Dioctylamine stepped onto the chemical stage as synthetic chemistry expanded in the early 20th century. At that time, amines with long alkyl chains offered unique performance and solvency properties, especially in lubrication and surfactant industries. Early chemists noticed dioctylamine’s potential for softening water, reducing friction, and acting as an intermediate for further chemical reactions. Before standardized safety, industries explored dioctylamine with plenty of trial and error, motivated by the growing need for efficient chemical intermediates in postwar manufacturing. Synthetic breakthroughs in the 1940s and 1950s made dioctylamine more affordable, bringing it from a curiosity in lab notebooks to a reliable, large-scale product.
Dioctylamine stands out among secondary amines for its pair of octyl (eight-carbon) chains, giving it strong hydrophobic properties. Chemical producers find it valuable in formulations needing a balance between oil-loving and water-resistant traits. Factories source dioctylamine for synthesizing surfactants, corrosion inhibitors, and specialty chemicals for rubber manufacturing, water treatment, and cosmetics. This versatility in industry means it often pops up in places most people would never expect—behind the scenes, quietly improving product performance.
At room temperature, dioctylamine becomes apparent as a clear, somewhat oily liquid with a faint ammoniacal scent. Its boiling point climbs near 280°C, so it handles high heat in processing without breaking down. Its molecular formula, C16H35N, gives it a distinctive balance: a secondary amine functional group attached to two large alkyl chains. The molecule’s structure makes it insoluble in water while blending well with oils and other organic solvents. Chemists recognize its moderate basicity, which comes into play during catalysis or when neutralizing acids. That moderate reactivity lets it play many roles—never the superstar reactant, but always the reliable team player.
Chemical suppliers measure dioctylamine’s purity by gas or liquid chromatography, striving for levels around 98-99%, since trace impurities can skew reactions or end product quality. The color scale and moisture content also help define batch quality, with lower moisture translating to longer shelf life and more predictable handling. Labels carry standard hazards—primarily warnings about possible skin and respiratory irritation—alongside storage recommendations, usually calling for cool, dry, and well-ventilated spaces. Reputable distributors highlight compliance with REACH, GHS, and other global chemical safety requirements to reassure manufacturers and researchers alike.
Large-scale synthesis generally starts with octanol and ammonia or its derivatives. After acid catalysis helps the alcohol shed water, it forms octylamine. Another round with octanol yields dioctylamine through alkylation. Companies rely on controlled temperatures, inert gas blanketing, and precise feedstock ratios to keep unwanted side reactions to a minimum. Waste and byproducts, such as unreacted octanol or ammonia, undergo recovery and reuse or proper disposal based on local environmental regulations. Producers constantly chase cleaner, safer, and more efficient routes to lower costs and environmental impact.
Dioctylamine lends itself well to further functionalization, thanks to its lone nitrogen. Chemists use it to build quaternary ammonium salts, add acyl groups for amide synthesis, or create betaine derivatives for use as mild surfactants. Its structure survives mild oxidation and reduction but resists hydrolysis under neutral conditions. Reaction partners often include strong acids, acid chlorides, or alkyl halides. In the lab, these transformations drive research into specialty surfactants, water-soluble lubricants, and tailored corrosion inhibitors, always building on the amine's foundational chemical appeal.
Dioctylamine often hides behind names like N,N-Dioctylamine, Dioctylamin, or Octylamine, dioctyl-, depending on regional preferences or specific suppliers. Trade names pop up in technical datasheets, sometimes reflecting the manufacturer—names like Armeen DO or similar monikers. Regulatory bodies may classify it as an aliphatic secondary amine or under a broader family of organic nitrogen compounds. Regardless of the name, the chemical backbone remains the same, so technical documentation focuses on purity, chain length, and nitrogen content for precise logistics and application needs.
In daily operations, dioctylamine commands attention for both safe handling and storage. It doesn't carry flammability risks like some shorter-chain amines, but it can irritate eyes, skin, and lungs on contact or inhalation. Personal protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles, go a long way toward eliminating routine exposure risks. Proper ventilation stands at the front line, especially anywhere open drums or transfer operations take place. Spill response plans recommend inert absorbents and immediate cleanup, while waste streams must follow local environmental disposal laws. Practiced safety protocols—like regular equipment inspection and ongoing employee training—help prevent accidents, reflecting decades of lessons learned across the specialty chemicals sector.
