New materials tend to arrive quietly, and N-Dodecyltriethoxysilane has built its reputation over decades. Years ago, chemists started working with silane-based compounds, searching for ways to improve surface treatments and strengthen bonds between organic and inorganic materials. Silanes like this one helped companies go from plain, untreated surfaces to functional, tailored materials in automotive and construction. Researchers recognized its ability to improve adhesion and impart water-repellent properties, moving it from the lab to factories in short order. N-Dodecyltriethoxysilane emerged as part of a larger drive to create smarter, more versatile coatings that last, with roots stretching to the post-World War II era, when advanced materials rapidly changed everyday products.
N-Dodecyltriethoxysilane belongs in the organosilane family, a set of chemicals prized for anchoring long hydrocarbon chains to silicon atoms. Its structure brings together a twelve-carbon dodecyl chain on one end with three reactive ethoxy groups connected to a central silicon atom. You find it as a colorless or faintly yellow liquid with a gentle odor, usually packed in airtight drums to keep moisture at bay. What sets it apart in the silane world is that long hydrocarbon tail, making it especially useful for treating hydrophobic surfaces—whether in fiberglass, plastics, or specialty coatings.
N-Dodecyltriethoxysilane carries the chemical formula C18H40O3Si and a molecular weight around 332.6 g/mol. At room temperature, it presents as an oily liquid, with a boiling point close to 335°C under standard pressure. Its miscibility profile stays narrow: it dissolves in organic solvents like toluene or hexane but shuns water due to its long hydrophobic chain. As with other alkoxysilanes, exposure to moisture kick-starts hydrolysis, where ethoxy groups react with water to form silanol groups and ethanol as a byproduct. That reactivity demands care in storage and handling: sealed drums and nitrogen blankets extend its shelf life, since even short exposure to damp air can start unwanted side reactions.
Tight quality standards keep this chemical predictable. Purity usually runs above 97%, and companies require documentation detailing acid value, refractive index (often around 1.427–1.437 at 20°C), color (with Hazen units well under 50), and moisture content below 0.5%. Safety data sheets spell out hazards, including strong warnings about strong oxidizing agents and water-sensitive storage conditions. Labeling for transport follows rules set by local and international regulators, with hazard pictograms where applicable. Production runs typically mark batch numbers and best-before dates, helping downstream users trace issues if they arise. CAS number 18536-91-9 commonly appears on both literature and shipping documents.
Original syntheses for N-Dodecyltriethoxysilane relied on straightforward alcoholysis reactions. Silicon tetrachloride first reacts with excess ethanol under controlled, anhydrous conditions to produce triethoxysilane intermediates. Chemists then graft the dodecyl group onto the silicon core through hydrosilylation with dodecene or a Grignard reagent, generating the desired product after purification steps. Key to the process is exclusion of water, not just because moisture wrecks yields, but also due to potential safety hazards from exothermic side reactions and pressure build-up. Columns packed with magnesium sulfate or specialized distillation gear help keep solvents dry and the chemical as pure as possible.
N-Dodecyltriethoxysilane stands out for its dual reactivity. On one side, those ethoxy groups undergo hydrolysis and can condense with other silanols, anchoring to glass, ceramics, or metal oxides through robust Si–O–Si bonds. In the presence of acid or base catalysts and a splash of humidity, the reaction forms thin monolayers or networks across a wide range of surfaces. The long dodecyl tail doesn’t stay idle—it lends hydrophobicity and, through further chemical treatment (like oxidation), enables the introduction of specialized groups for additional crosslinking or compatibility with polymers. In the right hands, this chemical transforms into a bridge between raw surfaces and premium, durable, functionalized products.
Chemists and industry hands use a string of names for this compound. Besides N-Dodecyltriethoxysilane, you’ll see dodecyltriethoxysilane, triethoxydodecylsilane, and C12-alkyltriethoxysilane on technical sheets and order forms. Manufacturers sometimes stick their own brand names on it, but chemical catalogs ultimately follow the IUPAC name or the common abbreviation DTES. Many reference its CAS number for clarity, as ambiguity creeps in with similar alkyl chain lengths.
Working in the lab and the plant brings real risks. N-Dodecyltriethoxysilane reacts with water, so accidental leaks can cause slippery surfaces or release ethanol vapors. Facilities keep overhead hoods running and provide appropriate eye and skin protection. Long-term exposure to vapors or splashes causes irritation to the respiratory tract, skin, and eyes, and strict rules prevent workers from eating or drinking where the chemical gets handled. Fire risk stays moderate, but storage in cool, dry, well-ventilated places cuts dangers sharply. Emergency showers and eye wash stations back up those safety plans for the uncommon, but not unknown, spill or splash mishap.
