Few chemicals reveal the trajectory of innovation and utility like diisobutylamine. This secondary amine came to prominence in the early- to mid-20th century, as industries sought alternatives to bulkier or less stable amines. As petrochemical processes matured, the synthesis of branched-chain amines like diisobutylamine moved out of boutique laboratory settings and into everyday use. Industrial chemists recognized its distinct performance for organic synthesis. Over time, its name filtered into patents and research as its role in catalysis and organic transformation grew, driven by the needs of manufacturers and researchers navigating the postwar chemical boom.
Diisobutylamine doesn’t just stay in one spot on the chemical shelf. Chemists and process engineers use it for its versatility in industrial organic chemistry. Commercial forms arrive mainly as colorless to slightly yellow liquids, with a distinct amine odor—not exactly pleasant, but unmistakable. High purity grades specifically serve pharmaceutical development and electronics. Bulk grades support the paints, rubber, and agrochemical sectors. Inventory managers often look for materials with clear COA tracing, because the downstream effects of impurities hit hard in sensitive synthesis and manufacture.
Diisobutylamine brings a classic amine structure, with two isobutyl groups bound to a single nitrogen. Its molecular formula is C8H19N. Boiling point stays near 154°C, a range making distillation for purification straightforward for most production volumes. Its melting point runs close to -60°C, keeping it a fluid in common lab and factory conditions. Density rests at about 0.76 g/cm³. Water doesn’t mix with it easily—immiscibility matters in selective extractions. It dissolves well in organics like alcohols and ethers, letting process engineers choose preferred solvents and streamline separations. Volatility and characteristic smell call for good ventilation; low flash point (34°C) underlines the fire hazard if storage and transfer go sloppy.
Labels on diisobutylamine never leave room for guesswork, especially with REACH and GHS regulation in force. Product drums carry UN numbers (UN2733) and hazard diamond codes as required. Packaging typically ranges from 200L steel drums to IBC totes for volume buyers. Specifications on a certificate of analysis will spell out purity, usually at or above 99% for pharma and electronics; moisture levels rarely exceed 0.2%. Color measured by APHA scale should sit well below 20 for high-purity batches. Product literature also lists known impurities, important for process validation in sensitive applications. Signal words on labels—danger, flammable, harmful if swallowed or inhaled—remind handlers to take every step seriously, not just skim the safety sheet.
Modern plants produce diisobutylamine primarily through reductive amination of isobutyraldehyde and ammonia using hydrogen over a nickel or cobalt catalyst. This catalytic process allows continuous or batch production, depending on the facility size. Fine-tuning reaction temperature (usually between 100-150°C) and pressure brings optimal yields while keeping side products down. By controlling feedstock ratio and contact time with the catalyst, plants tweak for quality, not just volume. After reaction, chemical engineers separate water, unreacted feed, and minor amine by-products via distillation and extraction. The purified stream meets industry use specs and removes the guesswork for end-users.
Chemists value diisobutylamine for more than simple amine reactions. It acts as a smooth base in syntheses where you want mild nucleophilicity without the harsh, reactive push from primary amines. Alkylation, acylation, and Mannich reactions feature diisobutylamine regularly. Coupling agents in pharmaceutical manufacture link this amine with acid derivatives to create new molecules—often as intermediates for more complex drugs. Forming salts, such as diisobutylammonium chloride, tailors the substance for use as a phase-transfer catalyst, improving transfer rates between organic and aqueous layers. Modifications also crop up in advanced materials research, where specialized derivatives play roles as curing agents in resins or stabilizers in fuel blends.
Anyone looking for diisobutylamine will encounter a handful of alternate monikers in literature and supply catalogs. Chemists sometimes call it “2-(Propan-2-yl)propane-2-amine” or “N,N-diisobutylamine.” Trade names reflect company branding—Eastman, Sigma-Aldrich, and TCI use their own labels and catalog codes. Safety sheets and chemical registries rely on the CAS number 110-96-3 to avoid confusion, especially during international transport or regulatory review. Quick reference by formula C8H19N confirms identity in chemical inventories as well.
Anyone who’s worked with strong amines carries a healthy respect for their hazards. Diisobutylamine’s volatility means inhalation risk climbs fast if spills or leaks go unchecked. Standard PPE includes tight-fitting goggles, nitrile gloves, flame-resistant lab coats, and respirators if mist forms. Facilities need properly rated flammable storage cabinets and explosion-proof ventilation blowers. Workers face irritation with skin and eye contact; excessive vapor exposure leads to headaches, dizziness, or worse. Process plants often automate transfer to reduce direct handling. Emergency protocols stress immediate washing (at least 15 minutes) for skin or eye contact, and proper disposal follows hazardous waste guidelines. Compliance teams audit chemical rooms to spot expired dates or corroded seals—neglect invites trouble.
