Long before modern chemical manufacturing took over, folks in the early 20th century experimented with amines for everything from explosives to pharmaceuticals. As research into organic nitrogen compounds picked up steam, dipentylamine found its way into laboratories and workshops. Over the decades, as synthetic routes got more reliable, the consistent production of secondary amines like dipentylamine made it a candidate for further study. Chemists seeking new surfactants, intermediates, and performance chemicals recognized its value and started to include it in their arsenal. Its somewhat straightforward synthesis and the rise of specialized chemical suppliers pushed it into commercial circles, especially after the Second World War, when the need for stable intermediates grew.
Dipentylamine feels unassuming at first glance—it’s a clear, oily liquid that carries a fishlike odor. In the catalogue of secondary amines, dipentylamine stands out for its role in producing corrosion inhibitors, rubber vulcanization accelerators, pesticides, and fuel additives. As a multifunctional building block, it does not draw the attention of the average person but proves valuable to chemists who need a balance between hydrophobic tails and basic nitrogen centers. The industry typically ships it in drums or bulk containers, given its demand in medium-scale synthesis jobs and specialty chemical markets.
At room temperature, dipentylamine shows up as a colorless-to-pale yellow oily liquid. Its boiling point sits around 213-215°C, and it has a density close to 0.79 g/cm³. Solubility goes low in water, higher in alcohol and organic solvents—making it handleable in most organic laboratories. The amine group delivers basicity and nucleophilicity, leaving it reactive toward acids and electrophilic reagents. Strong, disagreeable odors remind handlers to stay cautious. Vapor pressure remains modest but increases significantly at higher temperatures, which requires controlled storage conditions to avoid pressure buildup.
Producers supply dipentylamine under CAS number 2050-92-2, guaranteeing a purity usually above 98% for synthetic applications. Typical specs outline color (clear or yellowish, indicative of purity), refractive index close to 1.426 at 20°C, and light water content—checked by Karl Fischer titration. Labels carry hazard statements for toxicity, flammability, and environmental risk, in compliance with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS). Transport comes under UN number 2734, with proper packaging and placarding to alert handlers and transport authorities.
Most manufacturers prepare dipentylamine by alkylating ammonia or a primary pentylamine with 1-bromopentane or another pentyl halide. The process typically runs in the presence of a basic catalyst, often yielding a mixture of primary, secondary, and tertiary amines. Fractional distillation gives the secondary amine in a high-enough purity for commercial use. Some labs switch to catalytic hydrogenation of dipentyl nitrile, especially for bulk production, cutting byproducts and improving atom efficiency. Waste handling becomes important due to the generation of salts and possibly unreacted reagents.
Dipentylamine offers a platform for further chemistry thanks to its lone nitrogen. Acylation yields amides widely used in surfactants and lubricants, while alkylation with alkyl halides can tack on longer hydrophobic groups, tuning solubility and performance. Nitrosation of dipentylamine can produce N-nitrosamines, of particular concern because of their carcinogenic properties, which guides regulatory checks. Reaction with acids offers quaternary ammonium salts, valued in bactericidal formulations. Its reactivity with oxidizers sees limited use owing to concerns about undesired byproducts.
Known alternately as N-pentylpentan-1-amine, di-n-pentylamine, or dipentylamine, this compound sometimes goes by manufacturer trade names in specialty catalogs. On shipping manifests and regulatory paperwork, the IUPAC name or the direct CAS number shows up most to nail down exact identity and to sidestep confusion with other amines. Customers sometimes use shortened forms like DPA when ordering or logging it in inventory.
Working with dipentylamine calls for proper gloves, splash goggles, and good ventilation. Its volatility climbs in heat, and inhaling the fumes or getting it on skin can trigger irritation. Repeated exposure may cause central nervous system symptoms or damage, so fume hoods see routine use in labs handling larger quantities. Spill procedures keep absorbent material on hand, while fire safety plans cover the flammability risk—Class B extinguishers rated for chemical fires get placed nearby. Waste gets sorted into designated halogenated organics containers, as environmental agencies in Europe and North America classify it as hazardous due to toxicity and persistence.
