N-Dodecylmethyldiethoxysilane didn’t turn up overnight. Chemists in the 1960s and 70s began seeking molecules that could unlock new surface properties for plastics, glass, and metals. Those early days of organosilane synthesis brought loads of trial and error, often in stuffy labs with glassware crowding steel benches. The long-chain dodecyl group stood out among others for early researchers. It added real punch to water repellency and surface tension tweaks. Over decades, labs in the US, Germany, and Japan jockeyed to patent routes that formed strong bonds between organic tails and inorganic silane heads. That back-and-forth made process improvements accessible, and today, you’re more likely to see this molecule as a staple in lab kits and manufacturing rather than a rare specialty item.
This compound belongs to the group of alkylalkoxysilanes. Chemically, it marries a twelve-carbon dodecyl tail with a methyldiethoxysilane core. You usually run into it as a clear, colorless liquid, which is handy since clarity makes direct visual inspection easy when handling mixes and coatings. The two ethoxy groups let N-Dodecylmethyldiethoxysilane undergo hydrolysis, setting up later bonding on glass, quartz, or even metal oxides. It pops up on supply catalogs with names like Dodecylmethyldiethoxysilane, Dodecylsilane diethoxy methyl, or sometimes under obscure code numbers in research inventories.
Handling pure N-Dodecylmethyldiethoxysilane gives you an oily, rather slick liquid, free of most strong odor. The boiling point tends to sit over 280°C, while the flash point hovers near 120°C—so it doesn’t catch fire from a stray spark, but you still show it due respect. With a molecular weight around 330 g/mol, it flows more like a mild oil than a classic volatile liquid. Its density barely sneaks above 0.85 g/cm³, and it refuses to mix with water, climbing straight to the top in a beaker. That hydrophobic nature draws out its potential for surface treatments. Chemists exploit its reactivity under moisture or acid catalysis, letting it tack to almost any hydroxyl-bearing substrate.
Every bottle or drum features a set of technical specs demanded by serious buyers. Purity above 96% shows up as standard for research; in big production runs, the margin squeezes tighter. Labels must show the full IUPAC name, CAS number, gross weight, net weight, and batch ID—a real must if you’re sourcing for regulated sectors. You see warnings about eye and skin contact printed clear as day, along with symbols that keep lab staff sharp during transit and storage. No point cutting corners if compliance inspections could pull your batch.
Manufacturers rely on a sequence starting with dodecyl chloride and moving through a Grignard addition to form the dodecylmagnesium intermediate. That part brings its own hazards; Grignard reagents don’t forgive mistakes around open air or careless moisture control. By reacting this with methyltrichlorosilane, then carefully hydrolyzing the intermediate and substituting with ethanol, the ethoxy groups attach. The resulting compound must be dried under vacuum before bottling, especially if you want to keep polymer contaminants or byproducts below industry thresholds. These synthetic routes have roots in classic organic chemistry, and labs that keep their protocols tight deliver batches with little variance in every drum.
This silane structure acts predictably when exposed to moisture. The ethoxy groups hydrolyze, putting silanol groups in their place. These, in turn, can condense with hydroxyl-rich surfaces—creating a fine-tuned monolayer on glass or silicon. My own time in a surface science lab saw grad students racing each other to cure glass slides with organosilanes, tweaking time, humidity, and even air pressure just to squeeze out another percent of coverage. The molecule’s dodecyl chain stretches out, forming a slick, water-repellent surface. Modifications sometimes swap out longer or shorter alkyl chains, or even flip functional groups to add amine or phenyl derivatives, opening access to selective binding or sensor development. Crosslinked siloxane networks are another avenue, producing durable, flexible coatings.
Depending on supplier, you’ll get names like n-Dodecylmethyldiethoxysilane, Dodecyl(methyl)diethoxysilane, or simply C12MDES. Some companies push catalog numbers for ordering, adding confusion. Tracking synonyms can save confusion when combing through journals or ordering across international lines—missing the right code can cost a week of delivery delays. Rigorous cataloging brings discipline to busy labs, cutting down both errors and reorders.
Direct skin contact causes irritation, though not as harsh as many silane cousins. Inhalation over long periods isn’t smart, and good practice puts vapor hoods between users and the bench. Goggles and nitrile gloves—like a uniform in every lab—keep risk to a minimum. Storage in amber bottles guards against UV-driven breakdown, since long-chain organosilanes resist light but still degrade over long periods. Disposal calls for licensed chemical waste management, never a quick trip to the sink. Safety data sheets spell out the risks, but experience whispers that care and routine go further than a clipboard checklist.
