Looking back at the story of N-(N-Butyl)-3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane, it’s a tale that started when scientists sought more versatile coupling agents for new material frontiers. Demand from automotive components, coatings, and advanced adhesives drove chemists in the late twentieth century to modify simple silane structures, introducing flexible alkyl and amino groups. I recall chatting with a retired organosilicon chemist, who described the rush to patent novel silyl-aminopropyl hybrids, which transformed tired filler-resin joints into tough, dependable surfaces. Global industry spent the ‘80s and ‘90s refining production, and regulatory authorities set clear rules by the 2000s. Now, this molecule has become a familiar tool for manufacturing engineers, quality inspectors, and even academic groups aiming for more robust composites and surface treatments.
N-(N-Butyl)-3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane bridges organic and inorganic worlds with its unique structure. You get a butyl-extended amino propyl backbone fused to a triethoxysilane moiety, making it ideal for binding dissimilar surfaces. Unlike standard monoalkylsilane coupling agents, this compound offers a longer organic arm and strong hydrogen-bonding capability. What stands out is its proven action as a surface conditioner in glass fiber reinforcements, elastomer modification, and as an adhesion promoter for specialty paints. Commercial manufacturers usually supply it as a clear, slightly yellow liquid, each batch verified for purity above 97% and water sensitivity checked to guarantee reliable performance.
This silane shows a typical liquid state at room temperature, specific gravity around 0.88–0.90 g/cm³, and a modest vapor pressure that limits unwanted evaporation during storage. The boiling point ranges near 265°C, and it flashes above 100°C. Technicians need to respect its sensitivity to moisture, which triggers hydrolysis, and its potential for exothermic reaction with strong oxidizing acids. The amine group grants it a faint ammoniacal odor, unlike the sweet scents trailing from classic vinyl or methyl silanes. Chemical suppliers document color values, refractive index, and silica content as part of regular batch release, crucial details for demanding applications.
You’ll see suppliers printing full chemical names, UN batch numbers, hazardous pictograms, and instructions for tightly closed storage. Typical purity sits above 97%, with ethanol or similar solvents flagged for those who choose diluted formats. The label displays CAS number 1760-24-3, along with known synonyms to smooth communication between procurement, shipping, and lab staff. My old project files include spectral data, GC assay, and a checklist for amine value, all demanded by end-users in electronics and medical devices looking for total traceability.
Industrial synthesis follows one main line: reaction of N-butylamines with gamma-chloropropyltriethoxysilane, often under alkaline conditions and strict dryness. The route protects sensitive Si–O–C bonds from premature splitting, using nitrogen blanketing and low-metal glassware. Experience in pilot plants taught me to watch for colored byproducts—signs of overreaction or water ingress. Post-reaction, a distillation step isolates the pure compound, while chromatography checks batch consistency. Waste handling focuses on ethanol and ammonium salts, steps guided by both safety and cost calculations.
Chemists have tweaked N-(N-Butyl)-3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane’s backbone for decades. You’ll see transesterification in alcoholic media, hydrolysis-condensation cycles for sol-gel projects, and practical surface modifications for tailored adhesion. The compound’s amine functionality enables further coupling with isocyanates, epoxy resins, or carboxylic acids. I’ve watched research teams engineer new properties, like antimicrobial coatings and hydrophilic films, by creative manipulation of this silane. Applications in silica functionalization or as a primer before polyurethane casting often emerge from these reaction avenues.
The molecule often appears as N-Butylaminopropyltriethoxysilane, gamma-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane-N-butyl, or under trade names founded by regional chemical giants. Checking catalogues, the diversity stands out—each synonym links to the same core chemical but tailored marketing ensures unique catalog identification. Industry insiders always swap both IUPAC and shorthand names to avoid costly misordering, and seasoned purchasers keep lists updated after every supplier rebrand.
Strict handling standards shape every use. You clamp bottles inside ventilated hoods, stock chemical absorbents for leaks, and double-check goggles before opening containers. In contact, N-(N-Butyl)-3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane can cause eye and skin irritation, a result of its reactive organosilane and amine groups. Emergency training includes washing protocols, proper glove selection—nitrile outperforms latex for most tasks—and full documentation. Large companies enforce secondary containment for bulk storage, and they update MSDS files twice yearly to match new regulations on transportation and disposal. Process engineers keep spill kits and first-aid charts at hand as routine, not afterthoughts.
