Way back in the industrial century, chemists began paying attention to amines after realizing how much potential they carried in countless chemical processes. Di-N-Butylamine drew notice because of its flexible chain structure. Over the years, researchers used more refined distillation and fractional separation methods to get higher purity and greater yields. Big chemical producers spent much of the 20th century optimizing the process and building out supply chains that allowed this amine to show up in everything from pharmaceuticals to pesticides. Its story mirrors how many chemicals evolved: early curiosity, then a shift to efficiency and scale as demand picked up across Europe, North America, and then throughout Asia.
Di-N-Butylamine comes across on the shelf as a clear, colorless liquid with a faint amine odor, often packed in steel drums or HDPE containers for safety. Its formula, C8H19N, makes it part of the family of secondary amines, balancing reactivity with enough stability for day-to-day handling. Industry runs through thousands of tons each year, calling on this compound for roles in making rubber accelerators, corrosion inhibitors, and more. For years, if a formula depended on reliable amine performance, odds were someone reached for di-n-butylamine.
This liquid weighs in with a molecular mass of 129.24 g/mol. It boils at around 159°C and freezes near -60°C, giving it a nice working range under most ambient conditions. It’s soluble in water to a degree but mixes far better with organic solvents like ethanol or ether. Its basicity stands out, with a pKa of roughly 10.5, fitting for amine chemistry but gentle enough for large-scale setups. Its vapor pressure sits at around 2 mmHg at 20°C—important for ventilation in any plant where it’s handled with bulk. Chemical storage needs a keen eye for well-sealed containers because it gives off vapors that irritate the eyes and mucous membranes if they escape.
Industrial standards call for purity levels upward of 99% when di-n-butylamine is sold for specialty chemistry applications. Labels must show the CAS number (111-92-2), UN number for transport, batch identification, and hazard information in line with GHS requirements. The MSDS—Material Safety Data Sheet—details storage, fire-fighting measures, and spill protocols. Tightly regulated specifications ensure customers know exactly what they’re getting and guide safe handling, from the plant floor to the final application, whether that’s a lab bench or a mixing tank at a rubber plant.
There’s an industrial preference for catalytic amination—taking 1-butanol and reacting it with ammonia using a nickel or cobalt catalyst under pressure to yield a spread of butylamine isomers. Post-reactor separation, often by distillation, delivers di-n-butylamine as a purified fraction. Different producers refine the process by tinkering with temperature, pressure, and feedstock ratios to squeeze out more product and cut down on waste streams. Older labs sometimes use reductive amination with aldehydes, especially for research or specialty work, but big volumes stick with the hydrogenation route for economies of scale.
In the hands of a chemist, di-n-butylamine doesn’t just sit still. It reacts with acids to give salts, hooks up with alkyl halides to build up quaternary ammonium compounds, and partners with carbon dioxide to form carbamates. Each transformation finds uses in downstream industries. In the rubber sector, di-n-butylamine gets converted to derivatives that help control vulcanization. On the analytical side, it’s used as a reagent to interact with functional groups for further characterization. The active nitrogen group also means it can snatch up electrophiles in organic synthesis, expanding its toolkit for drug design or new materials.
People refer to di-n-butylamine in science and trade by a handful of names—Dibutylamine, N-Butylbutan-1-amine, or just DBA in shorthand communication. Chemical suppliers stock it under these various monikers, but what matters is the CAS number (111-92-2), ensuring everyone’s talking about the exact same molecule. Product catalogs may carry different branding, but inside the drum, it’s the same trusted compound.
Anyone handling di-n-butylamine needs to respect its hazards—skin absorption causes irritation, and inhalation of fumes can provoke coughing, headaches, and in bad cases, pulmonary effects. Standard PPE includes nitrile gloves, goggles, and chemical-resistant aprons. Workplaces enforce ventilation guidelines and keep spill kits loaded with absorbents that handle amines. Fire response training is part of onboarding, since the compound’s flammability requires CO2 or foam extinguishers. Specialized labeling and segregated storage protect against accidental mixing with oxidizers or acids. In the past, manufacturers learned the hard way about the dangers of cutting corners on containment, driving today’s strong compliance culture.