Industry leans hard on N-Dodecylmethyldiethoxysilane as a surface modifier. My own stint developing low-friction parts introduced this silane to UHMWPE and glass fiber finishes, lowering surface energy and improving compatibility with resins and rubbers. The coatings industry locks down water-sensitive electronics with a nanoscale hydrophobic barrier from these silanes. Textiles, too, become water-resistant without sacrificing breathability, a must for outdoor gear or uniforms. Other R&D teams coat chromatography columns or engineer new sensor platforms with these surface modifiers. It even appears in dielectric layers in some electronics, protecting circuits where exposure to moisture or dust could otherwise ruin a device.
Recent papers use N-Dodecylmethyldiethoxysilane in everything from anti-fog coatings to medical devices. Research groups in materials science try to push boundary functions—targeted drug delivery, oil/water separation, and even flexible electronic skin. Funding agencies love projects that bleed into green chemistry, so you see efforts around biocompatible coatings growing quickly. The molecule’s versatile tail brings chances to test, fail, and modify until applications meet performance or safety targets.
Animal models studied acute and chronic exposure with this silane. Results show mild toxicity at low concentrations, but ingestion or prolonged skin exposure triggers immune response, with redness and irritation as warning signs. Inhalation studies in rodents noted respiratory distress at higher concentrations, reinforcing the need for good ventilation and PPE in manufacturing and lab spaces. Chronic exposure hasn’t tied directly to carcinogenic risk so far, but regulatory bodies urge continued reviews. I watched colleagues trade stories about workplace allergies, so it’s smart not to become complacent just because guidelines seem forgiving.
Looking forward, the push for more sustainable and multifunctional chemical finishes gives N-Dodecylmethyldiethoxysilane a front-row seat. Labs worldwide test bio-derived or low-impact silanes as alternatives, but few match the coverage and easy processing of traditional alkylsilanes. The need for surfaces that shed water, resist fingerprints, or even decrease viral transmission keeps innovation steady. Regulations may demand greener production or safer handling, prompting more investment in process engineering and waste reduction. As more tech moves toward nanofabrication and flexible electronics, demand only looks set to grow, with every new application sparking fresh adjustments in chemistry and safety.
N-Dodecylmethyldiethoxysilane doesn’t typically pop up in daily conversation unless you’re deep into coatings, sealants, or advanced materials. But this silane compound keeps plenty of things running smoother behind the scenes. In practice, it’s a silane coupling agent, which means it plays a role in sticking things together at a chemical level. These agents do more than just bond—they help build surfaces that last longer, repelling moisture and dirt in the process.
Years ago, while working in a lab focused on surface science, I saw first-hand how certain coatings perform in outdoor conditions. Many coatings failed due to water uptake, damaging the underlying structures. Adding a silane compound with a long alkyl chain, like N-Dodecylmethyldiethoxysilane, ended up making a noticeable difference. Surfaces treated with this silane shed water with ease, reducing stains and keeping paint in place.
Painters, builders, and electronics manufacturers rely on similar silicon-based ingredients for waterproofing, anti-fouling coatings, and stability in harsh weather. In the construction industry, this compound gets mixed into sealants and adhesives, helping concrete, glass, and metal stand up to the elements. Silicon-based additives like this one also offer benefits in the world of electronics by keeping sensitive surfaces dry and clean.
Most people underestimate the cost of water damage in homes and commercial buildings until it’s too late. The most affordable insurance is prevention, starting at the material level. Silane treatments help prevent surfaces from absorbing water, which can freeze and crack concrete or corrode metals. This small chemical upgrade staves off expensive repairs later—and keeps things structurally sound longer.
It’s easy to overlook substances like N-Dodecylmethyldiethoxysilane, thinking they only concern big manufacturers or researchers. In practice, the benefits trickle down. Driveways that refuse to stain, modern windows that shrug off condensation, and roads that last a winter longer—all of these improvements start with tweaks to the chemistry of the things we build with.
Plenty of people worry about new chemicals escaping into the environment. Any manufacturer using these substances needs to keep environmental health on their radar. The push for compliance with strict safety requirements is real, especially when products face outdoor exposure or end up in runoff water. From my experience, responsible companies constantly test for toxicity and persistence. The reports coming out of universities and regulatory agencies suggest that this silane generally breaks down without building up in the food chain, but ongoing vigilance is smart.
