Organic silanes have shaped the interface between inorganic and organic materials for decades. Chemists noticed quite early that the family of alkyltrialkoxysilanes offered a route for modifying surfaces with powerful hydrophobic effects. N-Dodecyltrimethoxysilane drew attention from both academia and industry in the second half of the 20th century. As glass fibers hit mainstream demand in composites and electronics, researchers got busy finding surface agents capable of bridging inorganic and organic properties without performance drop-off. Industrial labs started producing and tuning N-Dodecyltrimethoxysilane to drive both water repellency and chemical compatibility in tough conditions. Patent filings over the years trace the slow improvement in efficiency, purity, and environmental responsibility for the process. The reliability underpinning today’s silicon-based coatings and sealants owes a lot to those early innovation cycles.
N-Dodecyltrimethoxysilane falls within the large group of trialkoxysilanes, with a dodecyl (C12) alkyl chain linking to three methoxy (-OCH3) groups at a silicon atom. This combination grants the molecule its dual personality: the dodecyl side brings long-chain hydrocarbon properties, while the silane end reacts with diverse inorganic surfaces. In industry, it’s sold as a clear to yellowish liquid, packed in drums or bottles lined for chemical resistance and labeled for straightforward handling. Manufacturers standardize product consistency, ensuring buyers can rely on predictable performance across applications ranging from automotive parts to pharmaceutical intermediates. Demand tends to hold steady because the C12 chain achieves a versatile balance, delivering more hydrophobicity than shorter silanes but blending better than longer-chain cousins.
This compound presents as a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a gross molecular formula of C15H34O3Si. Its molecular weight sits at 290.51 g/mol, placing it right in the middle of the pack among alkyltrialkoxysilanes. The boiling point lands over 300°C under atmospheric pressure, but it can hydrolyze before reaching such temperatures in humid or wet conditions. Its density ranges between 0.88 and 0.90 g/cm³ at room temperature. N-Dodecyltrimethoxysilane doesn’t mix with water thanks to its non-polar hydrocarbon tail, but dissolves well in common organic solvents like toluene, ethanol, and hexane. The trimethoxysilane group readily reacts with moisture, generating methanol and silanol intermediates, which makes controlling hydration essential during storage and use. That hydrolytic activity forms the basis of its strong chemical bonds to glass, silica, and metal oxides.
Suppliers publish specs listing assay, moisture content, color, and acid number. For high-purity jobs like electronics or medical coatings, assay above 98% often serves as baseline. Moisture must stay below 0.10% by weight, since water sparks pre-reactions that tank shelf life. Labels flag its flammable and moisture-reactive status, and every container carries UN classification for chemical transport safety. MSDS sheets back up these specs with in-depth breakdowns on physical hazards, personal protection, and storage needs. Over the years, efforts to reduce impurities like trimethylmethoxysilane or dodecanol have made product more predictable. Technical contacts at suppliers will walk any user through traceability protocols, batch testing, and hazard communications because buyers ask to see those standards before purchase or regulatory approvals these days.
Synthesis typically runs from dodecyl chloride and trimethoxysilane in the presence of base, with precise temperature and pressure settings to keep side reactions in check. Labs have fine-tuned catalytic protocols to limit color impurities and maximize yield. For higher-purity material—as required in electronics or pharmaceuticals—distillation under reduced pressure removes oligomeric residues. Ancillary steps manage the neutralization of by-products and control final water content before packaging. Reproducible manufacturing comes from years of steady hand and small improvements in reactor materials and separation methods. Some companies go the extra mile by running in nitrogen atmosphere to stomp out oxidative degradation. Supply chain relies on consistent access to high-quality silane and alkyl chloride feedstocks, so disruptions in upstream petrochemicals can put a twist in production costs or timelines.