No one developed this silane just to fill a shelf. It plays a role across industries where controlling surface properties proves essential. In automotive and aerospace, you find it in paints and plastics that resist water, grime, and wear. Manufacturers apply it to glass fibers before compounding them into high-performance composites, giving these fibers moisture resistance and improved compatibility with resin systems. Construction firms rely on N-Dodecyltriethoxysilane to treat stone, masonry, and concrete, limiting water penetration, minimizing freeze-thaw damage, and staining. Textile finishers use it to make fabrics shed water and soils, and electronics manufacturers look to it for low-adhesion, protective layers on delicate circuitry. Crop scientists recently tested it in seed coatings that can tolerate unpredictable weather.
Development continues as scientists probe the limits of this silane’s abilities. In the last few years, surface scientists have engineered even thinner, more uniform monolayers using vapor-phase deposition techniques, pushing down chemical usage and costs while boosting performance. Polymeric material research benefits, too, as researchers build hybrid materials blending organic, inorganic, and bioactive elements. Universities and public labs work with industry partners to tweak the silane’s tail—sometimes switching the dodecyl group for others—to widen the range of possible applications, from antifouling marine paints to smart packaging that tells when food spoils.
Toxicologists want solid answers. While the bulk of data describes N-Dodecyltriethoxysilane as irritating but not acutely toxic in low exposures, comprehensive long-term studies remain thin. Short-term tests flag skin and eye irritation, and larger spills or unventilated exposures raise the risk of inhalation symptoms. Animal studies found no consistent evidence of mutagenicity or carcinogenic effects, and silane hydrolysis products, mainly ethanol, get processed by the body like any other environmental ethanol. Nonetheless, occupational health professionals keep pushing for more real-world exposure data to shore up risk assessments, especially for newer applications like seed coatings or personal protective equipment.
Looking ahead, it’s easy to see N-Dodecyltriethoxysilane’s value rising alongside tougher environmental standards and a growing appetite for long-lived materials. Companies keep experimenting with greener routes to produce it, swapping petroleum-based precursors for biobased alternatives and cutting waste with improved catalytic processes. Expect to see more focus on recyclability: can treated materials be recovered and reused without environmental drawbacks? Researchers already see opportunity in nanotechnology, using the silane as a linker in smart sensors or self-cleaning surfaces. As the world pivots toward sustainable design, chemicals like N-Dodecyltriethoxysilane have to keep proving their place—balancing utility with clear, honest data on health and environmental impacts. Continued transparency and independent testing promise to drive innovation while protecting the people and places these chemicals touch.
N-Dodecyltriethoxysilane doesn’t turn heads daily, but it matters in science and industry. It’s an organosilane—a chemical with both organic and silicon-containing features. Picture surfactants, water-repellent coatings, and specialty plastics; this compound links surfaces that don’t want to stick together. That ability shapes practical products, from construction materials to everyday gadgets.
This material shows up in unexpected spots. Take glass, for example. Most people consider a glass window or bottle just a solid piece, but water leaves streaks, dirt clings, and stains collect. N-Dodecyltriethoxysilane steps in as a treatment, helping glass repel water. Scientists use it to create “hydrophobic” surfaces, turning glass, ceramics, or even stone into surfaces where water beads up and rolls away. Tile grout, shower screens, and windshields last longer and look cleaner.
Polymer companies lean on this silane, too. It acts as a coupling agent—a sort of molecular glue between plastic and filler material, like clay or silica. Without it, some composites break down quickly or lose their strength. When you see lightweight, tough panels in a modern car, there’s a decent chance a silane like this helped the factory bond the mix together. Nine times out of ten, blending incompatible materials means you get cracked, brittle, or floppy plastics. N-Dodecyltriethoxysilane smooths that out, giving products the strength and finish consumers expect.
Nobody likes toxic waste or leaky chemicals, and concerns do surround some silanes. Handling any reactive silane safely calls for careful ventilation and personal protection, both in research labs and on factory floors. Workers need solid training, and companies must respect environmental regulations. The upshot is that, in finished products, most of the original compound bonds tightly to the surface, limiting risks for ordinary users.
