N-Octyl(Methyl)Dichlorosilane didn’t suddenly appear out of thin air in the lab; it arrived after decades of chasing ways to wrangle silicon’s wild side. Silanes as a family started gathering steam in the mid-20th century, right as pharmaceutical chemists and polymer pioneers pressed for compounds that resisted water and stuck to almost anything. Investigators realized that adding longer hydrocarbon chains improved compatibility with plastics and organic solvents. Through trial, error, and revisiting earlier silanes, research labs started sketching out molecules where octyl and methyl groups could keep the silicon atom steady while offering better control over the reactivity of each strong Si-Cl bond. In the 1980s and 90s, commercial demand for improved coatings, electronics, and analytical chemistry tools helped to pull N-Octyl(Methyl)Dichlorosilane off the whiteboard and into large-scale production.
This compound packs a lot of promise in one bottle. With a silicon backbone capped by an octyl tail, a methyl group, and two direct chloride connections, it acts like a miniature toolkit for chemists. Folks from coatings makers to advanced semiconductor facilities pick it up for its unique ability to anchor onto surfaces and tweak their properties. Where silanes with shorter or bulkier side groups struggle, the balance of N-Octyl(Methyl)Dichlorosilane’s length and molecular structure can make glass, silica, or metal surfaces repel water or help bind new layers in multilayer electronics and filtration systems.
Pouring this liquid, you’d notice it looks colorless and gives off a strong smell, a warning sign of the chlorides eager to react. Its boiling point lands near 234°C under standard pressure, which points to the heavy octyl tail doing some lifting against volatility. The density sits near 0.91 g/cm3, a bit lighter than water but with an oiliness that speaks to hydrocarbon content. It doesn't dissolve in water—these types of silanes hate mixing with polar solvents—yet it flows easily with organic liquids like hexane or toluene. Those two Si-Cl bonds snap into action when exposed to moisture, aggressively forming hydrochloric acid and silanol groups, so dry handling stays crucial.
Manufacturers and suppliers know buyers refuse slip-ups in quality, so paperwork normally spells out the content percentage above 97%, with strict limits on residual solvents and heavy metals. Labels and shipping materials wave red flags with hazard codes like GHS05/07/08 for corrosivity, warning about severe burns, eye damage, and inhalation risks. The UN number usually shows up as 2987, class 8, confirming it falls under corrosive substances. Most bottles carry batch traceability for future recall or investigation, and storage advice points to cool, dry, and especially well-ventilated spaces far from acids or bases.
Labs rarely create this silane from scratch without streamlined steps. One popular approach grabs octylmethyldichlorosilane as a target product from hydrosilylation. Chemists first react chlorosilanes with octene and a platinum catalyst under carefully controlled heat. The resulting product gets washed with neutralizing agents, dried to remove trace water, and distilled under reduced pressure. Only by staying on top of process temperature and vacuum settings do they avoid messy side reactions where the silicon reacts too fast or begins crosslinking before packaging.
What truly sets this chemical apart is its hunger for swapping those chlorines with fresh partners. Add a hint of water, alcohol, or amine and both chlorines leap off, binding to other atoms and giving off hydrochloric acid. In organic synthesis, researchers often hook the molecule to glass or mineral fillers, making surfaces repel stains and water. When stirred with amines, it forms stable Si-N bonds, improving coating adhesion. In chromatography supply chains, a single dose turns the inside of capillaries from sticky to slippery, allowing for smoother, more reliable separations between industrial analytes.
Searching online or combing through literature, you’re bound to spot N-Octyl(Methyl)Dichlorosilane listed by several aliases. Some catalogs call it n-octylmethyldichlorosilane, others drop the dash or use numbering like 8-methyl-octyldichlorosilane. Other times, references might mention its CAS number 2296-35-7, though too much reliance on these digits can miss useful commercial variants with different purity grades or packaging standards.