You’ll run into this molecule in varied places: composite resins for hot-pressed car parts, glass-reinforced pressure pipes, water-resistant coatings, and even primers for medical adhesives. Paint companies build its chemistry into anti-corrosion topcoats, while electronics makers value its electrical insulation boost in microchip encapsulants. My memory of trial production lines shows that a single batch can split between adhesives, sealants, and molded rubber parts, based on quick tweaks to handling protocols. The world keeps asking for better bonds between plastic and mineral surfaces, so demand seems locked in for the foreseeable future.
Chemists at universities, customer testing labs, and multinational headquarters spend time refining N-(N-Butyl)-3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane. They chase better durability in marine composites, faster curing adhesives in electronics, and safer autoclave cycles for medical gear. One of the big breakthroughs relied on real-world runtime tests—some coatings took years of salt spray before results proved out. As research pushes into hybrid polymers, new analytical techniques, especially NMR and advanced MS, now reveal molecular details behind product reliability that kept users guessing before.
Toxicologists keep checking how this compound interacts with living systems. While short-term exposure generally results in irritation, chronic effects call for longer studies in model animals and worker populations. Regulatory authorities like ECHA and the US EPA monitor data, publishing guidelines for workplace ambient levels and maximum permissible emissions. Studies so far do not list the silane as mutagenic or carcinogenic, but cautious manufacturers provide training on proper ventilation and hygiene as a baseline. During my own time in chemical QA, even trace residue on packaging received swift investigation if exposure called into question. Companies now sponsor research into biodegradability, hoping to reassure downstream users facing stricter environmental rules.
Looking ahead, N-(N-Butyl)-3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane faces a changing market. Biodegradable, lower-toxicity variants are attracting investment as customers push for greener labels and regulatory bodies tighten their standards. Researchers aim for even higher performance in moisture-rich, outdoor settings—demand from wind turbine blades, solar mounting hardware, and infrastructure repairs makes every increment of strength and longevity matter. More affordable synthetic routes may open the door to wider adoption in resource-limited regions. Greater knowledge-sharing between academic labs and industry could speed up discovery cycles. Staying competitive means tracking both legislation and the latest in material science. Past experience suggests that adaptable production lines and honest risk communication build trust with both users and the public.
N-(N-Butyl)-3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane might sound like just another tongue-twister in the world of chemicals, but its impact stretches far beyond the laboratory. Most people don’t stop to think about what holds together their buildings, bridges, or car parts, yet materials like this work behind the scenes to give products extra strength and longevity.
Walk through any modern office building or house, and there’s a solid chance you’re surrounded by silane chemistry. This compound plays a big part in adhesives and sealants. It sticks to both organic and inorganic materials, so when a manufacturer needs glass to bond with a plastic frame or wants a tight seal between metal and concrete, adding N-(N-Butyl)-3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane to the formula makes that possible. I remember visiting a production plant that turned out millions of meters of industrial tape each month. Silanes cut down on product failures; fewer tapes peeled off surfaces and more units passed quality checks.
Peeling paint or weak coatings frustrate anyone, whether painting a backyard deck or managing a highway overpass. This silane acts as a bridge between paint molecules and surfaces, making paints and coatings stick around a lot longer. Instead of chipping away in a few years, a well-bonded paint job lasts longer in harsh sunlight and rain. Durable surfaces mean fewer repairs, lower maintenance costs, and reduced waste. Over time, this lowers the carbon footprint of whole industries.
Car makers rely on composites that combine carbon fiber or glass fiber with plastics, aiming for lighter vehicles that don’t skimp on strength. I’ve seen engineering teams use N-(N-Butyl)-3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane as a coupling agent. The fibers grab on tighter to the plastic matrix, so panels and parts don’t delaminate. This moves us closer to cars and planes that weigh less, burn less fuel, and generate fewer emissions.
Electronics, shoes, countertops—if something needs to survive bumps, spills, or daily use, this type of silane often lurks in the background. It keeps coatings from wearing away on kitchen counters and improves water resistance in electronics potting compounds. Products last longer, saving money and resources. I recall swapping stories with a friend in electronics manufacturing who highlighted how a tiny tweak in the formulation, by picking the right silane, slashed warranty claims on water-damaged gadgets.
Supply chains for specialty chemicals have faced pressure. Skilled chemists keep looking for greener alternatives, focusing on lower emissions during manufacturing. Adopting bio-based feedstocks or closed-loop recycling in silane production would lighten the load on the environment. As researchers share open-source data and governments set tighter environmental rules, more sustainable silanes may reach the market.
N-(N-Butyl)-3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane matters because it helps make stronger, longer-lasting, and more reliable products. Real progress comes from balancing those gains with health and environmental safety. Industry needs solutions that work for both people and the planet, and in this area, even small steps drive real change.