Dioctylamine finds a home in dozens of industries, from lubricants and rubber processing to water treatment and personal care. In lubricants, it acts as a corrosion inhibitor, extending machinery life in mining, automotive, and manufacturing. Rubber manufacturers turn to it as an accelerator or antiozonant, boosting both durability and resistance to cracking. Personal care companies value amine derivatives as mild surfactants in shampoos and creams, seeking skin-friendly cleaning power without harshness. Water treatment professionals make use of its secondary amine group to bind heavy metals or neutralize acids, especially in closed-loop cooling or industrial wastewater. Agriculture also benefits from tertiary amine modifications, improving pesticide and herbicide formulations.
Innovation draws R&D teams to dioctylamine time and again, both in academic labs and industry tech centers. Current projects include new surfactants with lower toxicity, advanced corrosion inhibitors tuned for extreme environments, and eco-friendly herbicides with targeted delivery. Collaborations across disciplines—chemical engineering, toxicology, materials science—help push dioctylamine’s envelope further. These research programs also scrutinize byproduct management, green chemistry alternatives, and recycling strategies that reduce environmental footprint. Patent filings and white papers show a steady rhythm of creativity around this old, dependable molecule.
Amine chemistry often raises questions about exposure and long-term health, so toxicologists don’t take dioctylamine lightly. Acute animal studies suggest moderate oral or skin toxicity at high doses, mainly at exposure levels well above anything encountered in routine industrial use. Human exposure at work tends to revolve around ventilation and skin contact, both of which underline the need for basic industrial hygiene. Chronic risks, such as potential carcinogenicity, currently look low, though long-term studies remain ongoing. Regulations in both the European Union and North America reinforce good record-keeping and exposure limits, adapting as more data appear. Green chemistry initiatives track toxicity closely, always looking for structural tweaks that safeguard both workers and the environment.
Tomorrow’s dioctylamine applications might surprise anyone who remembers its roots in simple surfactant and lubricant blends. The push for sustainability and safer chemical profiles challenges both producers and research teams to think differently. Efforts to shrink the carbon footprint center on renewable feedstocks—farm-grown alcohols or even recycled chemical streams. Researchers eye more biodegradable derivatives and smart-release delivery systems for crop science. Regulatory and consumer demand for transparency puts pressure on chemical companies to publish robust safety, toxicology, and lifecycle data. Every year brings new applications, broader safety and environmental demands, and a deeper appreciation for the role dioctylamine plays in modern industry.
Dioctylamine often flies under the radar in daily life, yet its presence runs deep in many products and processes. Picture a world where anti-corrosion coatings on machinery break down quicker, or where surfactants in cleaning supplies don’t work quite right. That’s the challenge industries would face without chemicals like dioctylamine. In manufacturing plants, it earns its keep as an intermediate in producing surfactants, corrosion inhibitors, and fuel additives. These products often shape the lifespan and quality of the vehicles, cleaning agents, and specialty fluids used by countless individuals and businesses.
Experience in industrial settings shows just how valuable dioctylamine’s properties become when scaling up production. The chemical’s unique structure—with two octyl groups bonded to an amine—brings a level of stability and oil compatibility that standard amines often miss. Workers in chemical plants trust it as a building block when making specialty amines, which later end up as emulsifiers and anti-static agents. Truck engines, too, sometimes benefit from additives based on dioctylamine derivatives that help fuel burn cleaner and prevent deposits from forming.
Handling dioctylamine calls for respect and know-how. In my earlier days at a chemical facility, I learned how swiftly an amine leak could create an unpleasant, lingering odor throughout the warehouse. More importantly, improper handling of dioctylamine raises serious health concerns. Direct skin contact, inhalation, or accidental ingestion leads to irritation and even long-term health impacts if workers don’t take proper precautions. Companies address these risks with airtight storage, protective gear, and robust workplace ventilation. Regulations often demand specific training and documentation, steps that may seem tedious until you’ve seen the aftermath of a preventable chemical exposure.
On the environmental front, dioctylamine doesn’t break down easily in soil or water. This resilience proves useful inside products, though it also brings a risk if released into nature. Waste from factories can travel into waterways, threatening wildlife by lingering and interacting with other substances. My own work has shown that solvent management, containment plans, and closed-loop recycling aren’t just ideal—they’re necessary. Firms adopting green chemistry by seeking safer, more biodegradable alternatives gain a competitive edge while helping protect the wider environment.