Few chemicals cause so much pain with so little contact—so anyone handling this stuff suits up. Splash goggles, gloves (preferably nitrile), and full lab coats prove non-negotiable. Pouring it or letting it soak in air triggers release of hydrochloric acid gas, which burns airways and eyes. Laboratories that use it must rely on ventilated hoods and air filters to catch fumes. Emergency wash stations need to be within reach, and procedures hammer home the dangers of mixing this chemical with water, alcohols, or even breathing unfiltered fumes. Disposal circles back to professional hazardous waste firms. Transporting the bottles gets tracked all the way, following UN model regulations and local codes for acids and environmental hazards.
Every time a research team or manufacturer fights with foggy optics, leaking filters, or sticky biomedical tubing, they put this silane on the job. Its most celebrated task involves silylation—the process that makes ordinary glass and silica surfaces less sticky, blocking water and biological contaminants by building an oil-loving (hydrophobic) shield. Synthetic chemists use it to treat chromatography columns, massively improving test reproducibility. Electronics plants dig its ability to bond organic circuits onto otherwise stubborn silicon. The oil and gas industry turns it loose on mineral dusts, cutting down on clogging or wetting. Sports equipment engineers dip their hats to it as well, using it to topcoat water-resistant fabrics and high-durability membranes.
University groups paint with a broad brush as they tinker with N-Octyl(Methyl)Dichlorosilane. A wave of articles focus on building smart surface coatings—ones that resist not only water, but also proteins and sticky human residues, protecting devices in hospital and environmental settings. Advanced energy materials researchers try attaching these silanes to nanoparticles, chasing better recharging rates or longer lifespans for lithium batteries. Analytical chemists continue refining how much silane it takes to transform chromatography columns, banking on this modification to unlock faster, more accurate separations of drugs, pollutants, and specialty chemicals. Industrial labs experiment with blending this chemical into new paint bases and thin-film electronics, hunting for cost savings and novel performance edges.
Toxicologists weigh this chemical with careful hands, recognizing both its utility and its threats. In animal studies, contact with concentrated N-Octyl(Methyl)Dichlorosilane causes quick blistering, irritation, and corrosion. Pulmonary exposure—breathing the vapors or aerosol—damages airways, and any spill on the skin or in the eyes inflicts serious chemical burns. Long-term toxicity studies remain more scarce, but split opinions persist on chronic, low-dose exposure effects. The acid released as a byproduct, hydrochloric acid, gets blamed for the harshest acute impacts, spurring quick action at even minor signs of a spill. Industry standards have responded by pushing for tighter containment, more rigorous PPE, and exhaustive reporting of workplace accidents involving silanes.
Silicon chemistry isn’t slowing down, and N-Octyl(Methyl)Dichlorosilane stands poised at the edge of further demand shifts. Green chemistry movements expect this compound will form part of the solution for safer, longer-lasting coatings across solar panels, water filtration, and pollution-remediating membranes. Biomedical engineers keep building new ways to use silanized surfaces, especially for implants and diagnostics where low reactivity means longer shelf life and less fouling. With energy storage industries searching for better battery separators and faster-charging stations, R&D labs push silane-treated materials further each year. While society steers toward safer handling and lower emissions, chemists remain bullish that this precise silicon compound—practical, adaptable, tough—will remain a mainstay of innovation as demands climb skyward.
People outside the lab might not recognize the name N-Octyl(Methyl)Dichlorosilane, but folks who work with surfaces, coatings, and electronics count on it. This silane compound helps things that normally don’t mix—think water and oil—get along. I’ve handled it while consulting for manufacturers looking for a reliable water repellent. Anyone who has spilled coffee on their keyboard knows how frustrating liquids and electronics can be. Engineers turn to chemicals like this one to keep surfaces dry and protected from unpredictable spills and humidity.
N-Octyl(Methyl)Dichlorosilane acts as a treatment for surfaces that need to resist moisture, dust, or anything else nature throws at them. It creates a layer—basically an invisible raincoat—for glass, metal, ceramics, even plastics. That’s one reason why smartphone screens, solar panels, and lab equipment carry extra resilience these days. Cleanrooms and semiconductor plants use it because smaller and more sensitive circuits depend on staying free of contaminants.