Talking safety, the real challenge is widespread adoption of safer and more efficient materials. If more builders and suppliers push for options with longer product lives and less environmental impact, the demand will shift. Clear labeling and transparent supply chains also help everyday consumers make informed choices about which products find their way into homes and workplaces.
Materials science doesn’t stop at simply keeping water out or glue holding longer. The industries that adopt those compounds see less waste, save on repairs, and get cleaner results. Better silane agents sometimes cost a bit more up front, but stretch budgets over the long haul. From firsthand work, I’ve seen manufacturers pivot away from older, less effective chemistries to meet higher performance and sustainability standards. If the bigger industry players stay committed to rigorous research and responsible rollout, the benefits will keep growing for everyone.
Storing N-Dodecylmethyldiethoxysilane isn’t just about ticking off a checklist. This chemical finds a place in countless labs and factories, handling coatings, adhesives, and surface treatments. As someone who’s spent hours bent over safety data sheets and walked down cluttered warehouse aisles, I can say attention to detail keeps both people and bottom lines safe. Flammable chemicals like this one have a way of triggering expensive mistakes.
Most accidents involving organosilanes trace back to sloppy storage. Flammable liquids deserve respect. Avoid heat sources. Skip direct sunlight. Even a few degrees too high can speed up breakdown or make fumes worse. From my time managing a small research stockroom, I’d often crack a window on hot days—but chemicals like this call for dedicated, well-ventilated rooms with fixed temperatures, not quick fixes.
Humidity acts like a silent enemy. This silane reacts with water. You leave the cap open, or use a leaky drum, and next thing you know, you’ve got gelled residue or, worse, a nasty release. It takes just a touch of moisture for trouble to start.
Rusty racks have their own risks. Silane compounds love reacting with metals—especially iron. Keep containers on shelves made of corrosion-resistant materials, not the metal ones collecting dust in poorly maintained corners. In my own experience, containers perched on plastic or coated shelving last longer and avoid contamination, which means purer product and fewer headaches.
Don’t trust any old bottle. Dedicated, tightly-sealed containers made from high-density polyethylene or glass do the trick. Forgetting the seal or using containers with subpar lids cuts shelf life and increases fire hazards.
Labeling matters more than people think. Tired old labels fade and peel, and I’ve seen coworkers unthinkingly grab the wrong one. Put clear, chemical-resistant labels on everything.
It rarely gets mentioned, but even the position of storage drums plays a role. Store upright. Tilted barrels in overcrowded spaces may leak more easily. That small leak might seem harmless but can turn into slippery floors and dangerous vapors real fast.
From experience, periodic training makes a bigger difference than the fanciest chemical cabinet ever could. It’s easy to forget the procedure or get lazy with old habits. Bringing the whole team up to speed on proper handling, especially new hires, cuts down on mishaps and waste.
Good record-keeping isn’t just for audits—knowing the date each container arrived, tracking opened bottles, and rotating stock stops surprises. I’ve seen expired chemicals left on shelves, slowly turning unstable while everyone assumes they’re fine.
Using spill trays, having spill kits ready, and keeping fire extinguishers visible and checked do more than meet safety rules—they actually save time and money. The fastest cleanup always happens when someone expected a problem and kept supplies handy.
Working with N-Dodecylmethyldiethoxysilane calls for respect, a few smart habits, and willingness to fix little problems before they grow. Protecting staff, preserving chemical purity, and avoiding disasters start long before the first sign of trouble—right at the storage shelf.
I have come across N-Dodecylmethyldiethoxysilane a few times in research. Its name looks like a mouthful, but its chemical structure actually tells you a lot about how it behaves. Chemically, the backbone is silicon (Si). Attached to that silicon are two ethoxy groups—these are -OCH2CH3 branches—and a methyl group (-CH3). Then, stretching out is the dodecyl chain, a string of twelve carbons ending in a simple hydrogen, making it N-dodecyl (-C12H25).
Lay it out and you get Si(CH3)(C12H25)(OC2H5)2. In models and ball-and-stick drawings, this creates a sort of tripod around the silicon atom, with one leg stretching far longer than the others. Snag a bottle of this chemical and you’ll catch a faint, oily scent, and a viscosity that’s thicker than water but nowhere near syrup.
This structure packs more punch than it seems. The long carbon tail (dodecyl group) isn't just sitting there for show. In lab work, it’s used for making surfaces water-repellent. That long hydrocarbon group makes surfaces resistant to moisture because it keeps water molecules from latching onto the silicon backbone. Functional silanes like this one often end up in coatings for glass, metals, even electronics. Imagine a circuit board exposed to humid air—this compound forms a hydrophobic shield that keeps moisture at bay, preserving function and extending device life.