Some experts argue for even tougher safety thresholds, calling for better disposal and spill management. Instead of pouring solvents down the drain or letting vapors float into the air, manufacturers can use closed systems and proper recycling. That's not just wishful thinking—it’s how the top-tier companies secure their certifications and public trust.
Nobody benefits from shortcuts in chemical safety, and oversight matters at every step. Suppliers must give real data: not just technical datasheets, but also clear information about potential hazards and antidotes if accidents occur. Technicians need real-world training, not just lectures and paper tests. Engineers should invest in better mixing, application, and recycling equipment.
The game-changer comes when more industries share their best practices. Think about construction, automotive, and electronics: each field faces similar risks around silanes, and each can teach the others how to improve. Audits, transparent supply chains, and open feedback make that exchange possible.
Like most specialty chemicals, N-Dodecyltriethoxysilane works behind the scenes, making daily life cleaner, more durable, or more efficient. From waterproof coatings to strong composites, the benefits reach far beyond the lab. Better safety steps, science-backed oversight, and smarter regulations ensure the reward outweighs the risk, for workers and consumers alike.
Working with specialty chemicals like N-Dodecyltriethoxysilane usually means caring for both the product itself and everyone on site. This compound has a knack for reacting with water and humidity in the air, which can cause it to break down or lose effectiveness long before it hits the lab bench. Moisture gets in, and the chemical quickly forms byproducts that skew application results or even clog up equipment. From years of working in materials labs, I’ve learned the hard way that just “capping the bottle tightly” isn’t enough.
A dry, cool, and well-ventilated area remains the gold standard. Most facilities that handle silane coupling agents already use desiccators or cabinets with low humidity. Even on busy shifts, putting opened containers back into a sealed bag with moisture-absorbing packets protects the contents. Beyond that, controlling humidity prevents those accidental spills or sticky residue on containers that create a domino effect of wasted material or even workplace hazards.
Extreme temperatures push N-Dodecyltriethoxysilane to break down faster. Warm rooms, direct sunlight, or storage near heat sources all speed up unwanted reactions. Keeping the bottles between 2°C and 8°C works best, like you’d treat many sensitive lab reagents. I once worked in a lab where silane compounds stored above 30°C ended up with strange odors and visible clumps—completely unusable for surface treatments or synthesis. Consistent refrigeration can help avoid those expensive mistakes. Just avoid freezing temps, as rapid phase changes put stress on containers and their seals.
Original packaging is rarely just for show. N-Dodecyltriethoxysilane responds badly to packaging that lets in air or light. The factory-sealed dark bottles keep out both, preserving shelf life. If you must transfer material, glass with Teflon-lined caps works best. Regular screw-top bottles often allow slow leaks. Every transfer or decant carries risk, so labeling each vessel with receipt and open dates gives a simple reference. Clear labels also help avoid cross-contamination or confusion when you run multiple projects using similar silane compounds.
Fumes gathered during use often become a bigger problem than anyone expects. N-Dodecyltriethoxysilane vaporizes more easily than many realize, and the odor turns pretty sharp if the workspace lacks extraction fans. A dedicated vented cabinet, with spill trays and clear signage, helps keep those risks in check. Training team members to spot leaks or failed seals saves time and trouble.
No one wants a hazmat incident over a chemical that mainly helps things stick or resist water. Storing just enough for current work, and ordering smaller batches, reduces stockpiles that slowly degrade. Disposing of unused or suspect lots quickly keeps the storage room tidy and safe. A culture of respect for proper handling—from the first delivery to the last disposal—goes a long way. By tightening up these habits, facilities not only protect workers but also cut costs and waste tied to spoiled or spilled material.
N-Dodecyltriethoxysilane looks simple on a label, but working with it has real stakes. The chemical shows up in labs, coatings, and materials science because it sticks to surfaces so well and gives products special properties. Yet, the science that makes it useful also makes it tricky to handle carelessly.
I’ve worked in research labs that handled all sorts of chemicals. We all pretend accidents don’t happen, right up until someone ruins a pair of pants or sets off a lab evacuation. N-Dodecyltriethoxysilane can irritate eyes, skin, and lungs—bring on redness, burning, maybe coughing or wheezing. The vapors have that sharp chemical sting, and I wouldn’t want to get it in my eyes. The safety data sheet pulls no punches: this stuff messes with you if you treat it like water. There are flammable vapors to consider, too, meaning a stray spark can turn a normal workday sideways.