The real engine of N-Dodecyltrimethoxysilane’s value lies in its ability to hydrolyze and then condense, creating durable bonds to silica, alumina, or other metal oxides. Once applied to a surface, its methoxy groups swap with water, form silanols, and then knit to each other and to the surface through –Si–O–M– bridges (M standing for metal). Chemists sometimes tweak the dodecyl side for greater compatibility with resins, but that core silane chemistry shapes the backbone of all its uses. Post-functionalization can introduce tether groups for coupling with specific polymers or biomolecules, expanding uses in specialty composites or biosensors. In my time working with functionalized silanes, I saw these modifications shift product lifetimes and boost chemical resistance in automotive or architectural coatings.
N-Dodecyltrimethoxysilane goes by more than one handle. Suppliers and chemists call it Dodecyltrimethoxysilane, Trimethoxydodecylsilane, or sometimes just its shorthand DTMOS. Proprietary trade names spring up across catalogs, such as DodecaSilane-TMO or Silquest A-1230, depending on manufacturer. Despite brand names, diligent users always check the CAS number (3069-21-4) to steer clear of surprises. Cross-referencing synonyms matters, since slight differences in nomenclature can hide purity or formulation shifts that impact result consistency.
Exposure risks focus on skin and eye irritation and on inhalation of vapors or hydrolysis by-products like methanol. From a practical point of view, anyone working with N-Dodecyltrimethoxysilane depends on good gloves, goggles, and fume hoods. Storage takes place in tightly sealed drums parked away from humid zones and ignition sources. Regular audits in labs and warehouses stop accidents before they happen, and updated safety data sheets give clear action steps for spills or exposure. Over the years, I’ve seen small leaks cause slippery workspaces and headaches—from both fumes and cleanup—so vigilance in handling pays off. Regulatory frameworks in the EU, US, and Asia all include this compound under chemical inventory and workplace exposure laws, so compliance isn’t optional and regular training forms part of using this product at any facility dealing with chemical surfaces.
The most established use for N-Dodecyltrimethoxysilane sits in hydrophobic surface treatment. Glass, ceramic, and mineral fillers welcome this molecule to repel water and sometimes organic contaminants, all without losing bulk strength. Rubber and plastics industries mix it into their compounds so finished parts keep working even in wet or humid weather. In electronics, these silanes help coat delicate circuits against moisture—a crucial step when reliability beats flashy specs every time. Construction companies depend on N-Dodecyltrimethoxysilane to waterproof concrete and stone, while the automotive sector finds better weathering resistance for glass and painted assemblies. Research teams experiment with surface energy control for lab-on-chip devices or biosensors. The trend is clear: as new materials demand sharper interfaces, this silane remains a staple for anyone blending chemistry with durability.
Teams across the globe seek improvements in both performance and sustainability. Academic labs measure layer thickness, bonding strength, and resistance to chemical attack after surface treatment. Engineering groups evaluate how adjusting the dodecyl chain length or adding functional groups shifts compatibility with advanced matrices, such as new bio-resins or next-generation thermoplastics. Green chemistry researchers pursue eco-friendlier synthesis routes and look for ways to recycle or minimize by-products. Data on surface energy tuning continues to grow—scientists graft modified silanes atop nanostructured silica and map out wetting properties in fine detail. Published studies track long-term weathering, UV stability, and chemical resistance, offering hard numbers that help product managers push for certification in regulated industries. Collaboration between academic and industrial sectors smooths the knowledge transfer from benchtop discovery to large-scale production.
N-Dodecyltrimethoxysilane’s low volatility and poor water solubility decrease inhalation and aquatic risks compared to smaller silanes, but its methanol by-product and skin-absorbing hydrocarbon tail keep it on regulatory watchlists. Chronic exposure can cause skin dryness or irritant dermatitis. Methanol generated during hydrolysis poses systemic toxicity hazards if mishandled, so companies track and limit exposure through personal protection and engineering controls. Toxicological studies in rodents and fish point to low acute toxicity—a relief to downstream users—though some longer-term effects remain under study, especially regarding bioaccumulation and metabolite risks. Years of occupational hygiene experience support established limits for workplace air concentrations but recommend substitution or enclosure techniques wherever feasible.