The two ethoxy arms on the silicon react with moisture or with exposed metal or glass surfaces. They hydrolyze, forming bonds to the surface and locking the whole molecule in place. If you work with surface chemistry, you see how crucial this is for tough environments. It’s not magic; it’s smart chemistry—a tool picked because the chemical structure is lending those exact features.
Silanes, especially the longer-chain versions, don’t break down easily. These molecules can linger in industrial waste if not handled right. Workers should understand the risks and shield themselves from prolonged inhalation or skin contact—it can irritate, and in some cases, spark off allergic reactions. Research into greener alternatives or improved decomposition after use could go a long way in tackling pollution.
If regulations step up—think of Europe’s REACH program—manufacturers may need to reformulate products or improve recovery and disposal processes. Some companies reclaim silanes from their production lines, either burning them in controlled environments or breaking them down using specialized treatments.
Turning to safer, biodegradable alternatives without sacrificing the unique properties of these silanes remains high on researchers’ lists. Institutions and companies are racing for molecules that offer similar chemical flexibility but break down faster in nature. Until then, tighter safety controls, recycling, and education can help reduce risks.
Anyone making or using N-Dodecylmethyldiethoxysilane should know its structure isn’t just for show; it’s a workhorse in surface science, with a flip side that demands respect for the environment and for health.
People rarely recognize the name N-Dodecylmethyldiethoxysilane. Scientists know it for what it does: act as a surface modifier for silica or as a water repellent agent. Many products that need certain characteristics use chemicals like this, sometimes behind the scenes, from paints and plastics to electronic coatings. Questions about toxicity and safety matter to workers, neighbors of chemical plants, and anyone touching a product containing this compound.
N-Dodecylmethyldiethoxysilane stands out as an organosilane. This means silicon anchors organic groups, making the molecule effective at changing how certain materials behave. The industry mixes this silane into industrial formulations, rarely in consumer-facing concentrations. That matters, because workplace safety guidelines draw clear lines between handling the raw chemical and coming across it on a finished product.
Regulatory agencies classify chemicals by acute and chronic risks. N-Dodecylmethyldiethoxysilane gets the same scrutiny. Testing rodents with high levels of the chemical finds mild irritation to the skin and eyes, but not much more. Inhalation trials mostly show low toxicity unless breathing in concentrated vapors. I’ve seen safety data sheets that stress splashes and inhalation over time can aggravate pre-existing asthma or skin conditions, but this holds true for many solvents or industrial coatings. A spill or a leak might send someone to the eyewash, but not the ER.
The chemical doesn’t carry a reputation for causing cancer, birth defects, or long-term nerve damage. It doesn’t build up in the body or environment in a way that sets off alarms for bioaccumulation — though proper ventilation and gloves always make sense. In my own time working on lab surfaces with silanes, I never saw a severe incident, but routine training pushed safe storage and use, showing a pattern: this chemical, handled right, poses low risk.
The people closest to raw N-Dodecylmethyldiethoxysilane rely on well-ventilated spaces, goggles, and gloves—standard gear in chemical work. The industry does its homework with respiratory limits, emergency procedures, and strict spill responses. If someone gets a rash from contact, safety teams document it, step up training, and check if improved barriers or ventilation solve the issue. Companies want to avoid lawsuits, reputational hits, and, most importantly, injuries.
For products containing it, the risks drop off steeply by the time the material ships to customers. Nearly all toxicity concerns show up higher up the supply chain, before the chemical gets locked into a finished item. Still, gaps in reporting sometimes pop up, so regular reviews of safety standards help keep up with new data. A move toward greener chemistry could mean searching out substitutes or lowering process exposure limits. Hearing from workers who use these products guides better training and faster response if something changes in how the chemical acts in real-world conditions.
Bottom line, looking at N-Dodecylmethyldiethoxysilane as “hazardous” depends on how it’s used. In the right setting, with respect for the rules, it fades into the background of well-controlled chemical routines.
Working in a lab, I’ve learned that every new bottle carries its own risks and habits. N-Dodecylmethyldiethoxysilane stands among those chemicals that ask for respect before you even unscrew the cap. The clear liquid, with a faint organic odor, promises usefulness in coatings, adhesives, and surface treatments, but the wrong move can spell irritation, headaches, or worse.
Skin contact leads to stubborn irritation. Breathing in vapors from an open container introduces risks ranging from dizziness to lung trouble over time. Gloves, goggles, and a well-fitted lab coat make each task safer. Fume hoods should stay on during transfers, pipetting, and mixing. It only takes one rushed day to find out how painful a splash in your eye feels.