After years spent around electronics manufacturing, I’ve watched how even a drop of water can destroy expensive circuits. Using this chemical on insulating layers and exposed wires gives devices a fighting chance during rainy days or accidental splashes. It isn’t just about technology, either. Medical devices demand sterility and longevity, and coatings based on this silane hold bacteria at bay. If you’ve ever used a blood glucose monitor, there’s a good chance its components were protected by something like N-Octyl(Methyl)Dichlorosilane.
College chemistry labs often introduce silanes during experiments with polymers. N-Octyl(Methyl)Dichlorosilane grabs onto both organic and inorganic surfaces, linking plastics to metals or glass inside composite materials. Lightweight vehicles, sporting goods, and consumer electronics all rely on those strong bonds. I saw car designers in Detroit add silanes to windshields and mirrors, noticing fewer water streaks and scratches over time.
In construction, quality comes down to details like how long a brick wall holds off dampness or how clear a window stays after years of rain. Workers apply coatings made with this chemical to keep out water without changing how things look or feel. No one walking through a modern office building or navigating a hospital wing would guess that clear, thin treatments protect touchscreens, floors, and fixtures from damage.
Using powerful chemicals raises questions about safety and impact. The chlorosilane in this one reacts rapidly with water, giving off hydrochloric acid. Working with it demands serious training, good gloves, and ventilation. I remember a friend with chemical burns after skipping safety glasses—labs and factories can’t afford that risk.
As more industries explore sustainable alternatives, the search for greener coatings continues. Companies now test less hazardous silanes with biodegradable profiles or lower toxicity. Regulations push users to keep emissions and residues in check. These lessons hit home; progress should always come with fewer hazards for workers and the environment.
Science keeps looking for new ways to stretch what materials can do. N-Octyl(Methyl)Dichlorosilane plays a quiet but steady role behind the scenes, lengthening the shelf life of everything from panels to patches. Mixing practical know-how, research, and a careful eye on safety helps squeeze the most from this and future ingredients, protecting gear and lives in the process.
N-Octyl(Methyl)Dichlorosilane isn’t your everyday chemical. Folks in labs and factories who deal with it know there’s little room for shortcuts or guesswork. This compound reacts with moisture in the air to give off hydrogen chloride gas, which can burn skin, eyes, lungs, and just about anything else it comes in contact with. Ignoring the risk is like inviting trouble with open arms. A routine slip, like storing it next to an open window or a leaking pipe, can lead to a serious accident.
The consequences aren’t limited to direct chemical burns or irritation. Breathing in the fumes can leave workers with coughing fits and respiratory issues. Eye splashes turn routine work into emergency situations real quick. Once a vapor cloud forms, everyone in the area feels its presence.
Putting this chemical on the bottom shelf, wedged between other bottles, almost guarantees headaches in the future. Proper storage asks for cool, dry, and well-ventilated spaces. Storing it with acids or bases is a gamble nobody should take, since the wrong combination can kick off hazardous reactions. Keeping containers tightly sealed and upright turns into an everyday ritual — and not just at the end of a shift.
Companies smart enough to invest in purpose-built chemical cabinets avoid a lot of drama. I’ve walked through enough sites to spot the difference: clean rooms where bottles stand upright on spill trays, with clear labels, speak volumes about workplace safety culture. This discipline keeps people healthy and the environment clean.
Anyone handling N-Octyl(Methyl)Dichlorosilane learns quickly that gloves, goggles, and lab coats aren’t optional. I’ve seen new hires brush it off until they get a whiff of the fumes or see the scars on a seasoned tech’s hands. Nitrile or neoprene gloves offer a solid barrier, while splash-resistant goggles or face shields keep accidents from turning into life-changing experiences.
Spills, even small ones, call for fast action. Absorbent materials and neutralizers for acid spills need to sit within arm’s reach. Without the right gear – chemical-resistant aprons, eye-wash stations, and showers – nobody’s truly ready for an emergency.