Use cases for dipentylamine keep broadening, from surfactant intermediate to fuel additive precursor. In rubber manufacturing, it modifies the cure process for higher elasticity and strength. In agrochemicals, it serves as a building block for certain herbicides and pesticides that target persistent weeds without damaging crops. Oilfield operations tap its derivatives as corrosion inhibitors that endure harsh downhole environments. Formulators in metalworking fluids and lubricants lean on its balance of solubility and resistance to hydrolysis, reducing breakdown over time. Some pharmaceutical research pursues it as a side chain for experimental compounds, guided by its basicity and chemical stability.
Universities and corporate labs see dipentylamine as a foundation for exploring new surfactants, ionic liquids, and pharmaceutical intermediates. The presence of two pentyl groups delivers just enough hydrophobic shove to make it interesting for phase transfer catalysts and custom surfactant synthesis. Its basic nitrogen opens doors to countless functionalizations, and structure-activity studies involving amines continue to ramp up as medicinal chemists seek new bioactive scaffolds. Developing more selective catalysts and greener reaction conditions features high on the list of R&D priorities, as industry leans into sustainability and low-waste processes.
Concerns about amine toxicity put dipentylamine under the microscope more than once. Lab animals exposed by ingestion or skin contact showed acute symptoms such as vomiting, drowsiness, and, at high enough doses, even liver distress. Long-term exposure data remains scarce, but data from similar dialkylamines points to potential risks of kidney and nervous system impacts if standards go ignored. Environmental agencies in multiple countries classify it as a hazardous material, flagging its potential for ground and surface water contamination. Ongoing research targets its metabolites, trying to untangle whether primary breakdown products show higher or lower toxicity and what happens in soil or aquatic systems where microbes play a cleanup role.
Dipentylamine’s reputation as a versatile secondary amine, coupled with demand for niche surfactants, corrosion inhibitors, and agrochemicals, suggests a steady presence for years to come. Chemists and manufacturers keep refining greener production methods. New purification technologies and recycling processes could reduce the environmental footprint and waste. As novel applications in pharmaceuticals, electronics, and advanced materials emerge, the compound’s core structure offers more room for chemical creativity. Regulations will keep tightening, based on new toxicity data and environmental findings, so future users should expect closer oversight and a push for safer, more sustainable handling.
Talking about dipentylamine starts with regular, everyday chemistry work. I remember my years as a lab assistant—some chemicals always stand out, not by their smell or their looks, but by the range of things they help us create behind the scenes. Dipentylamine falls squarely in that group. You won’t read about it in news headlines, yet it supports industries that touch everybody’s daily life.
This compound, a straightforward amine with two pentyl groups, turns up frequently during chemical synthesis. In my experience, people in pharmaceutical research often reach for it when making intermediates. It’s a building block: think of it as one Lego piece in a much larger structure. Its structure helps scientists add complexity, which shapes new medicines or fine-tunes existing ones.
Dipentylamine shows up in agrochemical development as well. Crop protection demands chemicals that don’t break down too fast or too slow. Many pesticide and herbicide molecules get their punch from tailored amines. Dipentylamine lands right into this work. Its flexibility lets researchers tweak side groups, aiming for better results in the field.
If you spend time working in manufacturing, you notice which compounds help rubber keep its bounce and strength. The tire on your car or a simple garden hose both rely on hidden helpers. Dipentylamine-based derivatives boost processability in rubber compounding and vulcanization. I’ve seen production plants add small doses to stabilize the finished product. Rubber that stays flexible in hot summers or doesn’t crack in cold winters often owes part of its resilience to this ingredient.
Rubber antioxidants and accelerators derive from it in some cases. These derivatives slow down the damage from air, sun, and time. You’re left with products that just last longer and keep their shape—something most casual users probably never consider.
Solubility testing can turn into a challenge, especially in coatings or cleaning product development. Dipentylamine’s non-polar structure makes it useful as a solvent for certain dyes and waxes. In industries where removing surface stains or mixing stubborn chemicals matters—a little of this amine can keep things from separating or streaking. My colleagues in industrial chemistry valued dipentylamine because it brought consistency and less hassle during scale-up.
Working with dipentylamine takes more than a basic set of gloves and goggles. It gives off an unpleasant odor and can irritate skin or eyes. Lab managers reinforce this message: safe handling keeps both the user and the end product in good shape. Data from safety organizations recommend working in ventilated spaces and keeping exposure low. Accidental spills can bring headaches, but disciplined handling means projects stay on track.