Bulk buyers draw on diisobutylamine for its flexibility. It serves as an intermediate in agrochemical synthesis, like for herbicides and pesticides. Paint and coatings manufacturers blend it into additives to prevent film formation, improve brush flow, or stabilize emulsions. Pharmaceutical labs turn to it as a base, catalyst or building block for active molecules. Rubber and plastics industries value its secondary amine structure when producing antioxidants, accelerators, and plasticizers. Electronics fabrication taps its high purity grades for corrosion inhibition and etching applications. Smaller operations—think specialty chemicals or research labs—use it for tailoring new ligands, catalysts, or block copolymers, always chasing the next performance edge.
Research continues to shape the future story of diisobutylamine. Universities and private labs dive into new derivative design, following the trend toward “greener” synthesis routes that cut waste and energy use. Example projects focus on asymmetric catalysis using chiral amines. Others investigate its use in ionic liquids for electrochemistry, where high molecular stability and low reactivity open up control over charge transport. Companies look to modify diisobutylamine skeletons, tuning hydrophobicity or bulk to push boundaries in drug discovery. Precompetitive research collaborations mean corporations and academics share findings, pushing the field in directions that single actors rarely manage alone.
Toxicologists approach diisobutylamine with caution. Animal studies reveal acute oral and dermal toxicity, but at higher thresholds than smaller, more reactive amines. Long-term inhalation risks attract scrutiny, especially as workers face chronic, low-dose exposure. Limited evidence suggests risks for reproductive and developmental health, so regulators call for more data, not less. Wastewater discharges require tight controls—local wildlife and aquatic organisms don’t handle amine spikes well. Agencies like the EPA track volumes, especially from large plants. Real-world incidents drive stricter thresholds for emissions and workplace exposure, and the chemical’s close cousins already face tighter handling in the EU and US under emerging regulations.
Diisobutylamine likely won’t lose its place in industry toolkits anytime soon. Demand tracks closely with growth in paints, advanced polymers, and electronic component manufacturing. Pushes toward higher sustainability have many vendors exploring bio-based supply chains, but petrochemical routes still dominate for cost and scale. Digital process control and AI-driven optimization mean plant managers can dial in purities and yields few could dream of fifty years ago. Regulatory pressures spur fresh safety and handling innovations—closed-loop transfer systems, better sensors, and advanced filtration for air and water emissions. Whether as a building block for pharmaceuticals or as a humble processing aid in paint shops, diisobutylamine keeps showing up where performance and flexibility matter most.
Walk through any chemical plant and you’ll notice shelves of compounds, each with a story. Diisobutylamine stands among them, not as a household name but as a quiet workhorse in the background. I first read about this chemical during a safety training at a specialty manufacturer; since then, I’ve seen its name on more data sheets than I can count, especially in the context of making things people use every day, often without realizing it.
Diisobutylamine acts as a building block in making complex chemicals. Think of it as the reliable carpenter’s tool—integral for crafting other substances. Pharmaceutical companies tap into its amine group, using it to set up the molecular scaffolding needed for blood pressure medicine or antiviral drugs. My own readings highlighted processes where a slight change in the setup—by adding a chemical like diisobutylamine—led to a very different result. Its ease in introducing nitrogen atoms into molecules gives researchers more creative freedom in designing drugs that can target diseases with greater accuracy.
The textile world relies on a spectrum of vibrant dyes, many built with diisobutylamine as a starting point. In the push for custom colors and durable fabrics, dye manufacturers favor this compound for making intermediates that help fabrics resist fading and stay bright after many washes. Agrochemical producers turn to it for similar reasons. Some of the latest pesticides and herbicides start out as simple molecules, then pick up pieces from chemicals like this on their way to becoming effective crop protectants. I’ve talked with agronomists who see improvements in pest control methods thanks to these advances in chemical building blocks.
Industrial machinery and pipelines, especially those in oil refining and water treatment, battle against rust and corrosion every day. Diisobutylamine gets added to formulations to slow that wear-and-tear. Growing up in a region surrounded by refineries, I often heard how essential chemical additives were for keeping machines running longer, saving companies and communities a lot of money. In rubber manufacturing, producers often blend this amine into products like car tires, helping control the texture and stability of the final product. Mechanics I’ve spoken to point out better tire consistency stemming from improvements in how these chemicals react during production.