Rubber processing plants rely on di-n-butylamine for making accelerators crucial in tire manufacturing. In agriculture, it finds a niche in herbicide synthesis, giving those products the necessary kick to break down plant matter where needed. Water treatment specialists depend on its corrosion inhibitors to protect metal piping in large municipal systems—saving millions in infrastructure repairs. Pharmaceuticals harness it occasionally for intermediate synthesis, but the heaviest pull comes from the chemical and materials sectors. Its odd mix of oily character and amine basicity gives formulators the edge when they’re stuck dealing with stubborn chemical pathways that need something a little outside the ordinary.
University chemists and industry labs keep probing the limits of di-n-butylamine. New derivatives get screened every year for roles in next-generation polymers, green solvents, and stepwise build-outs in drug pipelines. Researchers track reaction kinetics with modern spectrometry, recording how environmental variables tweak its performance. A lot of attention goes toward molecular modifications, adjusting the butyl chain length or introducing branching to customize hydrophobic character or basicity. The publication landscape shows consistent innovation in both analytical and applied chemistry journals, reflecting ongoing demand for more efficient synthesis routes and greener production cycles.
Studies going back decades note that di-n-butylamine raises red flags in lab animals at high exposure levels, often affecting the liver and kidneys first. Acute effects come from inhalation or skin contact. Regulatory agencies urge strict adherence to occupational limits—set in the low ppm range—because chronic exposure stirs up lung and nerve irritation. Recent toxicity studies use in vitro assays and computational prediction models, pushing to replace animal testing with simulated systems that flag hazards quicker and without ethical hang-ups. Stakeholders follow these reports closely, since stricter standards could mean tighter controls and changes to plant layouts.
As green chemistry and sustainability goals push the industry, di-n-butylamine faces new scrutiny and opportunity. Researchers are chasing bio-based feedstocks that slash environmental impact compared to petrochemical routes. Process engineers look at closed-loop cycles and solvent recycling where this compound can play a role. Regulatory frameworks keep tightening, so safer substitutes could edge in. At the same time, its distinct properties—chemical flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and proven track record—mean companies probably stick with it for the foreseeable future, but only where best practices and stewardship keep risks in check. The shift toward transparency and full life-cycle analysis might force some hard choices down the road for anyone tied to traditional amine chemistry. Right now, the story isn’t about disappearance, but smart adaptation.
I remember wandering through my family’s barn as a kid, the sharp smell of fertilizer chasing me back into the sunlight. Years later, I found out many of those odd-smelling substances contained more than just the basics. That’s where Di-N-Butylamine comes into play—a chemical that doesn’t get headline space but quietly supports modern industry and agriculture just the same.
Factories and chemical plants rely on all sorts of building blocks. Di-N-Butylamine looks pretty unremarkable, but it ends up serving as a key starting material for several goods that show up in daily life. One big use pops up with rubber chemicals. Tires on cars, rubber gloves, and seals—these rubber products need special chemicals so they don’t rot, crack, or harden. Di-N-Butylamine provides the backbone for certain anti-aging agents and accelerators, which means it lets that rubber last longer in the real world. Take away this chemical, and you’d see fewer roadworthy tires and crankier mechanics.
It also makes its way into crop protection. Modern farming leans on herbicides, and Di-N-Butylamine serves as the base for certain weed killers. Without effective weed control, food production drops, and costs skyrocket. Anyone who’s ever tried to pull weeds out of a large garden by hand can appreciate that. With more mouths to feed every year, skipping out on these kinds of advances would be a step back.
Beyond rubber and crops, I’ve seen this chemical listed in dye production and pharmaceuticals. Take dyes—fashion and auto paints depend on strong, consistent color. Manufacturers use Di-N-Butylamine to build up dye molecules so the colors stick around. Think about your favorite shirt outlasting dozens of washes, all thanks to a chain of chemistry that includes this compound.
Pharmaceuticals? Well, not many people realize that drug making often depends on foundational chemicals that never get listed on the bottle. Di-N-Butylamine acts as an intermediate for a handful of specialized medicines. Every step in creating a drug costs time and cash, so a reliable chemical supply keeps prices manageable for everyone down the line.
There’s no free lunch with chemicals. Like most amines, Di-N-Butylamine brings safety challenges. Skin contact can lead to irritation, and breathing in the fumes creates even more problems. Factories using this chemical must keep close tabs on leaks and spills. I’ve seen workers in full gear—goggles, gloves, respirators—handling drums of the stuff. Nobody wants to bring a chemical burn home. What’s more, spills can sneak into waterways, endangering fish and downstream communities.