Regulatory agencies such as the EPA and the European Chemicals Agency keep a close watch on dioctylamine. As science digs deeper into the health and ecological effects, thresholds for exposure get reviewed and sometimes tightened. Companies feel the push to research replacements or improve purification steps, both to avoid heavy fines and to take real responsibility for worker and community well-being. Customers now expect clear labeling and thorough safety documentation before they buy products built on intermediate chemicals like dioctylamine.
Instead of treating dioctylamine as an irreplaceable component, organizations can support research into safer, renewable amines or more efficient production routes that cut down on hazardous waste. Investment in training programs boosts workers’ ability to spot risks early and respond fast to leaks or exposure. As someone who’s seen chemical manufacturing from the inside, it’s clear that the future belongs to those who take chemical stewardship seriously, seek out sustainable alternatives, and stay nimble with new science and technology.
Dioctylamine doesn’t come up often outside chemical supply catalogs or industrial settings, but its chemical formula is worth breaking down for anyone interested in what actually goes into common chemical products. As the name hints, dioctylamine comes from attaching two octyl groups to a single nitrogen atom, creating C16H35N. It sounds like a mouthful, but it all boils down to two long hydrocarbon chains bonded together by nitrogen. This formula gives the molecule its oil-like feel and tells us how it interacts with other chemicals.
Factories love dioctylamine because it acts as an intermediate—basically a building block—for lots of bigger, more complicated chemicals. It’s handy in making surfactants, dyes, and lubricants. I’ve visited a couple of plants, and workers value consistency above all else. A stable molecule with predictable reactivity, like dioctylamine, means fewer headaches when making batches of detergent chemicals or petroleum additives. It’s not the flashiest name, but it delivers what people expect, every shift.
Chemical formulas might look abstract on paper, but for companies handling oily waste streams or trying to reduce static in large-scale manufacturing, a small tweak to a molecule’s structure can save thousands. C16H35N, with its two octyl arms, dissolves easily in nonpolar solvents, so it never clogs lines or ruins delicate blending operations. Hydrogen bonding—something chem students read about—turns into real-world cost savings, and safety managers sleep a bit better.
Not everything about dioctylamine leans positive. Like a lot of amines, if it gets released at high concentrations, it brings health risks. Extended exposure can irritate the skin or eyes, and accidental spills require careful cleanup. I worked with a safety coordinator who stressed that knowing the formula—and, by extension, its traits—helped develop strong protocols. A sensible storage policy, proper labeling, and personal protective gear make all the difference. It’s tempting to think, “One molecule can’t matter much,” but regulations change fast in response to environmental findings. Several watchdog organizations keep tabs on how much ends up in wastewater streams.
The formula C16H35N tells us more than just the basic building blocks—it clues scientists and engineers in on handling, disposal, and reactivity. Green chemistry pushes for safer alternatives, but sometimes, the best fix is smart engineering. Closed-loop systems for recycling leftover dioctylamine mean less waste. Adopting leak-proof containers and automating transfer processes can cut risk in half. If you ever get a look inside industrial labs, you’ll see teams running trials with newer amines or tweaking purification steps, always with worker health and environmental impact in mind.
Dioctylamine’s formula is simple, but the story behind it touches balance between industrial progress and careful stewardship. It won’t disappear from supply chains anytime soon, yet every responsible player in the loop pays attention to its life cycle. Industry thrives on chemicals like these because they work, but accountability—grounded in facts and hands-on knowledge—drives progress every day.
Dioctylamine stands as a lesser-known chemical in daily conversation, but it plays a role in the manufacturing world. This colorless liquid makes an appearance in the creation of dyes, surfactants, and rubber chemicals. Even if you’ve never worked in a lab or chemical plant, it’s worth knowing about the materials that end up in goods you use or in the air and water around you.
Concerns often crop up in places where people don’t see these chemicals at work—like in urban neighborhoods next to plants, or among workers handling shipments. Safety Data Sheets from companies and agencies show dioctylamine causes burns on direct skin or eye contact. If you breathe it in, expect some irritation along your airways and possible coughing. Lab tests with animals have shown serious effects from very high exposure, including changes to organs and membranes.
OSHA and similar groups don’t list dioctylamine with some of the most dangerous toxins, such as benzene or lead. Still, you can’t brush off its ability to hurt the body. Eyes and skin show the first signs—redness, swelling, pain—often before breathing or digestive problems appear. Workers who don’t wear gloves, goggles, or masks put themselves in harm’s way. During my years working summer jobs in manufacturing, gloves and good ventilation meant the difference between a normal day and weeks dealing with burns or lung trouble.