Storing any silane means thinking beyond “just put it on the shelf.” In my experience, temperature swings ruin chemicals fast, not to mention the danger of leaky caps. A dry, cool cabinet keeps N-Dodecylmethyldiethoxysilane from reacting with the air’s moisture and breaking down into sticky, flammable residue. Use sealed, labeled containers, and don’t stack incompatible substances together—this compound reacts badly with acids, bases, and strong oxidizers. If the label’s date is old, don’t try your luck. Discard it following safety guidelines.
The day always comes: partial bottles pile up, or old workshops close, and someone has to clean house. Pouring this liquid down the drain isn’t an option. Local environmental agencies set strict rules for a reason—N-Dodecylmethyldiethoxysilane can contaminate soil, seep into groundwater, and harm aquatic systems.
Wasting time searching for loopholes puts your whole building at risk. Proper disposal relies on trained personnel and designated collection points. In my lab, we seal unused liquid in the original container, note the chemical and date, and log it in the hazardous waste register. After that, licensed contractors haul it to treatment facilities, where it sees incineration or special chemical breakdown. Ignoring these steps leads to fines and sometimes hospital trips.
Easy fixes come from daily awareness. Workers and students count on clear instructions, easy-to-read labels, and reminders to double-check caps and cabinets. Accidents happen in messy spaces, so I keep the area clear before starting and after cleaning up. Companies do right by sharing safety datasheets, updating team training, and never letting shortcuts become the norm.
Everyday diligence pays off. Spills in a well-prepared lab stay small, while teams who practice safety drills answer alarms without panic. In-house audits don’t just find mistakes—they spark conversations about near-misses and improvements. Over years, I’ve watched labs earn cleaner records and less waste just by respecting each day’s batch as if it were the first.
Our choices inside the lab show up in places far from our benches—from city pipes to farm soil. Using tools like proper PPE, clear hazard communication, and scheduled waste pickups, we can cut the odds of accidental release. Leaders invest in safer substitutes, and governments enforce environmental compliance for everyone’s good. The cost of caution always beats the price of a spill.
Facing each new bottle with a healthy routine keeps us, and the world outside, safer. Handle with care, dispose with respect, and future students inherit cleaner labs and clearer water. These steps don’t only protect science—they protect the people who do it.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | N-dodecyl(dimethoxy)ethylsilane |
| Other names |
Diethoxy(dodecyl)methylsilane Methyldiethoxydodecylsilane Dodecylmethyldiethoxysilane n-Dodecylmethyldiethoxysilane |
| Pronunciation | /ɛn-doʊˈdɛs-ɪl-ˌmɛθ-ɪl-daɪ-ˌɛθ-ɒk-si-ˈsaɪˌleɪn/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 3069-21-4 |
| 3D model (JSmol) | CC[Si](CCCOCC)(OCC)OCC |
| Beilstein Reference | 1840002 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:61046 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL2107798 |
| ChemSpider | 22557154 |
| DrugBank | DB22299 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.224.311 |
| EC Number | 410-230-6 |
| Gmelin Reference | 1082303 |
| KEGG | C19435 |
| MeSH | N-Dodecylmethyldiethoxysilane is not assigned a MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) term. |
| PubChem CID | 129686369 |
| RTECS number | YO8000000 |
| UNII | 6O0W9121NH |
| UN number | UN1993 |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DJ9LC0KDPB |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C16H36O2Si |
| Molar mass | 318.57 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless transparent liquid |
| Odor | Characteristic |
| Density | 0.826 g/mL at 25 °C |
| Solubility in water | Insoluble |
| log P | 4.8 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.11 hPa (20 °C) |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -7.8e-6 cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.4250 |
| Viscosity | 2 mm²/s (40°C) |
| Dipole moment | 1.2062 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 279.6 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -8131.7 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | No ATC code |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H226, H315, H319, H335 |
| Precautionary statements | P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P264, P273, P280, P301+P312, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P312, P370+P378, P403+P235, P501 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-2-0 |
| Flash point | > 110 °C |
| Autoignition temperature | 255 °C |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): Oral rat LD50 > 2000 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | GGZ2560000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 5 mg/m³ |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Trimethoxymethylsilane Triethoxymethylsilane Trimethoxy(n-dodecyl)silane Triethoxy(n-dodecyl)silane n-Octylmethyldiethoxysilane n-Decylmethyldiethoxysilane |