Diisobutylamine offers benefits, but safe handling calls for respect. Chemical engineers and safety officers stress the need for protective equipment and well-ventilated spaces. Regulatory agencies such as OSHA and the EPA encourage regular risk assessments to protect workers and communities. Conversations with environmental specialists suggest a growing demand for industry transparency, especially regarding how companies store, use, and dispose of chemicals. Green chemistry focuses on developing alternatives and refining processes to cut waste, reduce hazards, and protect ground and water sources near industrial sites.
Diisobutylamine highlights how one chemical helps drive advances across sectors, from medicine to agriculture to manufacturing. Its diverse roles make it valuable, but ongoing attention to safety and environmental impact shapes how industries work with it. Teams in labs and on factory floors look for ways to keep these benefits while cutting risks, reflecting a balance of progress and responsibility.
Diisobutylamine sounds technical, but it pops up in lots of modern workplaces. Picture a colorless liquid with an ammonia scent—something you might come across if you’re in manufacturing labs, chemical engineering, or involved with industrial-scale syntheses. Even without a chemistry background, it’s fair to wonder if this compound brings health concerns to the table. The simple truth: anyone handling or storing it ought to pay attention because real risks exist.
Most people don’t face diisobutylamine every day, but I have rubbed shoulders with industrial chemicals on factory floors. It’s easy to get complacent around stuff that doesn’t burst into flames or send up thick smoke. Don’t let the mild smell fool you. According to published toxicology reports, vapors irritate noses, eyes, and throats. My old lab mate learned that lesson the hard way—itchy eyes after thirty minutes near a beaker without ventilation. Respiratory discomfort, headaches, and dizziness can sneak up after even low-level exposure. The U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) flags repeated inhalation as a serious problem, especially in confined places.
Physical contact increases the trouble. Even a small splash on exposed skin delivers burns, redness, swelling, and in bad cases, allergic reactions. I remember cleaning up an accidental spill—it took three washes before the burning faded. Personal protective gear isn’t just bureaucracy; gloves, safety glasses, and proper aprons save skin from harsh reactions. Eyes are especially vulnerable; a direct hit may cause permanent damage without a thorough rinse and fast medical help.
Acute exposure usually brings quick, obvious symptoms, but long-term risks can hide. Animal studies outline potential organ effects after prolonged breathing or skin contact. Chronic exposure links up to liver and kidney issues—problems that start small but can snowball if overlooked. While diisobutylamine hasn’t topped toxic headlines like some solvents or heavy metals, OSHA and the European Chemicals Agency list control guidelines for good reason. Most folks seldom encounter it outside industrial or research jobs, but that small user base needs hard facts, not empty reassurances.
Storage offers another set of headaches. Like many organic amines, it reacts with strong oxidizers or acids, releasing potentially explosive, toxic gases. I’ve seen storage rooms packed with drums, sometimes in less-than-ideal warehouses. Leaks and improper mixing introduce not only local hazards but also environmental risks. Any chemical that contaminates soil or water brings headaches for years. Reports of diisobutylamine polluting surface water near manufacturing plants highlight why communities keep asking for better safeguards and prompt clean-up plans.
No one expects zero risk from industrial chemicals, but smart steps keep problems manageable. Regular air monitoring, training staff, and investing in modern ventilation make a real difference. Spills never become emergencies if you have a plan and the right equipment—absorbent pads, quick access to safety showers, and the discipline to report incidents quickly. Health surveillance for exposed workers can catch problems before they escalate. I’ve seen companies swing from ignoring warnings to becoming safety leaders, once employees and managers got the full picture.
Regulation isn’t the enemy of industry; it’s the reason families sleep easier. Labeling, storage rules, and exposure limits protect real people—plant workers, neighbors, delivery drivers alike. The chemical age brings big advantages, but it only works if knowledge, vigilance, and up-to-date safety gear play a starring role. No shortcut saves time or money if it leads to a hospital visit, chronic disease, or environmental clean-up that lingers for decades. In the end, respect for compounds like diisobutylamine keeps doors open for everyone.
Diisobutylamine can seem pretty nondescript: a clear, colorless liquid that many people never hear about. Yet this chemical plays a significant role across industrial chemistry, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and agricultural products. If you work in a lab, chemical plant, or even manage a facility where this material moves through the doors, you already know the hazards can’t be brushed aside by grabbing the nearest drum and popping on a lid. Real-world experience teaches us—safety grows from consistent respect for details and recognition of risk.