Reports aren’t shouting about dioctylamine being an environmental villain at the level of PCBs or PFAS, but spills and improper disposal pollute waterways and soil. Something I’ve seen in chemical plants—old barrels stored outside, forgotten and left to rust—leads to groundwater concerns. Even a few liters leaking over time impacts wildlife. Small fish and frogs especially show effects quickly. Most neighbors never learn about these problems until after tests verify pollution spread.
In the U.S., the EPA keeps tabs on dioctylamine, but it sits farther down the priority list compared to more notorious substances. That slower pace of regulation spells trouble for workers and communities if safety standards lag behind actual risks. Europe follows with even tighter rules—extra layers of safety checks before use gets approved—and this approach cuts down on accidental exposures.
Most harm can get avoided by basic, commonsense steps. Chemical storage in sealed containers, automatic mixing systems, showers and eye washes where people handle the liquid. Regular training for everyone (not just supervisors) helps. I’ve seen newer factories build handling systems that cut out leaks and limit vapor release—a big win. Down the line, green chemistry can swap tough chemicals for safer ones, but that takes time and investment.
For now, people who work around dioctylamine, neighbors of plants, and anyone who might come into contact should stay informed, ask questions, and push for records. Industry leaders who value safety and transparency don’t wait for an accident or investigation before improving safeguards. Trust builds from the ground up: with gloves, with onsite training, and with honest answers to hard questions about what’s in the air and water.
Dioctylamine doesn’t show up on many radars unless you’re deep in chemical work. Folks who handle it in labs or factories know it’s not something to leave lying around or treat without due respect. I’ve walked through enough industrial spaces to learn that some chemicals seem calm at first but can pack a real punch if overlooked—dioctylamine falls into this group.
Anyplace that stores dioctylamine should stay cool, dry, and well-ventilated. Heat will not be its friend. In the past, I've seen storage mistakes, such as containers kept next to boilers or sunlight. Those spots ramp up the risk for leaks or even pressure buildup, sometimes leading to hazardous spills. Aim for temperatures below 25°C—free from wild swings.
Forget stacking just anywhere. Go for sturdy shelving at shoulder height or lower. Keep dioctylamine apart from acids or oxidizing agents—mixing these can spark a fire or worse. At one site, some barrels rested near nitric acid purely due to a rushed delivery; weeks later, it took a full day to clean up the sticky mess caused by careless handling. Simple habits, like labeling everything and keeping a register of stores, make a real difference.
Metal, especially stainless steel, or chemically resistant plastics work well for storage. People sometimes use old drums or unmarked jugs, but dioctylamine stains containers and can eat into the wrong materials over time. I saw a cracked plastic container slowly leak its contents underneath a shelf once—cleanup meant replacing both the shelf and the flooring. Containers should close tightly, yet give enough room inside for expansion.
Gloves, goggles, and lab coats stand between your skin and serious irritation. If handled without care, dioctylamine burns. Regular nitrile gloves stand up to the challenge better than basic latex, based on my own experience. Skin or eye contact doesn’t bring instant pain, but hours later the sting settles in. Always work in an area with a running eyewash station and keep material safety data sheets handy, not tucked away in some forgotten cabinet.
A well-ventilated room keeps vapors at bay. Fume hoods or local exhaust systems can pull away unwanted smells and airborne particles, sparing noses and lungs. Spills become less likely with sealed floors and absorbent mats nearby. The worst spills I’ve helped handle happened far from utility sinks or proper masks, forcing workers to breathe through T-shirts and scramble for first aid. Clear, practiced routines for spills cut panic and wasted minutes.
Dioctylamine can ignite under the right conditions, so keep it away from open flames, hot surfaces, and frayed wiring. Local fire codes often require special extinguishers, like foam or carbon dioxide, not just water. Training everyone who comes close to dioctylamine on emergency procedures brings peace of mind. I’ve witnessed drills making all the difference—turning what could be chaos into calm action with the right gear.
A controlled routine—checking labels, wearing gear, supervising storage—adds up to safe and smooth operations. Bandaid solutions and shortcuts simply don't belong here. Each time someone handles dioctylamine with precision, risks drop and work continues without emergencies or injuries.
Dioctylamine shows up in several industries—chemical manufacturing, agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and sometimes even in cosmetics. Manufacturers value the compound for its ability to serve as a specialty intermediate. I remember speaking with a formative chemist who explained how dioctylamine helps create surfactants used in industrial cleaners. Fascinatingly, a small amount manages to unlock a world of formulation possibilities for lubricants or softeners. This stuff ends up being pretty vital for companies that are formulating specialty chemicals where reliability and consistency count.