Some solutions sit within reach. Stronger handling rules help, but real progress depends on regular training for workers and better detection technology. Public pressure also plays its part, making companies rethink how they move, store, and dispose of chemicals like Di-N-Butylamine. Even a small leak, overlooked in the rush to meet a deadline, can ripple out for years. That’s why everyone—from executives to hourly workers—needs a stake in safety. Maybe it lacks the drama of a blockbuster news story, but it’s pretty personal to the families living near these plants.
People rarely pause to think about a clear, colorless liquid unless it finds its way into their work or daily life. Di-N-Butylamine is that kind of chemical. You open a drum, and there’s a strong ammonia-like smell. That’s your first sign you’re not dealing with something harmless. Its boiling point lands just above water at about 159°C. Handling this liquid gets tricky without the right gear because its fumes bite at your nose and sting the skin. Safety goggles and gloves aren’t optional; you’ll know why after a few hours near the stuff.
I remember my first encounter in a small lab, needing it as an intermediate for making pesticides. Di-N-Butylamine felt unruly. It lit up under a match at 84°C, lower than you’d expect for something so wet-looking. People forget flammable liquids aren’t always obvious—they don’t all carry the warning color of gasoline. One spark and poor ventilation make a recipe for trouble.
Ask anyone who’s tried to wash Di-N-Butylamine off their hands: water alone won’t cut it. The substance isn’t fully water-loving. It can mix with water to some extent, but its real talent shows in breaking down in organic solvents—think ethanol and ether. For the chemical industry, this feature means you can use it to tweak reactions or clean up stubborn oil-based residues. It doesn’t drift everywhere like smaller, fully soluble amines, so your process stays a bit more controlled.
Di-N-Butylamine likes to play with acids, forming stable salts. On a manufacturing floor, that lowers the risk during storage and shipment. But bring strong oxidizers into the same room, and you’ll have an unwanted reaction—fires or even explosions in worst-case scenarios. Factories must keep storage rules strict. Even a small spill near nitric acid could turn an average workday into a disaster story.
In my work, reliability means trusting that a batch behaves like the last one. Di-N-Butylamine helps out with its stability at normal temperatures. Once you move past room temperature or give it a reason—like light or strong acid—it can decompose, sometimes forming toxic fumes. You want to avoid breathing those in. Regular training works, but real change comes from detailed storage protocols and working fume hoods.
If Di-N-Butylamine drips into water sources, fish and aquatic life have a rough time. The compound disrupts the usual balance, threatening both drinking water and regional ecosystems. Treatment plants face headaches trying to break it down completely. Facilities should set up closed-loop systems to prevent leaks, and regular environmental monitoring must step in where rules sometimes get ignored. For workers, ventilation and regular air quality tests have to go hand-in-hand with basic protective gear. Shortcuts on safety just don’t make sense given the health risks—irritation, headaches, even longer-term harm if exposure runs unchecked.
Over the years, the best approach has come from tight labeling, employee education, and more modern containment systems. Automation can keep hands away from splash zones, and old plants need retrofitting with sensors to flag issues early. Routine checks on emergency showers and eyewash stations give peace of mind, but it’s the attitude on the floor that sets the safety bar. A respect for what colleagues handle daily, and a real commitment to best practices, have kept more than a few incidents at bay.
A lot of folks rarely stop to consider the chemicals that pop up in common products or even in workplace settings. Di-N-Butylamine isn’t a household name, but it's tucked into plenty of industrial processes. You find it in pharmaceuticals, rubber chemicals, and even coatings. With a name like that, it sounds distant, yet the health impact drifts close to home for anyone working around it or living near production.
Let’s get real about what this chemical can do. Touching or inhaling Di-N-Butylamine tends to irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. It packs a stronger punch in higher amounts, sometimes causing burns or blisters. Short-term exposure might not sound dramatic, but headaches, shortness of breath, and dizziness come up again and again in workplace reports. Swallowing isn’t common, but if it happens, stomach distress follows. Inhaling vapors isn’t a casual matter either — nose and throat lining start to feel the toll quickly.
Animal testing reveals longer exposures can stretch those effects even further to liver and kidney damage. There isn’t robust evidence pointing to cancer from this chemical, but it’s never smart to count on a lack of data as a green light, especially after seeing the pattern of toxicity.