Science classrooms fill with glassware, fumes, and questions about how the basic stuff connects. Take a silane coupling agent like N-(N-Butyl)-3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane. The chemical formula, C13H31NO3Si, holds more than numbers and letters. Each atom tells a story about function and future applications.
Picture the molecule, not as a jumble, but as something with three main features. Propyl and butyl pieces make up the backbone, giving it flexibility. The triethoxysilane tail (Si(OC2H5)3) gives it the power to link with surfaces. The amine group, tucked away on carbon number three, allows for further reactions. This structure lets it cling to both organic and inorganic surfaces, almost like a chemical handshake.
Draw it on paper, and it starts making sense: A silicon atom at one end connects to three ethoxy groups (-OCH2CH3). These groups let the silane react with surfaces carrying hydroxyl (OH) groups, like glass or some metals. Coming off that silicon, there’s a three-carbon propyl chain. On the other side of this chain, an amino group sticks out, not alone, but with a butyl chain attached to the nitrogen. So you see, the core is 3-aminopropyl, but the amino nitrogen doesn’t just stop; it reaches further to grab a butyl group.
It looks something like this: EtO-Si-(OEt)2-(CH2)3-NH-nBu. Here, EtO stands for ethoxy, nBu stands for normal butyl. Structurally, it’s a hybrid, bridging organics with inorganics. Not just a boring surface treatment material; it acts as a gateway for technology that involves coatings, adhesives, and composites.
Working in coatings research for a few years taught me that you rarely find a one-size-fits-all solution. Surfaces come with their own set of problems—dust, moisture, unevenness. Chemicals like N-(N-Butyl)-3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane solve real headaches. Because of its chemical formula, it links strongly to surfaces while leaving a functional group available for bonding to other polymers or resins.
One look at the formula and you spot the three ethoxy groups. They aren’t just for show. Once they meet a damp, reactive surface, they hydrolyze, meaning they react with water and transform into silanol groups (Si-OH). This fresh silanol finds something similar to grab on to—maybe another silanol or a reactive oxygen on glass. Through a process called condensation, the molecule creates a robust, covalent bond with the surface.
Meanwhile, the flexible butyl group changes what this aminosilane can do compared to something like plain old aminopropyltriethoxysilane. Butyl provides extra flexibility and shifts how the molecule interacts with resins, possibly reducing brittleness or boosting hydrophobicity. People in industrial settings favor these chemical tweaks because a small structural change can make or break a product’s lifespan.
Science should work for people, not just textbooks. If surfaces peel or adhesives fail, businesses lose time and money. Using a linker with this kind of hybrid structure makes coatings stay put. Plenty of studies back up that using functionalized silanes boosts resistance to wear and moisture. The National Institute of Standards and Technology has tracked how silane-coated surfaces resist delamination, supporting the chemistry seen on paper.
Solving surface adhesion problems often starts at the molecular level. Combining practical lab experience with molecular insight changes outcomes in the field. Given harsh operating conditions—weather, salt, or mechanical wear—formulas like C13H31NO3Si don’t stand still; their structure delivers real-life results.
Anyone who’s opened a chemical cabinet and smelled something odd knows the risks real enough. With chemicals like N-(N-Butyl)-3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane, the label itself hints at complexity—a silicon coupling agent, used to help glue together substances that weren’t meant to stick. But like any industrial chemical, how you store and handle it carves the line between a safe workspace and a health hazard. Mistakes in its storage often show up later: corrosion on metal shelves, irritating vapors in the air, or even damaged property. Safety does not just protect the person doing the work; it ensures a process can keep running without injuries, shutdowns, or angry phone calls from people down the hall.
Never treat this compound like something you stash anywhere. People who have worked with organosilanes, like N-(N-Butyl)-3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane, understand moisture starts trouble almost on contact. If water vapor sneaks into the bottle, you’re going to end up with sticky gels and clogged equipment. Secure it in a sealed container—one that holds up against corrosion. Place it on a shelf that stays dry and keep it off concrete floors, which can pull in humidity. Good practice means separate storage from acids, oxidizers, or bases, since these chemicals can spark unknown reactions.
Temperature control keeps waste low and injuries even lower. Find a cool spot—hot rooms help vapors build up, especially if the bottle isn’t sealed perfectly. Direct sunlight won’t do any favors, either, as UV breaks down chemicals faster than you’d think. Look for a place with reliable ventilation. Emergency drains on the storage floor help contain spills, since nobody enjoys emergency calls with slippery chemicals underfoot.
