N-(N-Butyl)-3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane belongs to the group of organosilane compounds figured prominently in materials science, chemical synthesis, and surface modification projects. Supplying both organofunctional and alkoxysilane groups in its structure, this compound often presents as a clear to slightly yellowish liquid, setting itself apart from other aminosilanes mainly by its butyl substitution. The chemical formula is C13H31NO3Si, with a molecular weight circling around 289.47 g/mol.
Makers produce N-(N-Butyl)-3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane for its multi-use appeal, favoring its low viscosity, mild amine odor, and fluid consistency. Specific gravity typically measures about 0.87–0.92 at 25°C, leading it to flow freely at room temperature. Lacking the granularity of powder or flakes, it maintains a liquid state, making storage and pipetting relatively simple. It does not form crystals or pearls—consumers only encounter it as a fluid material rather than as solid or flaked raw stock. Its water-white transparency highlights purity, giving professionals a practical way to assess product quality without complex instrumentation.
This molecule’s backbone joins a triethoxysilane group to a propyl chain, appending a secondary butylamino substituent at the terminal position. The triethoxysilane segment ensures a strong bond to inorganic surfaces, while the butylated amine end attaches well to organic and polymeric matrices. The molecular structure makes way for dual function—providing both reactivity toward moisture (allowing hydrolysis and formation of silanol groups) and compatibility with organic resins or polymers. The butyl chain improves hydrophobicity, which can increase resistance to moisture in finished products or treated surfaces.
Buyers usually find this molecule under customs HS Code 2921.19, covering acyclic amines and their derivatives. Purity levels upwards of 97% are typical for industrial and research use, with moisture content kept low—often under 0.5%. Testing ensures minimal presence of related amines or silanols, reducing unwanted side reactions in adhesives, coatings, and coupling applications. Producers offer technical data sheets providing details on assay, color, density, refractive index, and boiling range—often boiling between 120–130°C at reduced pressure. Shipping comes in HDPE drums or steel containers lined against reactivity, and shelf lives range from one to two years under proper conditions.
The density at 20°C falls close to 0.90 g/cm³—a little lighter than water, but heavier than typical alcohols or alkanes. In labs and factories, this property guides choices in storage and stirring setups: the liquid won’t float or separate easily in typical blending tanks. Safety data sheets classify it as a hazardous chemical, primarily because its amine and ethoxysilane groups pose risks of skin and eye irritation, and in rare cases, respiratory sensitivity. Long-term exposure at high concentrations isn’t common, but prudent chemists use gloves, goggles, and good ventilation. While the compound exhibits low acute oral or dermal toxicity, its harmfulness increases under certain conditions like heat or prolonged contact with strong oxidizers; accidental spills demand prompt cleanup with adsorbent materials and vigilance about slippery floors from the liquid raw material.
Having worked with functional silanes in lab-scale and production environments, the product’s key draw lies in its ability to link dissimilar materials. Adding this molecule into adhesives, for example, can foster firm bonds between glass, metals, and organic polymers. Its amine group grafts onto epoxy resins or urethanes, while the triethoxysilane portion forms robust, moisture-resistant siloxane linkages to mineral surfaces. Developers looking for primers or surface treatments for glass fibers in composites often select silanes like this one, because the material stands up well to shear, weathering, and repetitive cycles of heating and cooling. The butyl side chain not only adapts the chemical’s reactivity but also nudges final products toward greater water repellency, giving composites and sealants a boost in humid or marine environments.
In sourcing this organosilane, buyers weigh the importance of purity, consistent batch performance, and environmentally safe manufacturing practices. Established producers follow rigorous controls from sourcing propylamines, butyl sources, and silane precursors through distillation, formulation, and quality control. The material fits tightly regulated industrial protocols—every shipment requires labeling, documentation of hazard class, and traceability back to batch records to comply with environmental and safety standards worldwide.
Handling this molecule in large-scale operations involves some practical hurdles. Its reactivity with moisture means open storage tanks or containers are rarely an option; transfer pumps and valves must guard against leaks and gradual hydrolysis. In production lines making crosslinked resins or fiber-reinforced plastics, teams stay alert to humidity, dosing precision, and blending sequence to avoid premature curing or uneven incorporation. Innovations like closed-loop nitrogen blanketing and inline quality monitoring can curb waste, extend product shelf life, and minimize operator exposure. Upstream, chemical engineers push for greener synthesis routes that reduce by-products and energy consumption, answering the growing call for safer and more sustainable raw materials in specialty chemicals manufacturing.
N-(N-Butyl)-3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane delivers a one-two punch of amine and silane groups, each contributing specific benefits to specialty chemical processes. Its physical properties focus handling protocols around keeping the material dry, storing in tightly sealed containers, and wearing reliable PPE. Chemists value this silane’s ability to improve adhesion, moisture resistance, and compatibility within advanced composites and coatings. Responsible sourcing, careful adherence to safety measures, and ongoing work toward cleaner production processes should remain front of mind for everyone relying on this unique organosilane raw material.