Relying on luck never works long-term. Clear protocols, regular training sessions, and emergency drills give everyone a fighting chance. Labeling every bottle plainly keeps confusion out of the equation. Good ventilation and proper segregation reduce the odds of anyone getting caught off guard by noxious vapors or runaway reactions.
Pressure builds inside containers, especially during temperature swings. Using containers with vented caps has saved more than a few workplaces from disaster. Fire isn’t the only threat; just the wrong whiff or splash can turn an average day upside-down. Written safety rules posted on walls remind people what’s at stake, and regular inspections make sure no step gets skipped.
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), chemicals like this one send thousands to emergency rooms every year, most from preventable errors. The American Chemical Society highlights specific steps for handling chlorosilanes, like what N-Octyl(Methyl)Dichlorosilane brings to the table. Keeping these facts close at hand takes guesswork out of the situation and keeps both people and businesses in the clear.
N-Octyl(methyl)dichlorosilane rolls off the tongue like a technical puzzle, but it serves a purpose in many industries. This compound shows up in coatings, electronic devices, and surface treatments, relied on for its water-repellent properties and as a bonding agent. For anyone outside of labs or factories, it rarely shows up directly. Still, a closer look at health and environmental concerns makes sense, especially for workers and those living near manufacturing sites.
N-Octyl(methyl)dichlorosilane isn’t harmless. Direct skin contact causes burns, while breathing in the fumes brings a risk for nose, throat, and lung irritation. I’ve seen reports from industrial workers who ended up with skin blistering or respiratory discomfort after an accidental splash or spill. This doesn’t just feel uncomfortable — it means risk of long-term respiratory problems if exposure happens often or without the right protection. Eyes are also vulnerable. A stray drop can lead to severe injury or vision trouble.
Vapor released during handling often reacts with moisture in the air or even with sweat on exposed skin to create hydrochloric acid. That’s a big concern. Hydrochloric acid pairs immediate sting and pain with the risk of lasting damage, making proper gloves, eye protection, and airtight handling a priority for workplace safety. There’s little scientific evidence yet around chronic low-level exposure, but similar silanes have prompted the need for robust chemical safety training.
Any chemical that reacts violently with water should never enter drains or natural waterways—N-Octyl(methyl)dichlorosilane fits this warning. I’ve seen lab sheets caution how even small leaks can cause dangerous byproducts, especially if the chemical enters rivers or lakes. As soon as it mixes with water, it breaks down and releases acids, which lower pH and threaten fish and aquatic plants.
Persistent misuse at an industrial scale can disrupt ecosystems downstream of factories. Fish species sensitive to pH changes suffer, and water used for irrigation can become risky for crops and livestock. Labor regulators, along with environmental watchdogs, have flagged these threats in recent years, calling on manufacturers and transport companies to develop leak-proof storage and fast emergency protocols.
Proper handling starts with effective training and awareness. I’ve seen best results where companies install safety showers, personal protective gear, and ventilation systems at every storage and use point. It takes more than posters—hands-on drills with local fire crews and emergency workers make a difference when spills happen. Routine audits and real penalties for skipping safety measures have kept records clean in forward-thinking facilities.
Waste management often tells the real story. Regulatory agencies require chemical waste teams to neutralize and contain all runoff or leftover material before disposal. Sealed containers and strict labeling keep things clear during transport, while spill kits remain ready for action on every production floor. Communities near plants should press for regular third-party air and water testing, along with transparent public reporting if leaks or spills occur.
Regulators in the US and Europe flag N-Octyl(methyl)dichlorosilane as hazardous, but enforcement still relies on surprise inspections and vigorous whistleblowing. Industry players must embrace a culture of care, not just compliance. Technological progress offers greener alternatives and better containment systems, but wide adoption takes time and public pressure.
Awareness leads to action. Whether it’s choosing workplaces with sound chemical policies or pushing neighborhoods and elected leaders to keep factories accountable, everyday choices push the needle toward health and sustainability. Chemicals like this one remind us that progress, when managed wisely, can avoid putting people and nature at unnecessary risk.