This compound stands to gain from newer, sustainability-minded modifications. Biodegradable alternatives and catalysts that cut down waste could address environmental worries. Advanced sensors and flexible electronics open demand for better and more reliable surface modifiers, and N-Dodecyltrimethoxysilane’s versatility enables its presence in prototypes and pilot-scale rollouts. Companies investing in green chemistry may tailor new silanes for lower toxicity or improved compatibility with recycled materials. Regulatory agencies review toxicology and environmental impact data as industry asks for new certifications, pushing manufacturers to innovate not just in function but also in stewardship. As I’ve seen across decades in materials science, attention to both performance and responsibility usually drives the market to both safer and more effective options, and N-Dodecyltrimethoxysilane sits at the crossroads of those changes.
N-Dodecyltrimethoxysilane doesn’t sound like something you’ll spot on a supermarket label, but it plays a quiet role in how many things perform around us. You’ll find it lurking behind the scenes in coatings, adhesives, and even electronics. Folks working with glass, ceramics, or composites know that tough jobs often rely on chemicals like this to get just the right surface texture or water protection. Silanes like n-dodecyltrimethoxysilane help surfaces shrug off water, so they stay cleaner and last longer.
Take your car windshield. Without the right chemical treatment, rain smears across, sticking and blocking your view. Add a bit of this silane compound, and the glass sheds rain far more easily. This same effect plays out in building windows, bathroom tiles, and even solar panels. The science behind it isn’t just chemistry for chemistry’s sake — it comes down to safety, reliability, and less scrubbing. For anyone who dreads washing windows or paying for graffiti cleanup, there’s an obvious value here.
Composites are everywhere these days — think lightweight tennis rackets, fishing poles, and airplane parts. These materials sandwich fibers and resins, which don’t always bond easily. N-dodecyltrimethoxysilane steps in as a “bridge,” helping parts stick together without losing strength. That means longer-lasting gear, lighter vehicles, and less material waste. Using silanes solves headaches for engineers trying to make stuff both strong and light.
Chemicals always spark debate. There’s worry about safety, especially in big factories or anywhere water and soil might pick up residues. Safety data shows that, handled right, workers can use silanes with minimal risk. Still, people want greener solutions and regulations push for compounds that break down harmlessly. Researchers keep testing new blends or ways to cut down what’s left behind, so impact on people and environment keeps shrinking. In my own experience working in labs, careful storage and handling always come before profit margins or speed. More companies are waking up to this as the public keeps demanding better stewardship.
Using these chemicals can add cost, especially when upgrading old equipment to get the full benefit. Small businesses and those in developing countries sometimes skip these treatments to save cash or because they can’t find good suppliers. Some coatings might require extra steps or special training for workers. I’ve seen firsthand that without proper know-how, expensive compounds end up wasted or applied badly. Better training and information sharing within industries can ease these problems.
The story of n-dodecyltrimethoxysilane isn’t stopping here. Demand grows in sectors like solar energy, where every bit of efficiency counts. Scientists keep tinkering with new versions that push boundaries, making surfaces cleaner, safer, or more energy-efficient than last year. As new uses turn up, the chemistry must match rising standards for both health and environment. Sticking with science and sharing lessons from the lab can clear the way for smarter, safer ways to use these materials without leaving messy footprints behind.
Many surfaces, especially glass or metal, don’t interact well with oils or hydrophobic materials without some help. N-Dodecyltrimethoxysilane bridges that gap thanks to its unique structure. Its chemical formula, C15H34O3Si, spells out a story about how one molecule can give lasting water resistance or flexibility to all sorts of manufactured products.
The structure combines a long hydrocarbon chain with a silicon atom surrounded by methoxy groups. The hydrocarbon portion—dodecyl, with twelve carbons in a row—pushes water away and sticks well to fats and nonpolar materials. The silicon atom, attached to three methoxy groups, reacts with moisture and bonds tightly to surfaces rich in hydroxyl groups, like glass, ceramics, and metals. As a result, one side of the molecule sticks to the surface while the other side faces outward, forming a sort of chemical shield.