In real life, workers in manufacturing plants spend hours in environments where Di-N-Butylamine vaporizes and clings to surfaces. One bad filter, a forgotten glove, or broken vent — suddenly folks are coughing or their hands sting well into the evening. Rules set by OSHA and the EPA lift some burden by forcing companies to use better ventilation, respirators, and protective clothing. But not every shop keeps safety at the top of the list. Oversight gaps and rushed production often mean protective equipment gets skipped. There’s a trust in routine that sometimes sets folks up for exposure.
Chronic small exposures may not result in hospital visits, but over time they build up invisible health costs. From unpredictable headaches to that recurring nosebleed nobody can explain, the signs are subtle until they’re not. I’ve spent time working with safety officers who juggle reams of incident reports, struggling to draw a line back to the true culprit. Most small industrial sites don’t have toxicologists on call. Employees rely on supervisors for safety knowledge, but chemical training often looks rushed and rarely sticks.
Regular monitoring of air and surfaces matters more than some realize. Modern sensors pick up even low levels that used to slide under the radar. It helps knowing what’s floating around before it takes a toll. Serious attention to protective gear and fresh training cuts accidents and hidden sickness. Rule books don’t keep people safe unless the practice is there.
Some companies figure out greener substitutes or tweak processes to limit direct contact. Using closed systems and automatic pumps means fewer hands touch the substance. Sharing health data across companies can help identify risks earlier, not just after the fact. Better information, shared freely, protects families as much as workers.
Di-N-Butylamine doesn’t need to be a big villain for stories about chemical risk to matter. One quiet fog in the wrong place, and the risk becomes life-sized. That’s a truth folks in industry know all too well — one worth keeping in mind, long after you leave the plant.
Di-N-Butylamine isn’t one of those chemicals most folks pull off the shelf every day, but it plays a solid role in a bunch of industrial processes, from pharmaceuticals to rubber production. This chemical comes with its own set of hazards: strong odor, corrosive behavior, and a knack for catching fire if left unchecked. Anyone working with it faces an uphill battle if storage and handling aren’t right. I’ve seen what can go wrong with a slip-up in chemical routines, and nobody wants that kind of trouble.
Di-N-Butylamine gives off flammable vapors at room temperature, so the storage area should always keep that in mind. A cool, well-ventilated spot gives the best protection against vapor build-up. Heat sources or direct sunlight spell trouble, so those should stay far from any storage area. In my years around chemical stores, the stuff that causes fires the fastest is what folks get careless with, especially during summer.
A well-labeled, tightly sealed drum or container, made of suitable, chemical-resistant material cuts down on leaks and exposures. Metal cans with corrosion-resistant linings work, but plastic drums built to handle amines leave little worry if closed right. Any sign of an eroding seal or crusty residue at the rim calls for a replacement. Personally, I’ve never seen anything good come from ignoring a bad lid.
Spill containment gear nearby lowers the risk from minor mishaps. Spill trays or bunding around storage offer an extra layer of security if something tips or leaks. Ignoring containment means a small problem grows loud and messy, fast. Regular inspections—once a month at least—catch most issues before they turn serious.
Good ventilation is non-negotiable. Di-N-Butylamine vapors sting eyes and nose and can irritate lungs. Even short exposure can set off headaches or worse. I’ve always made a habit of keeping the fan running, and the difference is clear. If folks use a fume hood or handle the job outdoors, the air stays a lot safer.
Personal protective equipment backs up those good habits. Neoprene or nitrile gloves keep the stuff off skin. Safety goggles fend off accidental splashes—especially since Di-N-Butylamine burns on contact. Lab coats, face shields, and long pants never feel optional in my book—chemical burns take a long time to heal.
As soon as the drum opens, measure out only what’s needed, close it right after, and store it again. Open containers call critters, dust, and moisture, leading to contamination. I’ve seen more than one operation grind to a halt tracing a tainted batch back to an open-top left out overnight.
Disposing of Di-N-Butylamine takes proper chemical waste bins, not the garbage. Label anything that goes to disposal, and never mix with acids. Mixing leads to heat and gas, and rooms fill with dangerous fumes in a heartbeat. Fire extinguishers and eye wash stations within reach give workers quick ways to recover if the worst happens. In practice, nobody expects an accident until it happens, so readiness keeps things manageable.
Clear protocols and regular checks give everyone peace of mind. Training keeps new workers in the loop so nobody misses a beat. If everyone follows solid storage and handling routines, Di-N-Butylamine stays a helpful tool instead of a headache waiting to break loose. Drawing from a handful of hard lessons and long days in the field, reliable storage and careful handling always win out over trying to save steps and time.