Diisobutylamine gives off vapors that can irritate the respiratory system and, in higher amounts, pose a fire hazard. If you’ve ever unsealed a drum and caught a harsh, ammonia-like whiff, you’ll know the fumes are nothing to ignore. The flash point hovers around 41°C (about 106°F). That means ordinary warehouse heat could tip barrels into dangerous territory. Most facilities with seasoned handlers stick with tight-sealing containers made from compatible materials—often high-density polyethylene or steel drums lined for amines—because poor seals invite leaks and contamination. Leaky storage not only racks up fines for non-compliance but also endangers workers. I keep an eye on signage too: a clearly labeled hazard diamond signals the team to use gloves and goggles any time access is needed.
From my time on a production floor, I’ve seen what happens when someone stashes a container too close to a steam line: warped drums, increased vapor pressure, and quickly the Safety Data Sheet becomes a lifeline. Cool, dry storage away from heat sources and direct sunlight isn’t bureaucratic red tape; it’s self-preservation. Dedicated chemical storage rooms, rated for flammable liquids, usually stay between 15-25°C (59-77°F). Space gets ventilated enough to keep vapor concentrations down—no one wants a surprise buildup setting off gas detection alarms. Simple routines go a long way, like rotating older stock to the front and checking for corrosion or lingering odors near drums.
Even the careful can’t predict every spill or damaged seal. Floors slope toward sumps or containments, and absorbent pads stay close by. In-house emergency response plans spell out what to do before small leaks spiral out of control—my rule of thumb, always check for compatible spill kits. Secondary containment, such as bunded pallets, stops a single punctured drum from causing a bigger chemical mishap. If something gets onto the floor, workers need a shower and eyewash station nearby. That’s not just about regulations; I’ve seen how quick access keeps accidents from turning serious. Keeping diisobutylamine from drains, soil, and open air isn’t just about site compliance—persistent pollution sticks around, affecting local ecosystems long after the immediate crisis fades.
Well-meaning staff sometimes forget safety routines without regular reminders. Good employers schedule chemical safety refreshers and foster a work culture where speaking up about storage errors meets appreciation, not criticism. Straight talk and routine drills matter more than fancy posters. The best protection really comes from a mix of practical regulations, respect for the material, and real teamwork—a combination I’ve seen save both products and people, time after time.
Diisobutylamine holds the chemical formula C8H19N. Looking at this formula, there are eight carbon atoms, nineteen hydrogen atoms, and one nitrogen atom packed into its structure. The name “diisobutylamine” hints at how it's built. Two isobutyl groups hook onto a single nitrogen atom. You can see the structure more clearly when you write it out: (C4H9)2NH. The compactness and shape of this amine set it apart from more basic amines like ethylamine or even the well-known dimethylamine. The presence of branching on both isobutyl groups also changes how the molecule behaves. That extra branching can lead to unique reactivity and physical traits.
I first came across diisobutylamine in an organic synthesis class during college. It struck me as less commonly discussed compared to simpler amines. Yet labs that focus on pharmaceuticals or special materials often reach for diisobutylamine. Its ability to act as a base, all while being hindered by the branched isobutyl groups, gives it a specific role when you want selectivity—this prevents unwanted side reactions. Protection of functional groups can rely on sterically hindered amines, and diisobutylamine checks the box.
If you look at data from chemical suppliers or purity analysis, you’ll see that diisobutylamine appears in inventories mostly for specialty synthesis. According to the PubChem and ChemSpider databases, this amine shows up in reaction protocols where controlling reaction speed or product outcome makes a difference.
Drawing the structure helps. Picture a nitrogen anchored to two isobutyl chains. An isobutyl group branches off after just one carbon, creating a fork. So each isobutyl piece is written as –CH2CH(CH3)2. Since the two groups attach side-by-side to the nitrogen, the result is a tri-substituted amine, but in this case, the hydrogen still hangs on. This layout isn’t just academic; it helps chemists find the right reaction partners.
Physical properties flow from this shape. The molecule is a clear, colorless to yellow liquid at room temperature. The branches bulk up the molecule, lowering its boiling point compared to straight-chain analogs. Its shape also means diisobutylamine doesn’t fit as easily into crystal patterns, so you don’t see it as a solid unless you’re deep in a freezer. The odor—pungent, but not quite as sharp as ammonia—makes it easy to spot if there’s a spill in the lab.
Getting the right chemical structure means safer handling and better chance of success in synthesis. In my experience, skipping past this information can result in wasted time or contamination. Over the past decade, as chemical safety standards have become stricter, knowing exactly what you’re working with stands as a requirement, not just good practice. Sticking with reputable data sources, from peer-reviewed literature to supplier certificates, gives scientists and industry buyers a clear view.
If the goal is to improve safety or speed up discovery, sharing solid chemical information—like the unambiguous structure and formula for something like diisobutylamine—makes progress possible. Attention to detail at this stage makes big impacts later.
