N-(2-Aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane stands as a silicon-based organic compound featuring both silicon-containing triethoxysilane groups and diamino functionalities. Its chemical formula reads as C9H24N2O3Si, with a molecular weight of 248.39 g/mol. Structurally, it combines an aminopropyl and an aminoethyl chain linking onto a central silicon atom, all flanked by three hydrolyzable ethoxy groups. On a basic look, it takes on a clear to slightly yellowish liquid appearance at room temperature, sometimes exuding a weak ammonia-like odor. Its density ranges around 0.945–0.960 g/cm³ near 25°C and it maintains a boiling point above 300°C under atmospheric pressure, which turns out useful for high-temperature industrial processing. HS Code for customs tracking often appears as 2921.19, landing under chemical raw materials with organosilicon base.
A point of interest among manufacturers involves the physical formation of this compound. In the majority of practical scenarios, users encounter this silane as a liquid; it remains stable and non-crystallizing under routine storage, eliminating confusion over flakes, powders, pearls, crystals, or other solidified versions. Still, in low-temperature environments or through accidental freezing, the liquid may turn viscous or even glassy, but these phases rarely serve any functional benefit. Mixed into solution, this agent dissolves readily in polar solvents such as alcohols and to a moderate extent in water, where hydrolysis leads to silanol group generation. Its moderate viscosity and low vapor pressure make storage and transport straightforward within sealed drums or IBC containers, as losses through evaporation prove minimal. Although it doesn’t give off dust or fine particles—compared to traditional solid raw materials—the pure liquid deserves mindful handling since it absorbs moisture and could degrade.
The dual amine groups on this silane molecule react actively with a wide spectrum of surfaces and polymers. Both the primary and secondary amines provide sites for chemical bonding with epoxies, isocyanates, carboxylic acids, and similar reactive groups in matrix resins. When it comes into contact with glass, ceramics, or even metals bearing oxide layers, the triethoxysilane segment hydrolyzes, giving rise to silanol intermediates that anchor firmly to silica-rich or metallic substrates. This creates a robust chemical bridge between inorganic and organic systems, allowing for enhanced adhesion, coupling, and surface modification work. One often-neglected detail is its behavior in solutions containing water: hydrolysis proceeds steadily, and any exposure to moisture—whether from humid air or impure solvents—alters the activity of the solution over time.
I’ve seen its demand in composites, sealants, paints, and plastics escalate due to strong industry preference for chemical coupling agents. The electronics sector picks this silane for printed circuit boards or encapsulation systems; in the rubber world, it bonds silicon interfaces to organic elastomers, producing materials that handle heat, vibration, and moisture better. Glass fiber producers value its use for sizings, making fibers stick into the resin matrix, which means lighter, tougher building materials. Surface coatings in construction rely on this coupling agent for priming mineral surfaces before painting or caulking. Some chemists use it as an intermediary to modify nanoparticles or create functionalized resins that interact with biological or catalytic systems. These real-world needs reflect a clear pattern: manufacturers stress less about the perfection in each batch of raw material, and more about consistent chemical function and process compatibility.
Safety comes front and center when this compound enters the plant. At close quarters, its amine groups cause skin and eye irritation, so gloves and splash-proof goggles are standard. Direct inhalation brings respiratory discomfort, so storage rooms need good air movement. In spill emergencies, the fluid sticks to surfaces and grows slippery, and if reacted with acid or oxidizer, offgassing and potential combustion risk climb. It does not catch fire under normal temperatures, but burning produces nitrogen oxides and silicon oxides, compounds harmful to lungs and the wider environment. Waste handling follows strict chemical protocols; contaminated rinse water or material can’t hit standard drains without treatment. Mindful operators keep spill containment, disposal records, and first aid training up to date to cut risk to both people and soil.
Discussions on quality center on active content—percent of pure compound present—water content, color, and amine values. Top labs run titration or spectroscopy to get a fix on batch-to-batch differences, and unlike simple solvents or dyes, trace contaminants here hinder performance. After working with bridging polymers and mineral substrates, quality issues don’t lie; even slight hydrolysis or side-reaction forms secondary siloxanes, quietly dropping bond strength. End users expect certificates for raw materials—full specs for viscosity, density, and purity—before accepting delivery. Shipping follows UN codes for hazardous substances, and warehouse logic places this away from acids, strong oxidizers, and sources of humidity, not just for safety but for insurance and compliance checks.
Controlling exposure to air and moisture in the supply chain heads the list of ongoing problems. Even brief air contact during drumming builds up water in the fluid, risking gelling or function loss that only shows up after final product assembly. Chemical companies might seal transit containers under low-oxygen atmospheres or nitrogen-blanket storage, extending shelf life. Process engineers can switch from open-batch mixing to closed systems, so less air gets in. For user training, simple checklists and PPE routines keep workers safer, and automating transfer by pump rather than manual pouring shrinks spill risk by a factor. Local regulations require full tracking and traceability of hazardous materials, so digital systems for log keeping and hazard communication have moved from “nice-to-have” to baseline practice. On the environmental front, recyclers can collect and neutralize silane-contaminated water before discharge, using precipitation and carbon filtration for effective cleanup.
Chemical Name: N-(2-Aminoethyl)-3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane
Chemical Formula: C9H24N2O3Si
Molecular Weight: 248.39 g/mol
HS Code: 2921.19
Appearance: Clear to pale yellow liquid
Density: 0.945–0.960 g/cm³
Boiling Point: >300°C
Solubility: Miscible in alcohols, partial in water
Hazards: Irritant to skin, eyes, respiratory, handle in well-ventilated areas
Uses: Coupling agent, surface modifier, additive in composites, paints, sealants