Goggles aren’t optional. If the liquid escapes a bottle, it can splash—your eyes can’t grow back. Lab coats and gloves protect your skin, while a good, tight mask or a proper respirator keeps the vapors out of your lungs. I’ve seen people skip gloves because they “just need a second”—I’d rather risk wrinkled hands from sweating inside nitrile than chemical burns. Good gloves go a long way since N-Dodecyltriethoxysilane can sneak past latex, so check that what you wear actually holds up.
Ventilation keeps the bad stuff away from your nose. Fume hoods or open windows, wherever possible, stop a whole room from sharing contact with the vapors. Small rooms stack the risk even higher. Even if you can’t see vapor clouds, it’s easy to end up with headaches or dry eyes before you realize it. Opening a bottle, pouring, or transferring are the moments to pay the most attention—one slip, you breathe it in.
Spills spread fast on benches and floors. I once saw someone toss paper towels at a wet mess without checking if it was safe to use water or a particular absorbent. N-Dodecyltriethoxysilane can react badly around moisture—use dry sand or specialized absorbents, and grab a chemical waste container. Never dump it down a drain; local water systems don’t filter out hazardous organosilanes well. Wiping it away with wet mops only delays the problem and spreads the risk.
Sparks, static, and heated tools are real problems. Store the chemical in sturdy, labeled containers, away from open flames or heat sources. In my experience, working next to someone who thought their phone charger was harmless nearly ended in panic. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, not buried under paperwork.
Reading labels, training sessions, and open conversations about close calls actually lower the risk. Newcomers in a lab or on the shop floor learn quickest from direct talk, not dry paperwork. Walking through a worst-case scenario reminds everyone that shortcuts can send you to the emergency room faster than you think. Anyone handling N-Dodecyltriethoxysilane, whether for research or manufacturing, deserves reminders that even small lapses can bring big consequences—and those consequences last longer than the time saved by cutting corners.
N-Dodecyltriethoxysilane stands out once you look at its structure. Picture a silane molecule with a long dodecyl chain—twelve carbons in a straight row—hanging off one side. The silicon atom joins with three ethoxy groups, each made up of two carbons and five hydrogens paired with oxygen. This connection gives the silicon both hydrophobic and reactive qualities. The dodecyl chain pushes away water and most polar solvents, while the ethoxy groups have a hand in linking with surfaces like glass or silica, through something called hydrolysis.
In my own work on waterproof coatings, N-Dodecyltriethoxysilane acted like waterproofing wax on boots—it filled the microscopic valleys and peaks of surfaces, turning them water-repellent. This transformation came straight from its chemical structure. The long dodecyl tail kept water at a distance, causing droplets to bead up and roll off. The ethoxy groups formed permanent bonds after mixing with a little water, anchoring the whole molecule in place.
Plenty of folks in electronics and construction use this compound because it makes surfaces last longer and resist moisture. In a damp basement scenario, a concrete wall treated with this silane barely absorbs water after a heavy rainstorm—the chemistry works out in real time, not just on paper.
Looking closer at the facts, some hesitations come up. Handling N-Dodecyltriethoxysilane demands caution. Those ethoxy groups release ethanol during the bond-forming process. Ethanol seems harmless in small amounts, but in a big manufacturing plant, repeated exposure changes the risks—especially for workers without proper ventilation or protective gear.
Beyond the shop floor, questions about environmental effects start knocking. Silicon- and dodecyl-based residues can stick around in soil and waterways much longer than expected. Studies back this up—organosilanes do not break down quickly under sunlight or in wastewater treatment. Places using these compounds for waterproofing end up with materials that resist breakdown, raising eyebrows for regulatory agencies and eco-minded builders.
From my own perspective, the answer involves balance, not avoidance. N-Dodecyltriethoxysilane works wonders in outdoor surfaces and high-performance coatings, but the urge to find milder, biodegradable alternatives cannot be ignored. Green chemists push for new silicon-based compounds with shorter tails or easily broken links to avoid environmental hang-ups. Teams focus on improving worker training and installing better fume hoods, highlighting the cousin relationship between chemical safety and structural chemistry.
In a nutshell, this molecule’s structure reflects years of smart chemistry. Its twelve-carbon tail and three reactive ethoxy groups deliver performance where moisture and durability matter. This combo deserves both practical respect and a critical eye toward health and sustainability. Real change emerges through open-eyed innovation, skepticism, and honest conversations with the people who use these chemicals every day.