Newer industries look to green chemistry. Researchers aim to swap out older, hazardous amines for safer, less persistent ones. Process improvements mean less waste and fewer emissions. High school science lessons always hinted at chemistry’s double-edged sword—making things better requires responsibility. Dipentylamine remains valuable for its diversity, but smart choices about sourcing and disposal help keep its benefits outweighing its risks. That balance grows increasingly important as regulations tighten and expectations climb in every sector.
Dipentylamine, with the chemical formula C10H23N, pops up more often than most people realize. Imagine two five-carbon chains attached to a single nitrogen atom. That’s dipentylamine in its simplest form. There’s no mystery here—it’s straightforward: C5H11 for each chain, joined by a nitrogen centerpiece. In my undergraduate chemistry days, the formula was a small fact you filed away. But for anyone running a synthesis or handling chemical inventories, knowing this formula saves time and headaches.
Keeping track of molecular formulas like C10H23N means avoiding mix-ups. If you’re working in a research setting or producing specialty amines, one digit off, and you’re holding the wrong compound. Proper labeling ensures safety and accuracy in the lab. Safety datasheets and inventories rely on these formulas being correct. This system isn’t just academic: it prevents injury, reduces waste, and helps keep expenses under control.
Every chemist will tell you, the chemical formula moves beyond letters and numbers once you start asking what a compound does. Dipentylamine serves as an intermediate for making rubber accelerators, pharmaceuticals, and even some agricultural products. Industrial chemists check the formula to confirm purity after distillation or synthesis. If the test results don’t match up with C10H23N, something’s gone wrong, and you’ll see the costs on your balance sheet.
Plenty of people outside the lab know little about formulas. Yet, those strings of letters show up on safety labels and transport documents. Anyone in logistics, emergency response, or environmental compliance faces real risk if chemicals get misidentified. A simple mistake—a misread label or wrong paperwork—creates costly and sometimes dangerous consequences. Over the years, I’ve heard about entire shipments getting held up due to confusion over something as basic as a chemical formula. This is a fixable problem with proper training and attention to detail.
Education helps. Every chemistry class ought to make students work not just with molecular structures, but with the practical implications of getting a formula wrong. Companies handling chemicals benefit from regular refresher courses. Updated digital systems with clear databases for chemicals also cut down human error. On the safety side, having the correct formula on labels aids first responders. I’ve seen fire departments use this information during drills and real emergencies to choose the right protective gear or neutralizing agents.
Dipentylamine’s use in producing accelerators, dyes, and pesticides highlights just how much rides on proper identification. Federal regulations—including the Toxic Substances Control Act—require exact formulas in reporting and transport. Nearly every chemical spill incident report I’ve read cites confusion over basic chemical identities as an early problem. Looking at the facts, accidents drop and efficiency improves where basic literacy is strong.
Dipentylamine sounds technical, maybe even mysterious, but it’s a pretty straightforward chemical. It shows up in specialty manufacturing, and often ends up stacked on shelves alongside other chemicals you wouldn’t want to inhale or spill on your skin. The thing with dipentylamine isn’t whether it needs extra caution—it’s how you use it and how much you understand about its risks. I once worked a summer job near an industrial solvents depot. The way those workers treated every drum with gloves and goggles impressed on me early: some substances don’t give second chances.
So, what about dipentylamine? It belongs to a group called dialkylamines. Chemical safety data, like from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and databases such as PubChem, describe this compound as a colorless liquid that's weakly basic and carries a signature amine odor. At room temperature, it’s flammable. Contact with open flame spells trouble. Fumes or splashes can irritate your skin, eyes, and lungs. Breathe too much or get a high dose, and nausea, dizziness, or headaches might follow.
Animal testing, which helps mark out hazards for humans, points out a few issues. Large doses given to rats have shown possible acute toxicity—not as lethal as some industrial chemicals, but enough to warrant respect. Scientific studies don’t suggest it’s a major cancer risk or a bioaccumulative pollutant, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe for careless handling or regular exposure.
Safety sheets rank dipentylamine as hazardous. Spills need quick cleanup and good ventilation. Those who work around it every day tend to wear protective coats and nitrile gloves for a reason. I’ve seen enough workplace posters to believe that awareness makes a difference. For folks at home, you’re unlikely to run into this chemical unless your hobbies lean toward DIY chemistry—a rare case. The bigger risks land on the shoulders of workers in labs and chemical plants.