N-Octyl(methyl)dichlorosilane offers a distinct presence in the landscape of organosilicon compounds. Its chemical formula reads as C9H21Cl2Si. Breaking that down: the molecule attaches a methyl group (–CH3) and an n-octyl chain (–C8H17) to a silicon atom. Two chlorine atoms round out the core structure, tying into a backbone designed for a range of surface chemistry tasks. Structure-wise, the central silicon binds to the two chlorines, the methyl group, and the straight eight-carbon octyl group, forming a tetrahedral shape common to silanes. Compared to common silanes, the addition of the long hydrocarbon tail makes this molecule both hydrophobic and reactive in ways that matter for real applications.
Anybody who has handled silane chemistry in a lab can see how these tweaks in structure shape function. The chlorines act as reactive handles, ready to bond with surfaces—especially those containing hydroxyl groups, like glass, silica, or even some metals. That simplicity transforms into results when used as a surface modifier. The n-octyl chain brings serious water-repelling characteristics, making surfaces slick and changing the way moisture interacts with materials. This can help electronics, solar panels, or even lab glassware resist fogging, fouling, or corrosion.
The methyl group takes the bulkiness down just enough to keep the compound liquid at room temperature and practical for handling, unlike bulkier alkyl silanes which can be unwieldy. In the industry, that little detail spells out fewer headaches in transport and storage while ensuring that uniform films form reliably during application.
In my own experience working with surface coatings, I’ve run into plenty of glass and polymer surfaces that just won’t cooperate until treated with the right silane. Step into the world of electronics, and you’ll see N-octyl(methyl)dichlorosilane featuring in thin-film deposition processes where control of surface energy keeps everything running smoothly. The boost in hydrophobicity doesn’t just help keep devices dry—it can raise their lifespan and cut down cleaning or replacement cycles.
Academic literature highlights applications in chromatography. Labs use silane derivatives like this to coat silica in columns, tailoring them for better separation in difficult samples. Efficiency jumps when silanes offer both a long alkyl tail and precise reactivity—and N-octyl(methyl)dichlorosilane delivers on both fronts.
Reports from manufacturers and regulatory bodies give cautions—chlorosilanes react vigorously with moisture and release hydrogen chloride gas. Proper ventilation and protective equipment stand as non-negotiable in any workspace using this material. There’s no skirting the issue: improper disposal has real environmental repercussions. Agencies such as the EPA have flagged persistent organochlorines for their impact on water and soil, so compliance with safe-handling procedures and responsible waste management must anchor every use.
Small-and mid-sized enterprises still face difficulty securing affordable access to specialty silanes, owing to tight supply chains and regulatory hurdles. It’s not unusual for researchers to pool orders or share stocks. One path forward involves encouraging regional chemical suppliers to stock commonly used organosilanes and to promote recycling or reclamation programs for spent or excess reagents.
Smart, responsible use of N-octyl(methyl)dichlorosilane reflects well on any research group or manufacturer. A focus on minimizing waste, maximizing reuse, and collaborating on safety training doesn’t just tick boxes—it makes for smoother operations and healthier workplaces.
Anyone who’s worked in a lab or a chemical plant knows that not all chemicals act the same once they’re out of the bottle. N-Octyl(Methyl)Dichlorosilane, for one, brings a pair of chlorine atoms and a silane core. Those two chlorines don’t play well with water. That reaction kicks up hydrochloric acid, which stings your nose and throat and eats through metal. On top of all that, its vapors won’t just disappear quietly—they spread, and they irritate lungs. Getting rid of stuff like this, you can’t just pour it down the drain or toss it in the regular bin.
Nobody wants leaks or accidental burns. I’ve seen what happens when someone tries to rinse out a container in a regular sink. Fumes rise up, and suddenly the whole lab smells like a swimming pool gone wrong. Beyond personal risk, that chemical reaction can corrode pipes and damage wastewater systems. Local wildlife and water sources suffer if material escapes into the wrong place. Safe disposal isn’t just a rule—experience shows it’s the difference between a normal day and an expensive, dangerous cleanup.