N-Dodecyltriethoxysilane (DTS) shows up in labs and manufacturing for one reason: it’s a strong performer when making surfaces do things they don’t naturally do. This organosilane, with its long dodecyl (C12) tail, brings hydrophobic and even oleophobic power to glass, ceramics, metals, and mineral fillers. Having seen labs struggle with surfaces that just don’t cooperate—water marks, fingerprints, quick wear-off—DTS gives a direct answer without getting overly complicated.
People working with DTS usually start by preparing the substrate. Think about cleaning: removing oils, dust, or anything that would stop DTS from sticking. Rinsing with solvents such as ethanol or acetone matters here. Next, the real show begins—applying DTS by dipping, spraying, or brushing. An alcohol-water solution, sometimes acidified, does the trick. Curing steps vary: air drying gives basic attachment, but baking at a moderate temperature locks the silane bonds down tight, pushing up both reliability and lifespan.
The main draw with DTS comes down to real-world performance. Coating chemistry can get abstract fast, but everyone notices when surfaces ignore water, pick up less dirt, or resist corrosion. In electronics and solar panels, that thin layer keeps moisture from sneaking inside things that cost a fortune to fix. Concrete and building stones benefit too: treatments help reduce freeze-thaw damage and staining, cutting down on maintenance headaches.
My own experience working in materials science labs showed how a properly applied DTS layer cut down troubleshooting. Treated glass slides flipped from water-loving to strongly water-repellent, which meant cleaner results in cell culture and other sensitive tests. It’s the kind of thing you remember when cleaning up after an experiment—so much less scrubbing, far fewer failed attempts due to contamination.
People sometimes overlook air humidity when making up the silane mix. Too much water in the mix, you get runoff and poor bonding; too little, and DTS can’t crosslink. Training and a clear set of steps help keep things on track. Another point that pops up is the cost. Silane treatments add to budgets, and some folks rush the application to save time. Skipping prep or drying steps means DTS doesn’t get its hooks in—and the effect fizzles out in weeks, not years.
Environmental responsibility matters more every year. As silane-based chemistry grows, disposal and volatilization must follow local safety rules. Companies do better by training staff clearly, supplying personal protection, and making sure exhaust systems are up to the job.
Finding ways to automate DTS application stands out as the next move, especially for large structures or mass production. Companies tapping into robotics and precision sprayers report fewer inconsistencies and labor savings. R&D groups keep pushing for silanes with even lower toxicity and improved performance on new composites, like carbon fiber, which promises broader use.
Smart investment in training, equipment, and follow-up pays off. It keeps treated surfaces working as advertised—saving costs and cutting downtime down the road.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | dodecyl(triethoxy)silane |
| Other names |
Trichloro(n-dodecyl)silane Dodecyltriethoxysilane n-Dodecyltriethoxysilane Triethoxydodecylsilane |
| Pronunciation | /ɛn-doʊˈdɛsɪl-traɪ-ɪˌθɒk.siˌsaɪˈleɪn/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 18536-91-9 |
| Beilstein Reference | 1460861 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:87763 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL3318622 |
| ChemSpider | 21159139 |
| DrugBank | DB08227 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.225.052 |
| EC Number | 224-561-5 |
| Gmelin Reference | 106145 |
| KEGG | C18643 |
| MeSH | Dodecyltriethoxysilane |
| PubChem CID | 68514429 |
| RTECS number | WT1875000 |
| UNII | T9A9D99A9T |
| UN number | UN1993 |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DTXSID7020430 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C18H40O3Si |
| Molar mass | 334.59 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless transparent liquid |
| Odor | Liquid |
| Density | 0.845 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.) |
| Solubility in water | Insoluble in water |
| log P | 6.6 |
| Vapor pressure | <0.1 hPa (20 °C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 13.6 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -7.0E-6 cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.427 |
| Viscosity | 2.5 mPa·s (25 °C) |
| Dipole moment | 1.2062 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 795.8 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -7883.4 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS02,GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H315, H319, H411 |
| Precautionary statements | P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P280, P303+P361+P353, P370+P378 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-1-0 |
| Flash point | 109 °C |
| Autoignition temperature | 260 °C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 Oral Rat: > 2,000 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): Oral, rat: >5000 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | GV8575000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | REL (Recommended) for N-Dodecyltriethoxysilane: "No REL established |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | Not established |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
n-Octyltriethoxysilane n-Decyltriethoxysilane n-Hexyltriethoxysilane n-Tetradecyltriethoxysilane n-Propyltriethoxysilane n-Butyltriethoxysilane n-Phenyltriethoxysilane n-Dodecyltrimethoxysilane |