Wastewater from factories using dipentylamine can pollute local water. Fish and insects get exposed first, and if the disposal isn’t tight, the chemical leaches through soil. Regulatory bodies have set thresholds and inspect sites, but enforcement remains uneven. From accidental releases to improper dumping, the environment often pays the first price. Local communities living near chemical factories know this all too well. Their water sources and air quality matter, and too little oversight means risks land in their laps.
Some issues around dipentylamine aren’t fixed by simply banning it. Factories need it for certain reactions, and no perfect alternatives step up. What matters is airtight handling: regular training, rigorous storage rules, reliable ventilation, and gear that fits. I remember an engineer who insisted on drills for chemical spills—not paperwork, but buckets, sand, and real-life sweat.
On a broader front, transparency should improve. Every worker and neighbor near a chemical site deserves updates on what is used, released, and stored next door. Tools like safety data sheets, open-door meetings, and honest hazard signage build trust and help keep accidents from turning into disasters. The story with dipentylamine lines up with so many others—risks are real, but with steady vigilance, most of the dangers can be kept in check.
I remember my early days in the lab, nervous handling everything from strong acids to funky-smelling amines. Dipentylamine, with its colorless look and fishy odor, doesn’t strike you as a headline hazard. Still, it demands respect — not only because it can get messy if mishandled, but because its vapor packs a punch and its flammability risk feels stronger than many in its class.
This chemical sits in drum containers at manufacturers, waiting for transport or blending, but it only behaves well under some ground rules. I learned that it wants cool, dry, ventilated air. Humidity brings the risk of corrosion or unwanted reactions, so a dry corner, away from sunlight, keeps its personality in check. Never leave it near ignition sources or heat. Just one mistake with open flames, electric sparks, or even hot machinery turns storage into a potential fire report.
Back at university, my professor showed me labels on storage cabinets: "Flammable Amines." These labels aren’t just for decoration or to keep OSHA happy. They send a message. One shelf below or above, and a spill can spell disaster — more so if acids or oxidizers join the party. Mixing those together gives off dangerous fumes or, worse, causes violent reactions.
Storing dipentylamine doesn’t forgive leaky drums or aging containers. It attacks rubber seals; plastics go brittle. Steel or thick HDPE handles things better, but even then, I had to check for corrosion and cracks before moving anything. A simple oversight can turn a safe chemical into an emergency cleanup. Container maintenance isn’t just a budget check; it’s everybody’s responsibility.
An enclosed closet traps fumes. Even a mild buildup means eye stings, coughing, and headaches. I make sure the storage area breathes well — a simple ventilation fan, proper ducting, and regular air monitoring take care of that. Some co-workers use handheld detectors. I prefer fixed sensors, especially if storage sits near work areas. You notice safety upgrades matter most after an alarm prevents an accident.
Labels need to stand out. No peeling, no smudges. If a container leaks or gets knocked over, you don’t want a guessing game. I use bold, color-coded stickers. Local rules insist on emergency eyewash stations and fire extinguishers within arm’s reach, not in some locked backroom. Every new staffer gets a walk-through on site, not just a quick slideshow.
Poor storage choices lead to half the trouble I’ve seen. Keeping old containers out of sight and out of mind often hides small leaks and chemical decay. Regular cleanouts, logbooks, and container swaps catch issues before they mushroom. Reporting near-misses builds a culture of openness—nobody should feel afraid to call out a bad setup.
Automated temperature and humidity controls work well for large facilities, but even small shops can up their game by reinforcing routines. Simple rubrics for checking container integrity, scheduled audits, and clear SOPs save costs and lives. Sharing updates and lessons learned with the whole crew keeps knowledge moving, so one cow-worker’s mishap can turn into another’s prevention story.
Storing dipentylamine safely doesn’t call for fancy systems. It works best when everyone stays sharp, treats every drum with care, and believes that every accident averted is a win for the whole team.
Dipentylamine often shows up in chemical labs and industries as a solvent and intermediate. This compound carries a warning label for a reason. Breathing it in irritates the throat and lungs, and if it gets on your skin or in your eyes, it burns. Long-term exposure has even bigger risks—liver and kidney problems have surfaced among people accidently exposed without enough protection. Stories running through lab circles keep hammering home that rushing or “just grabbing a quick sample” without protection can leave a mark long after the shift ends.