Diisobutylamine isn’t your average household chemical. With its sharp odor and flammability, mishandling raises red flags quickly. I remember my first visit to a chemical storage facility—a pungent smell, thick gloves, and a reminder that no room for error exists in this environment. One whiff told me: here, every drum matters.
You won’t find this chemical sitting next to food supplies or water sources. I’ve seen companies keep diisobutylamine in tightly sealed steel drums or high-density polyethylene containers, far from any heat or flames. Even a quick glance at regulations in the United States or Europe shows a clear theme: dry, cool, well-ventilated spaces, with no sunlight creeping near. These guidelines prevent pressure buildup, leaks, and ugly reactions.
From experience, routine inspections help avoid tiny leaks turning into emergencies. A single unnoticed drip can trigger alarms or worse—contamination. Workers wear gloves, goggles, and sometimes respirators, even for what looks like a ‘simple’ transfer. Good training beats shiny equipment, every time.
On the road, diisobutylamine doesn’t travel incognito. Shipping containers sport clear hazard labels, so responders know what they’re dealing with in case of an accident. Over the years, Department of Transportation standards have only gotten stricter. Secure tie-downs, checked manifests, and careful loading protect more than just the cargo—they safeguard roads and towns the trucks pass through.
Rail and sea routes have their quirks. I’ve talked with logistics teams who ran drills for spills at port terminals and rail yards. Secondary containment, like a catch basin or spill pallets, isn’t just a good idea. It’s the law, and it’s practical—the goal is zero spills. Workers need up-to-date Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) handy. Clear communication avoids costly slip-ups.
Online, stories pop up of poorly handled flammable chemicals causing evacuations. Diisobutylamine's vapors catch fire easily. One small static discharge or missed grounding chain, and things escalate. I learned from a warehouse veteran: even old, rusty drums can spark trouble, so routine checks and replacing aged containers save headaches.
Training turns theory into action. Employees run fire drills, review emergency eye wash stations, and know evacuation routes like their own commute. In my time onsite, fire extinguishers received weekly visual checks—not just because someone said so, but because seconds matter in a fire.
Improvements keep rolling in. Automated leak detection cuts the risk humans might miss. Safer packaging designs, like double-walled drums with sensors, get tested by forward-thinking companies. I see environmental rules tightening each year, and for good reason. In my view, adopting stricter controls on every leg of the storage-to-shipping chain keeps communities, workers, and the environment safer.
No one expects drama hauling bulk chemicals, but safety comes from treating every shipment as a potential risk. The best results don’t come from luck—they come from details, vigilance, and clear responsibility from plant floor to final delivery.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | N-(2-Methylpropyl)-2-methylpropan-1-amine |
| Other names |
1-Butanamine, 2-methyl-N-(2-methylpropyl)-
N,N-Diisobutylamine Diisobutylamin DIBA |
| Pronunciation | /daɪˌaɪsoʊˈbjuːtɪləˌmiːn/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 110-96-3 |
| Beilstein Reference | 1209247 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:85073 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL518137 |
| ChemSpider | 50151 |
| DrugBank | DB14163 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03-2119664498-33-0000 |
| EC Number | 202-290-2 |
| Gmelin Reference | 7191 |
| KEGG | C06158 |
| MeSH | D02.092.831.150.500 |
| PubChem CID | 8037 |
| RTECS number | UX9625000 |
| UNII | 6X0342S1ZS |
| UN number | UN2249 |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DTXSID6034307 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C8H19N |
| Molar mass | 129.26 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Odor | Ammonia-like |
| Density | 0.728 g/cm3 |
| Solubility in water | slightly soluble |
| log P | 1.96 |
| Vapor pressure | 3.8 kPa (at 20 °C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 10.83 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 2.76 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -6.23 × 10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.416 |
| Viscosity | 0.674 mPa·s (25 °C) |
| Dipole moment | 0.95 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 322.7 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -168.7 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -4693.7 kJ/mol |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS05, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS02,GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H226, H302, H314, H412 |
| Precautionary statements | P260, P261, P264, P271, P280, P301+P312, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P311, P330, P405, P403+P233, P501 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-3-0-A |
| Flash point | 40 °C |
| Autoignition temperature | 444°C |
| Explosive limits | Explosive limits: 1.1% - 6.8% |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 rat oral 282 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): Oral rat LD50 600 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | MW3675000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) of Diisobutylamine: 10 ppm (40 mg/m³) |
| REL (Recommended) | 10 mg/m³ |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | 500 ppm |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Diisobutylaluminium hydride
Dibutylamine Diethylamine Diisobutylene |