Not long ago, I watched as a technician treated computer chips with what looked like a simple spray—this was N-Dodecyltrimethoxysilane at work, providing a protective layer against humidity. In factories or research labs, decision-makers turn to this compound when old-school coatings won’t cut it anymore. Its formula brings something you can count on: durability, water-repelling power, and an anchor to surfaces that don’t otherwise play nicely with synthetic materials.
You find this same chemistry in technologies that need to endure harsh conditions, such as marine coatings or electronics put through daily stress. By looking at the molecular formula, chemists predict not only how the silane will bond but also how thick or resilient that final coating remains. For example, the C15H34 bit shows there’s plenty of hydrocarbon chain to provide a barrier against moisture or oils. The O3Si segment means you get robust cross-linking, which gives coatings and adhesives staying power.
N-Dodecyltrimethoxysilane does more than just coat glassware. Paints, waterproofing sprays, adhesives, and even medical devices sometimes need the surface modification that this molecule offers. By controlling how surfaces interact with moisture or surrounding chemicals, manufacturers boost the shelf-life and reliability of their products. The chemistry behind C15H34O3Si enables this and opens doors for more advanced applications, including smart textiles and sensors that refuse to be crippled by a bit of condensation.
But there’s another side. Handling organosilanes takes some care because the methoxy groups can release methanol in the presence of water, which poses toxicity risks if not managed carefully. Factories and labs that use this compound must make sure proper ventilation and safety gear remain standard. I’ve seen projects stall because teams flouted basic rules on chemical safety, only to face trouble later.
Industry pushes for coatings that combine performance and a lower environmental footprint. Alternatives and safer formulations keep popping up, but the backbone—connecting organic chains to inorganic surfaces—remains a winning formula. Chemists pay close attention to each atom in a formula like C15H34O3Si. Each modification shifts how well a product protects against water, resists grime, or bonds to a new type of substrate.
Digging into the makeup of N-Dodecyltrimethoxysilane gives more than a trivia answer for chemists. It provides insight into why some surfaces outlast others, why phones survive puddles longer, or why paints cling in coastal towns. For anyone who works with coatings, adhesives, or weather-resistant products, understanding what C15H34O3Si means in practice shapes safer, tougher, and more reliable stuff for all of us.
N-Dodecyltrimethoxysilane plays a role in the production of coatings, adhesives, and advanced materials. Its ability to bond with both organic and inorganic surfaces brings value to laboratories and factories alike. In working with this silane compound, personal experience has taught me not to treat it like an everyday liquid. One careless mistake can mean ruined samples or, worse, a health hazard.
Few substances react faster with air and water than alkoxysilanes. N-Dodecyltrimethoxysilane won’t wait around. Light, heat, humidity—each speeds up hydrolysis, which leads to sticky residues and wasted money. I remember a batch stored in a clear bottle left near a window. Within days, the material clouded up and a film covered the shelf. One overlooked storage detail means hazardous fumes and an unusable product.
Store N-Dodecyltrimethoxysilane in tightly sealed containers made from glass or HDPE. Find a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight. It’s best to put it in a corrosive-safe chemical cabinet fitted with ventilation. Flammable-liquids cabinets work too, provided humidity stays low. I always label containers by the date and run a simple inventory each month.
Water easily seeps inside open or poorly closed bottles. Silanes absorb moisture fast, and once the cap comes off, the clock starts ticking. If I use a bottle, I check for condensation or cloudiness the next time I open it. Throwing out a full liter feels painful, but cost never outweighs safety.
Accidents don’t send calendar invites. Splashes sting, and vapors irritate eyes and lungs. At one workshop, a technician ignored his goggles—just for “a quick pour.” He spent the afternoon at the campus clinic, learning why the lab keeps eye wash stations next to silane storage. Put on gloves made of nitrile, goggles that seal on the face, and a lab coat. A fume hood isn’t an upgrade—it’s as basic as a bench.
Any spills call for immediate cleanup with absorbent pads and plenty of ventilation. Don’t grab paper towels; they allow the vapor to escape. I’ve helped mop up a spill late at night, double-checking that every bit was contained and writing a report for the morning crew. These steps don’t slow the day—they keep everyone working safely for years.