Pouring, mixing, or even opening N-(N-Butyl)-3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane calls for more than a pair of gloves. Liquid-resistant gloves, goggles, a lab coat, and a face shield provide real protection—splashes and fumes cause more damage than they seem at first. If you’ve ever had skin meet a chemical it shouldn’t, you appreciate that barrier. One splash can mean burns or long-lasting irritation. Even just inhaling vapors over a short time can bring on headaches, coughing, or worse.
Working in a fume hood or a spot with strong local exhaust helps keep vapors out of your lungs. If the room smells off after pouring, upgrade your ventilation setup. Use tools like spatulas, pipettes, or pumps—not bare hands or open pouring—so you minimize spills. Digital scales with secondary pans catch drips, which saves cleanup and keeps the workplace safe.
Clear, concise labels stand out during a hectic shift. Training every team member on chemical risks and emergency procedures prevents accidents at every level. Make sure emergency showers and eye wash stations are ready to go—people rarely realize their value until seconds count. Supervisors and workers alike should routinely inspect storage areas, making note of leaks, crusted containers, or broken lids.
The best workplaces know chemical safety isn’t about blind luck. Smart storage, careful handling, good housekeeping, and up-to-date training keep people healthy. Emergency kits with absorbent pads, neutralizing agents, and clear escape routes mean you don’t just react to trouble—you stay ready for it. Even a rare compound deserves respect every time it’s on the bench.
N-(N-Butyl)-3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane doesn’t just roll off the tongue, but its presence in laboratories and manufacturing settings can’t be ignored. With a structure holding a butylamino group and a silane core, this compound catches the attention of chemists aiming to connect the world of organic and inorganic materials.
I’ve found that physical properties make or break how a chemical can be handled. This liquid usually comes clear and colorless with a faint scent—think subtle solvent, not sharp or overwhelming. It tends to flow easily and settles well in a beaker or bottle. Weigh it out: density floats near 0.9 grams per cubic centimeter, so compared to water, it’s a touch lighter. Boiling hits somewhere between 250 and 300 degrees Celsius—a sign of stability, even when put to some heat in an industrial process. Most will store it in tightly sealed glass or plastic, away from moisture and open air, because humidity quickly changes the story.
Here’s where things get interesting. Silanes in general, and this one in particular, like to play with water. The triethoxysilane part hydrolyzes when exposed to moisture, meaning it swaps out those ethoxy chains for silanol groups—chemistry that glues it onto glass, metal, or even mineral surfaces. The molecule also packs an amine group, which reacts with acids and other electrophiles. That makes for a chemical that wants to bond on both ends: the silane side with inorganic, the amine side with organic substances.
Leave it out in the open and watch as it changes. Moisture triggers condensation—molecules start linking together, forming a solid network over time. It won’t explode on contact with air, but vapor from the hydrolysis process brings irritants, so fume hoods stay in use whenever possible. Most will agree that proper personal protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles, isn’t negotiable around this stuff.
In my work with surface treatments and adhesives, there’s always a need to improve sticking power between materials that usually wouldn’t mix. N-(N-Butyl)-3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane gives manufacturers a way to make glass fibers bond with resins in composites. It doesn’t just jump into paints or sealants for the fun of it; it actually increases the lifetime of coatings facing tough weather or loads. Silanes like this make sure the paint holds or the rubber grip stays glued, not just for months but for years.
No getting around it: the same reactivity that makes this silane special means handling must stay thoughtful. Spills on the floor mean slippery surfaces. Hydrolysis byproducts can irritate eyes, lungs, or skin. Anyone using it in commercial settings—be it for car parts or construction—needs real training in chemical safety. Ventilation, spill containment, and routine safety checks matter, and investing here beats the cost of workplace accidents.
Industry could lean on improved packaging to stop accidental water contact before product use. There’s reason to push for more robust training modules—real-world demos go further than instruction manuals. For the long haul, companies benefit from researching alternative silanes that give the same tough performance with less risk to handlers. I’ve seen real advances in lab protocols when teams prioritize both productivity and safety, so building a safety-first culture isn’t just ethical—it's smart business, too.
Anyone who has mixed, pipetted, or cleaned up after a silane knows these chemicals start out as clear liquids with a strong, sharp smell that reminds you something much stronger than vinegar is at play. N-(N-Butyl)-3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane, often called just “Butylaminopropyltriethoxysilane” in labs, comes with special issues. These aren’t your household cleaners or everyday solvents—silanes demand some respect.
