2-N-Butylamine comes from the family of aliphatic amines, bringing a basic structure that directly impacts how people use it across multiple fields. In clear terms, its formula is C4H11N, with a molecular weight standing at 73.14 g/mol. Rather than being a niche specialty, it serves as a workhorse chemical, holding a place in manufacturing, chemical synthesis, and sometimes even in specialized cleaning product formulations. When handling it in a laboratory, most workers note a strong ammonia-like odor rising off the surface, easy to recognize even with small releases—an immediate sensory experience that demands respect due to its volatility and strength.
2-N-Butylamine takes liquid form at standard temperatures, usually appearing colorless or slightly yellow, often overlooked until its pungent smell cuts through. The density clocks in at about 0.74 g/cm³, making it lighter than water and quick to evaporate if left open. Its boiling point sits at approximately 78°C, low enough for it to vaporize in warm environments, but not so low as to constantly disappear unless actively heated. The liquid phase pours easily, sometimes collected in liter-sized bottles for transport or storage, with glass or certain plastics able to contain it safely without reactions. The formula reflects a straight four-carbon chain linked to a primary amine group, giving it both reactivity and versatility in synthesis. When talking about properties, its strong basicity stands out, which in practice means it reacts with acids to form salts or acts as a building block for countless derivations in the chemical industry. It rarely comes in forms like flakes, powder, pearls, solid, or crystal under normal conditions, given its tendency to remain liquid at room temperature, but in a chilled lab or under pressure, a crystalline or solid state can sometimes be coaxed out, usually for analysis or purification.
Anyone buying or selling 2-N-Butylamine should know the Harmonized System (HS) Code commonly used for customs and trade. The appropriate code falls under 2921.19, lumping it with other acyclic amines. That’s a practical detail mostly for importers, exporters, and regulators, but worth knowing if you’re shipping or receiving raw materials across borders. Storage tanks, drums, or even small-scale laboratory containers often bear hazard labels, as its classification marks it hazardous and potentially harmful to humans. Direct contact causes severe skin and eye irritation, which means gloves and goggles never stay out of reach on the workbench. Prolonged inhalation of vapors sometimes results in headaches or even stronger adverse effects; fume hoods and proper ventilation aren’t just suggestions, they’re required for routine and safe handling. In storage rooms, signs often warn about the chemical’s flammability and reaction risk with oxidizers or acids.
Manufacturers often lean on 2-N-Butylamine as a starter molecule, turning it into more complex pharmaceutical ingredients, pesticides, surfactants, and chemical intermediates. I once saw a pharmaceutical pilot plant where workers used 2-N-Butylamine as a cornerstone for a multi-step drug synthesis route—one bad batch would halt a chain of production, highlighting the need for reliable and high-purity raw materials. Sometimes it goes straight to the creation of corrosion inhibitors in heating systems or helps wet the surface in specialty coatings. In these applications, its purity—often 99% or more—can mean the difference between a successful product and lengthy troubleshooting. This reliance stretches across regions and industries, showing just how central its material properties and structure are to consistent outcomes in the finished products.
Handling 2-N-Butylamine gets complicated if safety guidelines aren’t front and center. Because the material is volatile and flammable, it sits far from open flames, spark sources, and direct sunlight during storage. Drums and containers need sealing, regular inspection for leaks, and clear labeling, especially since a small spill releases a sharp odor and can irritate the respiratory system or skin on contact. Local wastewater regulations often restrict disposal of this chemical because of both its basicity and the harmful impact on aquatic life if released untreated. Companies regularly invest in spill containment and air filtration rather than risk costly and dangerous accidents. Environmental professionals sometimes face tough questions about remediation when legacy spills linger underground, emphasizing the chemical’s persistence in soil or air unless actively removed or broken down.
Better practices for working with 2-N-Butylamine start with training. Everyone in the supply chain, from warehouse staff to lab technicians, should know how to spot a leak, who to call, and what to do in an emergency—documentation only goes so far if people can’t remember it in a crisis. Choosing the right storage materials matters just as much; certain plastics or steel containers resist reaction and corrosion far longer than cheaper alternatives, which sometimes fail without warning. On a practical level, secondary containment under drums cuts down on spill risks I’ve seen firsthand during facility walk-throughs. Engineering controls, such as air scrubbers and exhaust hoods, keep vapor concentrations well below danger limits during transfer or mixing. Regular audits—honest, on-the-ground checks rather than paperwork exercises—help spot potential failures before they turn into incidents. Building solid relationships with suppliers can also guarantee high-quality material, which reduces the unpredictability that sometimes creeps into production lines or laboratory research.
Chemical Name: 2-N-Butylamine
Molecular Formula: C4H11N
HS Code: 2921.19
Molecular Weight: 73.14 g/mol
Physical Form: Liquid (standard conditions)
Density: ~0.74 g/cm³
Boiling Point: 78°C
Appearance: Colorless to yellow, strong ammonia-like odor
Hazard Class: Harmful, Flammable, Irritant
Applications: Chemical synthesis, pharmaceuticals, crop protection, corrosion inhibitors
Raw Material Sourcing: Reliable supply chains needed for uninterrupted industrial use
Typical Packaging: Drums, IBC totes, small bottles for lab use
Storage Requirements: Cool, ventilated areas, away from ignition and incompatible chemicals
