stuff doesn’t just mean reading the label or following a generic datasheet. It means understanding what actually happens at the bench.
This compound comes from the group of organochlorosilanes, famous for taking moisture from the air and releasing hydrogen chloride gas. Based on my experience in a surfactant lab, the first time a flask of dichlorosilane got a drop of water by accident, the hiss and sting made a point: don’t treat these chemicals like regular solvents or even like simple hydrocarbons. Basic incompatibilities show up with anything that might introduce water. Mixing with alcohols, amines, strong bases or acids rarely ends well without a solid plan in place.
Some labs see the hydrophobic tail on N-Dodecylmethyldichlorosilane and picture it dispersing smoothly into polymers or organic solvents. In non-polar environments, it does blend, but things change as soon as the reactive dichlorosilane group comes close to nucleophiles or protic solvents. It doesn’t just hang around quietly. Instead, it hydrolyzes, forming hydrochloric acid and silanols, and eventually cross-linked siloxane networks. Once, a manufacturing pipeline wound up blocked because a small water leak set off a gelling cascade in what was supposed to be a liquid blend.
I’ve watched fellow chemists reach for acetone or ethanol for rinsing glassware and find out the hard way that mixing these solvents with dichlorosilanes brings a risk of uncontrolled, exothermic reactions. The byproducts can eat right through standard laboratory plastics and rubbers. That’s a rule of thumb: double-check compatibility not just with intended reactants, but also with cleaning agents, seals, and even storage containers.
For all the headaches, N-Dodecylmethyldichlorosilane shows its strength in creating chemically bonded monolayers on surfaces—think water-repellent coatings on electronics or specialized glassware. Researchers at academic and industrial labs have taken advantage of this property, but never without strict anhydrous technique. Even tiny traces of water from a poorly dried wash bottle can wreck the outcome, and I've seen production lines needing full shutdown because of unexpected reactivity.
On the bright side, there’s plenty of chemical literature on how to coax the best from this compound. Reactions with clean, dry alkanes, chlorinated solvents like dichloromethane, and some aromatic hydrocarbons work if the process stays dry. Some companies build air-free gloveboxes just for handling materials like this, and they keep water-absorbing desiccants close at hand.
If you’re using N-Dodecylmethyldichlorosilane in a process or a project, treat water as Public Enemy Number One. Invest in glassware that actually seals tight, avoid any milliliter of alcohol or water near the work area, and run regular leak checks on your storage systems. Worker training matters just as much as engineering controls—one person’s shortcut can lead to a costly shutdown for everyone else. Regular review of the chemical’s safety data sheet, plus conversations with suppliers and technical reps, often saves headaches.
Mixing this silane isn’t impossible; it just demands care, clear procedures, and respect for the dynamic nature of chemical reactions. Rushing or assuming “it should be fine” invites trouble and waste. Treating it with preparation and knowledge means this tricky silane adds real value, instead of unpredictable hazards, to the mix.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | N-dodecyl(dimethyl)silylidyne dichloride |
| Other names |
Dodecyl(methyl)dichlorosilane n-Dodecylmethyldichlorosilane Dichloro(n-dodecyl)methylsilane Dodecylmethylsilyl dichloride |
| Pronunciation | /ɛn-doʊˈdɛs-ɪl-ˈmɛθ-ɪl-daɪˈklɔːr-oʊ-saɪˌleɪn/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 18107-18-1 |
| 3D model (JSmol) | C[C](Cl)(Cl)SiCCCCCCCCCCC |
| Beilstein Reference | 1811006 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:134806 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL3720591 |
| ChemSpider | 65901 |
| DrugBank | DB16655 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.221.328 |
| EC Number | 203-929-6 |
| Gmelin Reference | 58149 |
| KEGG | C19569 |
| MeSH | D003003 |
| PubChem CID | 6604224 |
| RTECS number | GO9275000 |
| UNII | F9RCT7M930 |
| UN number | UN1993 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C13H29Cl2Si |
| Molar mass | 277.3 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless to light yellow transparent liquid |
| Odor | Sharp |
| Density | 0.89 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.) |
| Solubility in water | insoluble |
| log P | 6.5 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.04 mmHg (25°C) |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -7.59×10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.4300 |
| Viscosity | 2.5 cP (25°C) |
| Dipole moment | 2.5192 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 568.5 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -322.9 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -2027.7 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | No ATC code |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS05, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS05,GHS07 |
| Signal word | Danger |
| Hazard statements | H226, H314, H335 |
| Precautionary statements | P261, P264, P271, P280, P301+P330+P331, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P312, P337+P313, P363, P405, P501 |
| Flash point | 104 °C |
| Autoignition temperature | 254 °C (489 °F) |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 (oral, rat): 2,410 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): Oral rat LD50 = 1210 µL/kg |
| NIOSH | DT3155000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 0.1 ppm |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Dimethyldichlorosilane Trimethylchlorosilane Methyltrichlorosilane n-Octadecylmethyldichlorosilane n-Hexadecylmethyldichlorosilane n-Octylmethyldichlorosilane n-Butylmethyldichlorosilane |
