3-Acetoxypropyltrimethoxysilane goes by its molecular name C9H20O6Si, and its CAS number is 35141-30-1. It comes from the family of organosilane chemicals, which means it features both organic and silicon-based groups. In daily language, this compound carries an acetoxypropyl group joined to a trimethoxysilane backbone. Not many people have come across it outside a laboratory or production site, but its impact runs wider than one might expect for such a technical-sounding name.
A bottle of pure 3-Acetoxypropyltrimethoxysilane reveals a clear to slightly yellowish liquid with a mild characteristic smell. The chemical formula C9H20O6Si comes with a molecular weight of about 252.34 g/mol. Density typically clocks in at about 1.070 g/cm³ at 25°C. The liquid form pours and mixes with solvents like alcohol, acetone, and toluene, although it reacts with water to release methanol. Once hydrolyzed, the acetoxy group can transform, demonstrating both flexibility and risk in handling and storing this material.
Customs agencies track 3-Acetoxypropyltrimethoxysilane with the harmonized system code (HS Code) 29319090, which classifies it among organosilicon compounds. Importers and exporters use this number on all shipping paperwork to ensure safety, correct duties, and compliance with international law. Understanding the significance of material codes forms part of the practical knowledge anyone dealing with chemicals must have. Getting the code wrong can cause delays and trigger regulatory headaches, especially with hazardous raw materials in international supply chains.
On the warehouse shelf, 3-Acetoxypropyltrimethoxysilane most often comes as a liquid in metal or plastic drums from 25 liters up to 200 liters. Smaller glass bottles serve research or small-scale formulation. At room temperature, this chemical remains a liquid, not a powder, crystal, solid, or flakes. It does not typically form pearls or granules; its characteristics are best experienced by handling its clear, slightly viscous liquid. Its reactivity with moisture means it creates methanol upon contact with air or water, so rigid safety standards apply wherever the material gets handled.
3-Acetoxypropyltrimethoxysilane’s defining trait sits in its trimethoxysilane group. This fragment allows the molecule to react with surfaces such as glass, metal, or ceramics. In the production world, we use this coupling chemistry to create bonds between organic rubbers or polymers and inorganic surfaces. By doing so, adhesion and durability for coatings, adhesives, and sealants feel a real boost. The acetoxy group makes it distinct from better-known silanes. In practice, 3-acetoxypropyltrimethoxysilane can bond to surfaces in new or challenging conditions where other silanes might fail, such as during fast-curing environments or when a surface holds residual moisture.
Sourcing 3-Acetoxypropyltrimethoxysilane as a raw material sparks a series of logistical and safety steps. Few plants in the world specialize in producing this silane, resulting in a supply chain that can tighten during industrial booms. The choice of raw materials affects the final purity of each batch. Many companies prefer this compound for its predictable, high-yield reactions, but the downside lies in its hazardous nature. Packing and storage regulations classify 3-acetoxypropyltrimethoxysilane as both flammable and harmful, as it releases methanol during hydrolysis and can irritate skin, eyes, and respiratory tracts if exposed without proper gear.
Working safely with 3-acetoxypropyltrimethoxysilane calls for experience and good habits. Material safety data sheets list it as hazardous, mainly due to its potential to release methanol or acetic acid upon hydrolysis. Inhalation or skin contact can leave a worker dizzy or worse, trigger serious health problems over time. Any room handling this chemical needs strong ventilation, and anyone transferring or sampling it should wear gloves, goggles, and sometimes a respirator. Practically, each drum of raw material should have clean, dry storage away from water and acids. Fire extinguishers designed for flammable liquid hazards should always stay close at hand. Companies that treat safety procedures seriously avoid costly incidents and build a well-earned reputation for reliability.
I spent some years working in a lab where organosilicon compounds shaped the backbone of new product development. Each time a shipment of 3-acetoxypropyltrimethoxysilane arrived, our team would inspect the drums for bulges or leaks and double-check batch certificates for purity and content. In hands-on processing, we discovered its hydrolysis behavior can speed up unexpectedly in humid environments, so strict environmental controls always paid off, especially during hot months. If there’s one lesson the material teaches, it comes down to respect: understand its reactivity, watch for changes in appearance (like cloudiness or crystal growth around drum lids), and never take shortcuts with ventilation or gloves.
Industries count on the unique hybrid structure of 3-acetoxypropyltrimethoxysilane for making adhesives stronger, more flexible, and better at sticking to unusual surfaces. Its applications show up in sealants, primers, electronics, glass treatment, and many advanced coatings. A chemist can tune the curing speed of silicone rubbers or adapt a sealant’s final properties by changing the silane component. Sometimes users struggle with inconsistent shelf life due to unwanted hydrolysis during shipping or storage—solutions include switching to smaller packaging sizes or adding extra drying agents during storage. Training workers in careful, consistent sampling techniques and insisting on airtight containers also helps prevent product loss and health incidents.
3-Acetoxypropyltrimethoxysilane stands on the list of specialized organosilicon materials changing how companies join organic and inorganic materials. The compound, recorded under HS Code 29319090, uses the molecular formula C9H20O6Si and brings together toughness, versatility, and reactivity as both a raw material and a finished product ingredient. Its clear, liquid form and specific density make it suitable for specialized industrial applications. Its hazardous classification means every step from import to disposal needs real attention and expertise. Industries that develop advanced coatings, high-performing adhesives, and sealants owe much of their innovation to a careful mix of raw materials like this silane. From my own work and research, I’ve seen the difference that close attention to chemical handling, material specification, and real-world application can make. Respect for the risks, paired with informed decision-making, keeps people and products safe while pushing performance ever higher.