After work wraps up, waste isn’t ever dumped down a drain. Companies face steep fines and damaged reputations for that sort of shortcut. Small amounts should go in clearly labeled solvent cans, then shipped to licensed waste handlers. I always check local rules—states treat silane waste differently, and nobody wants a compliant operation fined over a paperwork slip.
N-Dodecyltrimethoxysilane reacts with water to release corrosive methanol. For labs near rivers or wetlands, spills quickly become community issues. The right training and clear plans prevent emergencies from turning into headlines. Labs investing in chemical management software avoid repeat orders and expired stock. Organized shelves don’t just look safer—they are.
Anyone working with N-Dodecyltrimethoxysilane relies on good habits—label everything, log each transfer, and treat every bottle with respect. Proper storage, routine inspection, and prepared personal protection mean researchers and techs finish their day in good health. Chemicals don’t forgive shortcuts, but a careful routine makes advanced materials work both possible and sustainable.
Coming face to face with chemicals like N-Dodecyltrimethoxysilane in the lab or at work isn’t just paperwork and data sheets. It means gloves go on, goggles get tightened, and there’s a real person behind every safety step. I’ve watched folks get too confident around silane-type chemicals and learned firsthand that procedures exist for a reason. This liquid doesn’t make a fuss until you cut corners. On a busy shift, I once saw a researcher splash just a few drops because they were rushing without proper protection. Even after a quick rinse, his skin turned red, and he had to report to the health office. That moment stuck with me.
N-Dodecyltrimethoxysilane won’t wait for ideal conditions. It reacts with water in the air, giving off methanol—a toxic vapor nobody wants in their lungs. Long sleeves, nitrile gloves, and tight-fit goggles never feel optional once you’ve smelled that sharp sting in the air. Ventilation pulls its weight here. Fume hoods do more than control odors; they draw harmful vapors away from your face. In my own experience, skipping proper air extraction even for “just a minute” means the sharp smell lingers, and headaches aren’t far behind.
There’s a temptation to treat every lab task as safe because it’s routine. This isn’t the chemical to get casual about. Methanol from its reaction doesn’t just burn your nose—it attacks the nervous system if exposure builds up. Nobody likes suiting up for a straightforward transfer, but ignoring splash goggles and chemical coats costs more time and health than it saves. Skin burns may be minor with small splashes, but repeated contact can lead to cuts and slow healing. On surfaces, silanes leave behind sticky residues that react with moisture, getting tacky and hard to remove. Rushed cleaning after a spill often means the next shift deals with even more mess and risk. In my experience, skipping spill kits and absorbent pads led to rubber boots ruined by sticky sludge and a full afternoon wasted.
Detailed signage, regular training, and clear clean-up routines go further than any safety manual. One trick that saved trouble for our crew was keeping methanol test strips close to the work area, not tucked away. They give fast feedback about leaks in the hood’s hoses or poorly sealed containers. I also learned to keep eye wash stations cleared and shoes tied, ready for real emergencies—no stumbling around. Waste needs dedicated, sealed bins, nowhere near food or drink spaces.
Checking every glove for tears before starting, keeping an up-to-date safety data sheet, and even rehearsing spill response once a month sets everyone up for fewer surprises. These practical steps make a real daily difference. People look out for each other. Shortcuts don’t save effort if they put skin or lungs at risk.
Staying careful with N-Dodecyltrimethoxysilane combines real-world habits and proven science. Respecting this compound means less drama, healthier staff, and no after-hours phone calls to the health center. If experience has taught anything, it’s that comfort grows best from careful planning, not from skipping steps.
N-Dodecyltrimethoxysilane sits in labs and warehouses across the globe. This silane coupling agent holds a spot in coatings, plastics, and materials science. With a bottle or drum of this material, a simple, but often overlooked question keeps popping up: How long before it starts breaking down or stops working as it should?