Search for dioctylamine at your local hardware store or pharmacy and it won’t be sitting on the shelves. You’re looking at a product strictly sold through chemical suppliers or distributors. Most people buying dioctylamine purchase it in bulk—for instance, a research lab proposing an experiment in organic synthesis, an agrochemical producer formulating herbicides, or an oilfield services firm working on enhanced oil recovery.
You encounter strict rules around sourcing and handling. Dioctylamine falls under chemicals regulated in many countries—due to its toxicity, its environmental concerns, and risks posed by improper storage or handling. Buyers often require proof of credentials and end-use declarations. I once consulted for a project sourcing chemicals, and paperwork took as much time as transport. These steps exist for a reason: safety for workers, consumers, and communities.
Reputable global chemical suppliers such as Sigma-Aldrich (now part of MilliporeSigma), TCI Chemicals, or Fisher Scientific list dioctylamine in their digital catalogues. Regional suppliers like Toronto Research Chemicals or Indian companies such as Avra Synthesis act as mainstays for researchers in those markets. Prices and packaging sizes shift based on region, shipping regulations, and likely, the reputation of the distributor. Buyer beware—brown-bagging chemicals off auction sites or lesser-known web shops isn’t just risky; it’s a potential compliance violation as well as a safety hazard.
Many firms ask for business documentation, a purchase order, and sometimes the project details before approving any sale. If you’re on a university team or working with an R&D department, you probably already have a procurement office with a list of trusted vendors. Independent buyers or startups often have to start this vetting process from scratch. That means double-checking certifications, reading past customer reviews, making sure import/export rules won't snag the order at customs. Years ago, a bad supplier cost my team weeks in project delays—all because of a missing certificate of analysis. I learned the hard way how much expertise matters on both ends of the transaction.
Greater transparency across global supply chains offers one way to solve delivery headaches. More suppliers now provide access to chemical traceability reports and easy electronic access to documents showing purity, origin, and test data. Responsible sellers feature robust training for buyers, emphasizing safe storage and proper disposal after use. Even digital marketplaces have adopted stricter controls, requiring login credentials, business verification, and sometimes video calls with buyers.
As regulations tighten to limit environmental impact, I see companies investing more in supplier partnerships, aiming for reliability rather than rock-bottom prices. Fast communication through digital platforms and clear auditing has trimmed a lot of bureaucratic red tape. If buyers invest in long-term relationships and due diligence upfront, chemical sourcing becomes far less stressful and a lot safer for everyone involved.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | N-octyloctan-1-amine |
| Other names |
Dioctylamine
N-Octyloctan-1-amine N,N-Dioctylamine |
| Pronunciation | /daɪˈɒk.tɪl.ə.miːn/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 111-18-2 |
| Beilstein Reference | 1363996 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:85137 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL154269 |
| ChemSpider | 7138 |
| DrugBank | DB14140 |
| ECHA InfoCard | EC 204-685-9 |
| EC Number | 204-685-9 |
| Gmelin Reference | 64256 |
| KEGG | C10183 |
| MeSH | D002934 |
| PubChem CID | 82199 |
| RTECS number | RJ5775000 |
| UNII | YLU268B1JA |
| UN number | UN2810 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C16H35N |
| Molar mass | 242.46 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless to yellow liquid |
| Odor | Ammonia-like |
| Density | 0.810 g/mL at 25 °C(lit.) |
| Solubility in water | Insoluble |
| log P | 3.9 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.0225 mmHg (25°C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 10.6 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 3.29 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -62.0×10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.433 |
| Viscosity | 2.7 mPa·s (at 25 °C) |
| Dipole moment | 1.35 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 412.6 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -186.3 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -11490.7 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | A06AA02 |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS05, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS05,GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | Harmful if swallowed. Causes skin irritation. Causes serious eye irritation. Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
| Precautionary statements | P280, P264, P305+P351+P338, P337+P313, P302+P352 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 2-3-0 |
| Flash point | 85°C (185°F) |
| Autoignition temperature | 215 °C |
| Explosive limits | Explosive limits: 0.6–6.5% |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 oral rat 220 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): Oral (rat) 400 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | DLV |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL: 5 mg/m3 |
| REL (Recommended) | 0.05 ppm |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | 50 ppm |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Dibutylamine
Diisopropylamine Diethylamine Dicyclohexylamine Dodecylamine |
