Butylamine jumps straight into the world of organic chemicals with a sharp, fish-like odor that almost everyone remembers after their first encounter. Falling under the aliphatic amines group, this chemical carries the formula C4H11N. Its structure includes four carbon atoms in a straight chain hooked onto an amino group, which makes it both highly reactive and valuable as a raw material in several industries. People use it as a starting point for creating pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and rubber and plastic additives. Its appearance changes depending on temperature and storage — mostly clear and colorless as a liquid under standard conditions, but with handling, it demands a healthy respect.
Measured at room temperature, butylamine registers a density of about 0.74 g/cm³, making it lighter than water. The boiling point clocks in at roughly 77 degrees Celsius, while the melting point lands close to -49 degrees Celsius. These factors matter for transportation and storage, since the chemical evaporates rapidly at room conditions and easily releases fumes. This compound dissolves quickly in water and mixes well with organic solvents like ethanol and ether. Its molecular weight checks in at 73.14 g/mol, small enough to move easily through pipes and tanks, but demanding attention for potential leaks. Direct contact can irritate skin, and inhalation is tough on the nose and lungs. This substance catches fire with ease, so it’s kept away from flames and static-prone equipment. Clear labeling of its hazard symbols and GHS classifications isn’t just best practice, but necessary for everyone’s safety.
Butylamine comes mostly as a liquid, clear and colorless, but slight impurities can shift its appearance into a yellow tint. Producers can deliver it in bulk containers, drums, or smaller sealed bottles, depending on how much handling is expected on-site. Solid or crystal forms show up mainly in colder environments, or when stored at sub-zero temperatures, but most suppliers and users stay with the liquid type due to ease of measuring and transferring. Flakes, powders, pearls, and similar forms don’t fit butylamine as much as they do other chemicals. Concentration plays a role in use — some apply pure material, and others dilute it in water or alcohol for more controlled reactions. Fluctuations in purity levels affect downstream processes, so standard checks remain part of any reputable producer’s document set.
Exporters and importers track butylamine under HS Code 2921.19. Not only does this make customs paperwork more manageable, but it sets clear boundaries for what regulations apply for shipping, labeling, and restricted movement in different countries. As several industrialized countries use butylamine for specialty syntheses, compliance with international rules builds trust and prevents costly returns or detentions at border points. Local regulations sometimes adjust classification according to additional impurities or blending with solvents, so double-checking documentation stays as part of the routine.
Chemists, lab workers, and engineers look to butylamine as a powerful building block. It reacts quickly with acids to form salts, with isocyanates to make ureas, and with halides for quaternary ammonium compounds. Agriculture absorbs large batches for making herbicides and fungicides, specifically for products wanting stable amine groups. In pharmaceuticals, its role pops up as a key intermediate in antihistamines, antibiotics, and other drugs, seldom present in the final pill but essential in the process. Rubber factories and plastic makers rely on butylamine for catalytic reactions or to modulate properties like flexibility and brittleness. These uses underline both the versatility and risk — poorly handled butylamine can taint finished materials, render synthesis batches unusable, or worse, trigger fires or leaks.
Workspaces dealing with butylamine keep up-to-date Safety Data Sheets on hand for clear reasons. Spilled liquid disperses strong fumes, so good ventilation stays crucial. Gloves, goggles, and face shields build a basic barrier, and specialized chemical suits serve for large-volume tasks. Absorption through the skin, ingestion, or accidental splashes pose real threats — health agencies list it as hazardous, flagging eye, skin, and respiratory irritation in even short exposures. Spraying water provides only limited help in case of fires, as butylamine flames resist quick dousing; foam or carbon dioxide extinguishers work better. Storage tanks get grounded because the liquid builds up static electricity, especially in dry climates, leading to sparks in the wrong conditions. Spill kits include neutralizing agents and absorbent materials for fast cleanups, since letting the chemical seep into drains pollutes local water supplies. Training sessions help workers handle emergencies, but quality engineering design — like sealed transfer systems and regular inspections — blocks trouble before it strikes.
Minimizing the risks tied to butylamine means stronger layers of safety in every step of its use. Manufacturing spaces benefit most from proper ventilation hoods and sensors that detect airborne amines, reducing both chronic and acute exposure. Regular training for all staff — new hires and seasoned workers — holds key to avoiding hospital visits from unnoticed splashes or leaks. Switching from manual to closed-system transfers where possible takes hands and noses out of harm’s way. For environmental health, installing real-time spill monitoring around tanks and pipes pays off over time, flagging leaks before they harm groundwater. Across the supply chain, suppliers and buyers benefit from keeping an open line about new best practices and upcoming regulatory shifts. Investing in specialty packaging lowers accidents during shipping, even over long distances or in extreme climates. Periodic reviews of emergency plans keep everyone ready, tipping the odds in favor of safe and productive butylamine operations across the industry, from laboratory benches to vast factory floors.