Most manufacturers set the shelf life at about twelve months under proper storage. That’s a useful number, but experience says the true story depends on storage conditions and handling habits. Moisture cuts into its lifespan fast. Exposing even a sealed bottle to damp air invites hydrolysis, breaking it down into silanols and methanol. Once this happens, the product veers away from its original performance.
Keep containers sealed tight. Any quick dip into the bottle for sampling, any rush in a humid warehouse, and you’ve just trimmed months off its usefulness. Best results come from storage away from light, far from heat, and kept bone-dry. Metal cans with moisture-tight liners or original plastic drums do a decent job protecting the contents. Every time someone skips these steps, labs run into higher costs or failed batches.
It doesn’t take advanced instruments to spot change. Funky odors, cloudiness, or crystals on the inside of caps spell trouble. Those changes signal that hydrolysis has started.
A shelf life is more than a manufacturer’s guess. Using degraded N-Dodecyltrimethoxysilane in resin or glass treatments puts downstream products at risk. Faulty coupling means coatings peel or adhesion drops off. If you’ve ever handled material that just wouldn’t bond, even with the same process and recipe, old or spoiled silane could be the reason.
It’s hard to forget stories from industrial clients who bought large drums to cut costs, stored them for two years, then ran into bad batches and extra downtime. Those calls always ended with a recommendation: smaller, fresh lots, strict rotation, and documented storage checks.
Keeping stock fresh is doable. Buy only what’s needed for six to nine months. Mark opening dates on each bottle, and move older stock to the front. Smaller bottles might cost a little more, but losing an entire production batch or a critical research result shortcuts any savings.
Regular testing goes a long way. A simple hydrolysis or titration check every six months makes a difference. Don’t wait for visible changes; by the time those show up, performance has already dropped off. Every batch of silane should come with certificates and storage advice, but relying only on paperwork risks surprises down the line.
Tighter environmental controls, smaller batch packaging, and on-site testing kits are starting to show up in forward-thinking organizations. A few times, I’ve seen teams build climate-controlled mini storage for high-value chemicals—expensive at first, but justified after a few years of savings and fewer headaches from spoiled raw materials.
A little extra up-front care, honest rotation, and practical checks on shelf life pays back larger returns in both process reliability and product performance.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | dodecyl(trimethoxy)silane |
| Other names |
Dodecyltrimethoxysilane n-Dodecyltrimethoxysilane Trimethoxydodecylsilane n-Dodecyltrimethoxysilane Silane, dodecyltrimethoxy- |
| Pronunciation | /ɛn-doʊˈdɛs.ɪl-traɪˌmɛθ.ɒk.si.saɪˌleɪn/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 3069-21-4 |
| Beilstein Reference | 4126800 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:85188 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL1687915 |
| ChemSpider | 126980 |
| DrugBank | DB11217 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.120.158 |
| EC Number | 206-108-6 |
| Gmelin Reference | 1450798 |
| KEGG | C19706 |
| MeSH | D026211 |
| PubChem CID | 86745 |
| RTECS number | BO1300000 |
| UNII | 5C04941K5F |
| UN number | UN1993 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C15H34O3Si |
| Molar mass | 349.62 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless transparent liquid |
| Odor | Characteristic |
| Density | 0.86 g/mL at 25 °C |
| Solubility in water | insoluble |
| log P | 5.8 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.24 mmHg (25°C) |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -8.0E-6 cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.419 |
| Viscosity | 1 mPa·s (25 °C) |
| Dipole moment | 1.5202 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | Std molar entropy (S⦵298) of N-Dodecyltrimethoxysilane is 774.6 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -1784.7 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS02,GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H226, H315, H318, H411 |
| Precautionary statements | H226-H315-H319-H335 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-1-0 |
| Flash point | > 107 °C |
| Autoignition temperature | 250°C |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): Oral: >2000 mg/kg (rat) |
| NIOSH | **VV9275000** |
| PEL (Permissible) | Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 0.3 ppm |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
n-Butyltrimethoxysilane n-Octyltrimethoxysilane n-Decyltrimethoxysilane n-Hexyltrimethoxysilane n-Propyltrimethoxysilane |