Regulators like the Environmental Protection Agency and OSHA lay out clear directions for these silanes. So do organizations like the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. They all warn about moisture, acids, and bases turning this chemical into something worse. These bodies recommend using airtight, non-reactive containers for collection and storage. Stainless steel or high-density polyethylene work better than glass, which can crack under pressure from some chemical reactions.
Start onsite by isolating leftover N-Octyl(Methyl)Dichlorosilane in sealed, correctly labeled drums. Don’t mix it with anything else, especially not water-based wastes. Collect it in a fume hood or well-ventilated space, keeping open flames far away. Don PPE—goggles, gloves, and a lab coat. If containers build up pressure or leaks, move quickly to secondary containment and alert your safety team.
From there, licensed hazardous waste handlers take over. These professionals neutralize the silane under strict controls, usually by slow hydrolysis using a scrubbing solution designed to catch the fumes. They collect and neutralize hydrochloric acid safely so it doesn’t hit the sewage or drinking water supply. This process follows tightly monitored procedures, reducing risks to people and ecosystem.
Small labs or schools sometimes end up with old stock. I remember how easy it is to forget a half-empty bottle at the back of a storage cabinet. That can lead to nasty surprises during audits—or worse, as containers age and corrode or react with air moisture. Always double-check expiration and storage areas at least twice a year. Small or private generators still have to work with certified disposal firms; nobody gets a free pass just because the amount is small.
More places now teach students and workers from day one about chemical risks, not just theory. Clear procedures save time, money, and sometimes lives. If a container sits around too long, tell the supervisor. Transfer waste early so nobody handles surprises. In my experience, training and trust in process cut down on accidents more than any label on a bottle.
Safe disposal is part of respecting both the science and everyone who works around you. It’s not just rules—it's common sense backed by years of hard lessons.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | N-methyloctyldichlorosilane |
| Other names |
Dichloro(methyl)n-octylsilane n-Octylmethyldichlorosilane n-Octyl(methyl)dichlorosilane Dichloro(n-octyl)(methyl)silane |
| Pronunciation | /ɛn-ˈɒk.tɪl-ˈmɛθ.ɪl-daɪˈklɔːr.əˌsaɪ.leɪn/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 18166-53-7 |
| Beilstein Reference | 3661164 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:88470 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL4299988 |
| ChemSpider | 21428619 |
| DrugBank | DB13883 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 05a5febe-e839-3346-ab5c-88fec6c5c9e9 |
| EC Number | 425-040-0 |
| Gmelin Reference | 80144 |
| KEGG | C19678 |
| MeSH | D017239 |
| PubChem CID | 15732206 |
| RTECS number | RR0875000 |
| UNII | 5B7WBB3T5W |
| UN number | UN2920 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C9H21Cl2Si |
| Molar mass | 266.30 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless transparent liquid |
| Odor | Strong odor |
| Density | 0.92 g/mL at 25 °C |
| Solubility in water | Insoluble |
| log P | 3.9 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.4 mmHg (20 °C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 13.4 |
| Basicity (pKb) | Strongly basic |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -7.53×10^-6 cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.440 |
| Viscosity | 1.86 cP (25 °C) |
| Dipole moment | 1.17 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 489.9 J/mol·K |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -5737.7 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | V04CX |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS05, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS02,GHS05,GHS07 |
| Signal word | Danger |
| Hazard statements | H226, H314, H335, H411 |
| Precautionary statements | P210, P222, P231+P232, P261, P264, P271, P280, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P312, P330, P335+P334, P337+P313, P363, P370+P378, P403+P233, P405, P501 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-3-0-W |
| Flash point | 77 °C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 (Oral, Rat): 1620 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): Oral (rat): 3,100 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | PJ6300000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL: Not established |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Trimethylchlorosilane Dimethyldichlorosilane Octyltrichlorosilane Octyldimethylchlorosilane Methyltrichlorosilane n-Octyltriethoxysilane |