Personal protection isn’t up for debate. Chemical splash goggles do more than save your vision; they cut the risk of permanent damage when accidents happen. Polyester lab coats and nitrile gloves form the basic armor. Some treat lab gloves like optional gear, swapping them for bare hands because it feels easier, only to regret it when that unmistakable tingling or redness kicks in. Gloves always earn their keep, especially with a chemical like this.
Ventilation kicks in whenever Dipentylamine is open or in use. A fume hood helps trap fumes before they drift into common breathing space. On rare occasions someone works without one—maybe the hood malfunctions, maybe they slip up—everybody knows it right away. The smell stays with you, and so does the persistent cough. Getting a hood fixed or moving to a safer spot beats coughing for days.
Spills don’t announce themselves with fanfare. Many just look like a few drops, easy to ignore, but all it takes is one wipe with an unprotected hand or a forgotten surface to ruin someone’s week. Spill kits should sit within easy reach in every lab. I’ve seen coworkers eye the kit, hesitate, and reach for a paper towel, thinking they’ll deal with it later. That’s how burns and long phone calls with occupational health start. Neutralizing agents and absorbent pads do a better job. Disposing of waste means using a proper chemical waste container, never down the sink. A quick response also means alerting everyone in the area so nobody wanders into the mess blind.
A single rundown of the rules at the start of the quarter won’t cut it. Safety routines sink in with practice, not just paperwork. Regular drills—spill cleanups, emergency showers, eyewash stations—turn hesitation in a crisis into second nature. I’ve known teams where everyone can find the eyewash with eyes shut, which tells you something about how seriously they practice.
Labels do more than satisfy regulations. They spell out danger in just a glance. Proper storage keeps Dipentylamine away from anything that could set off a dangerous reaction—acids and oxidizers stay far from it. Cool, dry cupboards with good ventilation keep everything stable. If the container starts to show wear, switching it out right away beats dealing with leaks. I’ve watched colleagues set aside old containers for later disposal, only for them to become tomorrow’s emergency. Immediate action saves headaches.
Working with Dipentylamine feels routine for those who handle chemicals often, but over-familiarity breeds shortcuts. Respecting its risks, covering up, and sticking to well-practiced safety routines turns a dangerous task into just another day’s work. Sharing experiences and correcting small missteps before they turn into injuries keeps everyone safer. The right habits aren’t just rules—they end up saving sight, skin, and in some cases, lives.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | N-pentylpentan-1-amine |
| Other names |
N-Pentylpentan-1-amine
N,N-Pentamethylenamine Di-n-pentylamine Diamylamine |
| Pronunciation | /daɪˈpɛntɪl.əˌmiːn/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 111-44-4 |
| Beilstein Reference | 604715 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:51710 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL274454 |
| ChemSpider | 14210 |
| DrugBank | DB13908 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.007.266 |
| EC Number | 203-914-5 |
| Gmelin Reference | 6026 |
| KEGG | C06143 |
| MeSH | D005389 |
| PubChem CID | 12569 |
| RTECS number | JN6475000 |
| UNII | 680E7N82FX |
| UN number | UN2249 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C10H23N |
| Molar mass | 157.29 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless to yellow liquid |
| Odor | amine-like |
| Density | 0.78 g/mL at 25 °C(lit.) |
| Solubility in water | slightly soluble |
| log P | 2.98 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.3 mmHg (at 25 °C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | pKa = 10.65 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 3.35 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -61.0·10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.432 |
| Viscosity | 2.23 mPa·s (20 °C) |
| Dipole moment | **1.07 D** |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 317.6 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -117.8 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -7710.6 kJ/mol |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS06,GHS08 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | Harmful if swallowed. Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
| Precautionary statements | P280, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P310 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-2-0 |
| Flash point | 162 °F (72 °C) (Closed cup) |
| Autoignition temperature | 170 °C |
| Explosive limits | 1.1–6.6% |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 oral rat 1160 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): Oral rat 681 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | #0142 |
| REL (Recommended) | 6 ppm |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | 500 ppm |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Pentylamine
Diisopropylamine Dipropylamine Dibutylamine Tripentylamine |
