Octylamine CAS 111-86-4

Introduction to Octylamine

Octylamine is a primary aliphatic amine built on a linear eight-carbon alkyl chain bonded to a terminal amino functional group. The structure combines a highly nucleophilic nitrogen atom with a hydrophobic hydrocarbon backbone. It appears as a clear colorless to pale yellow liquid at room temperature, with a pungent penetrating ammonia-like odor. It has limited water solubility and is fully miscible with alcohols, ethers and non-polar organic solvents.

Industrial production adopts precision fractional distillation to achieve high purity and consistent color. The compound is a strong base that readily absorbs atmospheric carbon dioxide to form solid carbamate salts, and corrodes copper, brass and zinc materials.

Octylamine Chemical & Physical Properties

Applications of Octylamine

Metalworking fluid corrosion inhibitors: Reacts with dicarboxylic acids to form oil-soluble amine derivatives. These products form protective hydrophobic monolayers on ferrous metal surfaces, preventing flash rust in straight-oil and emulsifiable cutting fluid systems.

Polyurethane and epoxy catalysis: Acts as a co-catalyst and chain extender in polyurethane foam production, balancing blowing and gelling reactions to optimize cell structure in flexible foams. It also modifies epoxy viscosity and enhances adhesion to low surface energy substrates.

Agrochemical and surfactant synthesis: Serves as a hydrophobic building block for quaternary ammonium compounds and amine oxides. It is used to manufacture cationic biocides and emulsifiers that improve foliar retention of pesticide formulations.

Storage & Safety Precautions for Octylamine

• Store in tightly sealed containers under nitrogen blanket. Exposure to air causes carbon dioxide absorption and formation of solid carbamate salts, which cloud the liquid and reduce active amine content.
• Use stainless steel or PTFE-lined equipment for storage and transfer. The liquid corrodes copper, brass and zinc alloys, leading to product contamination and equipment degradation.
• Handle with full respiratory and eye protection. Vapors cause severe respiratory tract irritation and eye damage. Wear full-face respirators with ammonia cartridges, chemical suits and butyl rubber gloves during bulk transfer.

Octylamine FAQ

Q: How does Octylamine improve metalworking fluid performance?

A: It forms oil-soluble amine derivatives that create protective hydrophobic metal layers, preventing flash rust in cutting fluids with full base oil compatibility.

Q: Why is 1-Octanamine used in polyurethane foam production?

A: It acts as a co-catalyst and chain extender, balancing blow and gel reactions to optimize foam cell structure and enhance polymer moisture resistance.

Q: What causes n-Octylamine to turn cloudy during storage?

A: Atmospheric CO₂ absorption forms solid carbamate salts that cloud the liquid and reduce active amine value. Store in tightly sealed nitrogen-blanketed drums.