Opening a bottle for the first time, you might notice your eyes watering. The amine group in this compound tends to give off fumes that irritate the nose, throat, and lungs. If you’ve worked in a poorly ventilated space, headaches, coughing, or a scratchy throat aren’t a surprise. Splash some on your skin and you’ll likely get a red patch that lingers. It isn’t just about comfort—repeated exposure can lead to chemical burns or dermatitis.
Splatters or spills can cause a slippery mess. The compound reacts with water, and while it doesn’t explode, the slow hydrolysis in air and on surfaces leaves behind sticky residues that ruin benches and safety gloves. The real trick is that it also breaks down into butylamine, an even more pungent, irritating chemical. I’ve seen lab mates ignore the fumes for hours, only to end the day with rough hands or red eyes. These symptoms creep up, so people often downplay the danger until it's too late.
Beyond health effects, Butylaminopropyltriethoxysilane brings fire risk. Like many silanes, it catches fire under the right conditions—often due to static spark or careless handling near heat sources. Even if you’ve avoided fires before, all it takes is one bad afternoon in a cluttered prep area to learn that lesson the hard way. The recommendation is to store it tightly sealed, in a flame-proof cabinet away from sunlight and oxidizing chemicals. Spilled vapor travels low along the floor, so keep open flames and hot plates far away.
Standard lab gloves—nitrile, not latex—cut down on skin exposure. Eye protection with side shields keeps splashes at bay. I’ve always relied on a fume hood, especially with fresh bottles, because the odor and vapors never stay put. Silanes have a habit of creeping into the air, causing discomfort even a room away. Labs should run ongoing training and enforce buddy rules. I’ve watched too many new interns get careless with pipettes and transfer bottles, not realizing how volatile these chemicals act.
Cleanup matters as much as source control. A spill kit, absorbent pads, and plenty of soapy water make a difference. Disposal can’t go down the drain—these silanes need proper hazardous waste collection. Strict housekeeping—wipe surfaces, seal containers, check gloves for splits—makes labs safer and helps everyone breathe easier during late-night work.
Reactivity, irritancy, and flammability—these risks aren’t obvious until you’ve spent enough time cleaning up accidents or helping coworkers rush for the eyewash. Safety isn’t about paranoia, just respect for the fact that mistakes add up. If you handle Butylaminopropyltriethoxysilane, make sure to have clear safety data sheets close by, and don’t cut corners on personal protective equipment.
Work smart, respect the chemical, and the hazards stay manageable. That’s how you build steadier, safer habits around silanes like this.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | N-butyl-N-(3-triethoxysilylpropyl)propan-1-amine |
| Other names |
N-Butyl-3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane N-[3-(Triethoxysilyl)propyl]butylamine 3-(Triethoxysilyl)propyl-N-butylamine N-Butyl-3-aminopropyltriethoxysilicon |
| Pronunciation | /ɛn-ɛn-ˈbjuːtɪl-θriː-əˈmiːnəˌproʊpɪl-traɪ-iːˈθɒksɪ-saɪleɪn/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 34762-90-8 |
| Beilstein Reference | 8781513 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:107716 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL4141804 |
| ChemSpider | 2756515 |
| DrugBank | DB14438 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 16b6f2e3-3ec4-46d6-bdf3-155919a03b1d |
| Gmelin Reference | 85356 |
| KEGG | C19521 |
| MeSH | C08K5/20 |
| PubChem CID | 2734168 |
| RTECS number | AU8400000 |
| UNII | QDS83P2WI1 |
| UN number | Not regulated |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DTXSID1026172 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C13H31NO3Si |
| Molar mass | 319.54 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless to light yellow transparent liquid |
| Odor | ammoniacal |
| Density | 0.89 g/mL at 25 °C |
| Solubility in water | Miscible |
| log P | 0.6 |
| Vapor pressure | <0.01 hPa (20 °C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 9.52 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 7.60 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -76.5·10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.418 |
| Viscosity | 2.5 mPa·s (25 °C) |
| Dipole moment | 4.5312 Debye |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 504.6 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -489.65 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | No ATC code |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS05, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS05,GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H226, H302, H314 |
| Precautionary statements | P261, P262, P280, P301+P312, P305+P351+P338, P337+P313 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-1-0 |
| Flash point | 95 °C |
| Autoignition temperature | 275 °C (527 °F; 548 K) |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 Oral - rat - > 2,000 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | > 2,000 mg/kg (rat, oral) |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) for N-(N-Butyl)-3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane: "Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | No REL established. |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | Unknown |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
N-Butylaminopropyltrimethoxysilane N-Methyl-3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane 3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) N-Phenyl-3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane N-(2-Aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane N-Ethyl-3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane |
