3-(N-Cyclohexylamino)Propylmethyldimethoxy Silane goes by a name that might tangle the tongue, but it draws interest across chemical supply circles for some pretty practical reasons. This compound belongs to the silane coupling agent family; these agents help cross-link or bond organic polymers with inorganic surfaces. I’ve worked with silanes before in coatings and adhesives, where this sort of chemistry turns otherwise useless combinations into something actually useful and durable. What sets this particular silane apart is the presence of the cyclohexylamino group, bringing unique hydrolytic stability and a distinct performance profile in terms of flexibility and weather resistance. The structure includes a propyl chain, a methyl group, and two methoxy groups attached to the silicon atom, which makes it suitable for surface modification in a number of industrial materials.
This material usually presents as a colorless or slightly yellow liquid at room temperature. Pour it out and you get a faint amine-like odor, typical for amine-functional silanes. The density ranges from 0.98 to 1.04 g/cm³, and the boiling point rests above 260°C, showing off solid thermal tolerance. Molecules like this, featuring both methoxy and amine functionality, can play in water-based chemistries or in solvent-based environments. The molecular formula is C12H27NO2Si. On the technical specs, it weighs in just over 245 g/mol molar mass. Solubility swings with solvent: you get miscibility in standard organics like ethanol, acetone, and even toluene; in water, it hydrolyzes to form silanols, which then take to condensation quickly, forming films on surfaces ready for modification.
You don’t run into this compound as a powder or solid flakes. Buyers will see it as a clear, pourable liquid, sometimes packaged in drums or smaller chemical-proof containers (20L up to 220L). No sign of crystal, pearl, or granular form—storage and handling easier this way, as liquids generally integrate better in industrial mixing systems. Stability in solution holds up if the drum stays dry and sealed. In less-than-ideal shelves, hydrolysis kicks off, clouding up the liquid and making it sticky—chemical degradation by moisture isn’t just theory, I’ve had it happen in the warehouse, which proves how much quality assurance in packaging matters.
The structure of 3-(N-Cyclohexylamino)Propylmethyldimethoxy Silane stands out from simpler silanes. Imagine a silicon atom, with methoxy groups at two sites, then a methyl group, and finally a flexible three-carbon linker that ends with a secondary amine—specifically, the cyclohexyl ring connected through nitrogen. This configuration, especially the cyclohexyl part, not only stabilizes the molecule against unwanted hydrolysis but also creates a buffer that gives coatings enhanced flexibility. Industrial chemists look for this blend of toughness and workability. The molecule’s reactivity opens doors for chemical bridging with metals, glass, ceramics, and many plastics, letting coatings and adhesives stick better in harsh conditions or on tricky surfaces.
Every traded chemical requires a Harmonized System (HS) code for customs and safety; for organosilane coupling agents, the relevant HS Code usually falls under 2921 (amines and their derivatives) or 2931 (other organo-inorganic compounds). Specific assignment can vary with local regulations. Documentation from suppliers should always list purity (typically above 97%), water content (preferably below 0.5%), and organic volatility information. Viscosity comes in low—this liquid pours easily, making it straightforward to measure and incorporate into larger batches.
Hazards rank above trivial for this silane. As someone who’s spilled a drop or two, I can attest to how quickly it’ll irritate skin and eyes—direct contact brings on stinging and redness, so gloves and decent goggles become a must. Vapor exposure isn’t heavy like a solvent, but inhalation over the long haul can provoke mild respiratory irritation. If you’re mixing it with water, the reaction is mildly exothermic, so it deserves respect to avoid splashing and heat build-up. Material Safety Data Sheets classify this agent as harmful on ingestion, toxic to aquatic systems, and flammable only at much higher temperatures—still, no excuse to skip standard chemical safety procedures. Containment, fume extraction, and careful disposal keep accidents to a minimum, and environmental exposure remains a key concern, especially if run-off gets into local groundwater.
I’ve seen 3-(N-Cyclohexylamino)Propylmethyldimethoxy Silane pop up in manufacturing lines making specialty paints, hybrid rubber products, and reinforced composites. Its main gig involves acting as a chemical bridge—bonding dissimilar materials so manufacturers can use less solvent, get tougher adhesion, and make products last longer. Some operations rely on its reactivity with epoxies to produce tight bonds, while others use it to cure hybrid resins or improve mechanical toughness in construction panels. The compound’s stability means it can withstand high-stress production processes—heat, pressure, even electrical exposure during electronics encapsulation. The raw material inputs for this silane lean on methyltrimethoxysilane, cyclohexylamine, and a little propylamine, which supply chains procure in bulk depending on demand forecasts from paint, tire, and plastic suppliers worldwide.
Processing and storage always cause headaches. Keeping drums airtight, facilities dry, monitoring inventory for early signs of hydrolysis—none of this happens without training and investment. For those struggling with inconsistent coating quality, tighter climate controls in material storage and automated dosing reduce batch-to-batch variability. Some manufacturers struggle to dispose of leftover silane safely. Neutralization with acid, followed by adhering to hazardous chemical waste protocols, prevents accidental release. Environmental groups push for substitution with less hazardous coupling agents, but the unique chemical structure of this silane leaves it tough to replace in high-performance roles until more alternatives move past the test bench stage. Fact remains, every user up and down the supply chain relies on transparent safety data, clear labelling, and communication between handlers and environmental health managers. That’s how accidents stay rare, and innovation keeps moving without backsliding into shortcuts.