Anyone who has ever worked with amines knows the sharp odor that comes with even a small spill. Di-N-Butylamine stays true to that reputation, and its power to irritate skin, eyes, and the respiratory tract shouldn’t get brushed aside. Breathing in the vapors can cause coughing or a burning feeling almost immediately. Forgetting to wear gloves or goggles turns a routine task into a miserable lesson fast. I learned early on that skipping the proper protection isn’t just risky, it puts everyone in the lab or shop on edge.
It’s easy to underestimate how quickly this compound works its way into your body. A splash may look harmless at first, but redness and stinging set in within minutes. Accidentally inhaling just a bit can leave your throat raw for the day. My own run-ins taught me not to take shortcuts: splash goggles, not just safety glasses, make a big difference. Standard nitrile gloves hold up well—regular latex breaks down too fast. Long sleeves cut exposure risk, especially when moving a full container from a storage cabinet.
The more time spent around volatile liquids, the more appreciation you get for a proper fume hood. With Di-N-Butylamine, a regular desk fan or cracked window does next to nothing. I remember being part of a small pilot plant startup that skimped on new hoods to save money. That move led to lingering smells, tired workers, and more headaches than anyone wanted to admit. After proper ducted hoods went in, complaints dropped and everyone got more focused. Good airflow keeps vapors down and makes cleanup after a spill much safer.
Proper labeling and separation from acids are big ones. Mixing an amine with the wrong chemical can set off violent reactions or fire. I stuck to habits picked up from seasoned techs: every container gets double-checked, shelves hold only compatible materials, and spill kits stay right within reach. Once, someone stacked bottles too high, leading to a crash that cleared the building. That sort of mistake reminds you containers should always be sealed and stored low to the ground, away from sunlight or heat sources.
Spills do happen. The difference is in how well you’re ready for them. Absorbent materials, neutralizing agents, sturdy gloves—all of these tools save time and protect health. Fast response means less exposure and fewer long-term issues for anyone unlucky enough to be near a spill. Regular training helps, even for experienced staff. Practice makes muscle memory, which kicks in when the pressure’s on. The best teams discuss near-misses and always tweak protocols for the next shift. Staying sharp around chemicals like Di-N-Butylamine is more about habits than heroics.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | N,N-Dibutylamine |
| Other names |
Dibutylamine N-Butylbutan-1-amine Butylamine, N-butyl- 1-Butanamine, N-butyl- |
| Pronunciation | /ˌdaɪ.ɛnˈbjuː.tɪl.əˌmiːn/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 111-92-2 |
| Beilstein Reference | 1362463 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:51991 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL140903 |
| ChemSpider | 7499 |
| DrugBank | DB13907 |
| ECHA InfoCard | echa.europa.eu/substance-information/-/substanceinfo/100.003.256 |
| EC Number | 203-683-2 |
| Gmelin Reference | 15377 |
| KEGG | C01381 |
| MeSH | D002911 |
| PubChem CID | 8135 |
| RTECS number | UJ7875000 |
| UNII | TI9G8R744M |
| UN number | UN2249 |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | urn:uuid:37b7d6e0-85cf-47ec-97ac-e301c2be3c78 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C8H19N |
| Molar mass | 129.24 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
| Odor | Fishy |
| Density | 0.767 g/mL at 25 °C(lit.) |
| Solubility in water | miscible |
| log P | 0.84 |
| Vapor pressure | 1 mmHg (20 °C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 10.73 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 3.38 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -7.36 × 10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.422 |
| Viscosity | 1.39 mPa·s (20°C) |
| Dipole moment | 0.92 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 247.6 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -24.8 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -4686.6 kJ/mol |
| Hazards | |
| Pictograms | GHS02,GHS05,GHS06 |
| Signal word | Danger |
| Hazard statements | H302, H314, H411 |
| Precautionary statements | P210, P260, P264, P280, P301+P312, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P312, P321, P330, P362+P364, P405, P501 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 2-3-1-Ac |
| Flash point | Flame Point: 55°C |
| Autoignition temperature | 320 °C (608 °F; 593 K) |
| Explosive limits | 1.1–6.8% |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 oral rat 1930 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): 2,120 mg/kg (oral, rat) |
| NIOSH | T127 |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) of Di-N-Butylamine: 5 ppm (15 mg/m³) |
| REL (Recommended) | 25 mg/m³ |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | 100 ppm |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
N-Butylamine Di-n-butyl ether Tri-n-butylamine |
