People started noticing isobutylamine back in the early twentieth century when chemists were rapidly expanding the toolbox of organic compounds. Interest in alkylamines, including isobutylamine, grew along with new industrial processes and advances in synthetic chemistry. Researchers realized that the basic structure of isobutylamine—a branched-chain primary amine—had a knack for reacting with acids and other organic groups. This flexibility meant that isobutylamine soon found its way into labs and factories, pushing research in pharmaceuticals, polymers, and agricultural chemicals. In my experience digging through patent archives and old chemistry journals, discussions about isobutylamine kept coming up as folks looked for new intermediates that could speed up drug synthesis or improve the yield in making crop-protecting agents.
Isobutylamine belongs to the alkylamine family. Its main draw is the branched structure—one nitrogen attached to a carbon backbone, with the whole molecule coming across as more volatile than its straight-chain cousins like n-butylamine. The market these days sees isobutylamine not just as a building block, but as a go-to intermediate for agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and chemical syntheses. Demand for this compound matches that of its related amines once the folks in R&D realize how quickly its reactivity can be tuned for their purposes.
Anyone who spends time in a lab will pick up on the distinctive odor—sharp and ammonia-like—that signals isobutylamine is nearby. It appears as a colorless to slightly yellow liquid at room temperature, boils around 68-69°C, and packs a decent vapor pressure that needs respect in poorly ventilated spaces. Water solubility sits in a practical range, allowing for easy mixing or cleanup. The molecule—C4H11N—offers both a nucleophilic nitrogen atom and a hydrocarbon tail, so it sticks out from simple amines when it comes to reactivity and handling.
Lab supply bottles and commercial drums give away the purity numbers, with most grades landing above 99% for chemical synthesis work. The most common identifiers boil down to the CAS number 78-81-9 or UN identification for transport regulations. Packaging comes tailored for both small users—think amber glass in 500 mL aliquots—and big chemical processors who go for 200-liter steel drums or poly containers. Warning labels speak to its flammability and toxicity, urging gloves, goggles, and fume hoods during handling.
The standard route for making isobutylamine starts with isobutylene. Through a hydroamination reaction, the isobutylene picks up an ammonia molecule with the help of catalysts, often transitioning metals. Some producers go another way and hydrogenate isobutyronitrile—this approach also creates few unwanted by-products. Both techniques offer reliable scaling for industrial operators who need to churn out tons for big batches of herbicides or specialty chemicals. Using these streamlined processes, manufacturers can keep costs in check without sacrificing the purity that downstream users need.
Isobutylamine jumps into a broad class of organic reactions. In the lab, it acylates smoothly, forming amides, or undergoes alkylation to extend its carbon skeleton. One reaction that I’ve leaned on involves producing Schiff bases—condensing isobutylamine with aldehydes opens doors in medicinal chemistry research. For chemists building larger, more complex molecules, its amine group offers a starting point for making isocyanates and ureas. This adaptability helps manufacturers design new drugs, pesticides, or dyes with time-tested procedures and familiar equipment.
You’ll see isobutylamine pop up in catalogs as 2-methyl-1-propanamine, isobutan-1-amine, or simply IBA. Sometimes suppliers slip in “UN1992” for regulatory or shipping needs, but most chemists stick to the main label. These alternate names can trip up beginners, but a quick cross-check using CAS numbers keeps projects on track and avoids costly mix-ups.
Anyone working with isobutylamine must respect its hazards. The compound’s volatility and flammability present a real risk in typical lab and plant settings. Spilled isobutylamine evaporates fast, so good ventilation stands as a basic requirement. Eye, hand, and face protection become non-negotiable, based on my own stinging eyes after an early slip-up with a leaky flask. Regulations from OSHA, GHS labels, and European REACH guidelines spell out the same story: keep the stuff away from open flames and avoid breathing vapors. Industry standards also require tightly closed storage in metal or HDPE containers, with spill kits and emergency showers nearby.
Isobutylamine rose to prominence in the green revolution, supporting the synthesis of crop-protection compounds like herbicides and fungicides. Agriculture soaks up a significant chunk of annual output, as new and old formulations build on the reactivity of this amine. Pharmaceutical makers rely on isobutylamine as a stepping stone for making cardiovascular, antiviral, and anticancer drugs. Even rubber chemicals, corrosion inhibitors, and dyes start with a hit of isobutylamine. Over the years, its flexibility has allowed manufacturers to meet tighter environmental and efficiency standards, sometimes swapping more hazardous amine precursors for isobutylamine-based solutions.
Labs across the globe keep looking for better, safer, and more selective reactions using isobutylamine. Formulation scientists want new derivatives for slow-release pesticides, while biotech teams explore amine-containing building blocks for bioactive molecules. I’ve seen research groups check if isobutylamine can open doors to new antibiotics or break down into biodegradable agricultural additives. Innovation cycles feed off improved catalytic systems that push yields higher and trim down waste, with green chemistry teams getting closer to full atom-efficiency in many pilot-scale runs.
Isobutylamine doesn’t enjoy a blank check for wide use. Inhalation irritates the respiratory system and, like many low-molecular-weight amines, can sensitize skin when splashed. Animal studies highlight nervous system impacts and the need for care in waste handling. Regulators look for low chronic toxicity, but safety studies indicate a real risk with uncontrolled use, pushing industry to adopt strong containment and ventilation standards. In my own labs, detection tubes and continuous gas monitors caught leaks before they could hit dangerous levels, reducing exposure risk.
Going forward, isobutylamine sits poised for even greater importance. Demand for precision agriculture drives a search for selective herbicides and fungicides that spare beneficial insects and reduce environmental load. Pharmaceutical researchers see the value in its branching, which can confer desirable properties onto new drug scaffolds. Advances in reactor technology, including flow chemistry, promise safer and greener production lines. Environmental scientists and regulatory bodies keep pushing for tighter emissions and improved degradability of amine intermediates, steering R&D teams to chase new catalysts and safer derivatives. There’s growing interest in renewable starting materials, hinting that biobased isobutylamine might finally make the leap from small-batch curiosity to commercial reality.
Isobutylamine stands out in the world of chemicals not because it grabs headlines, but because it quietly supports all sorts of industries. This colorless liquid, with a bit of a fishy smell, finds its way into labs, factories, and even the pharmaceuticals I’ve seen on local pharmacy shelves. Isobutylamine carries the formula C4H11N, and it delivers more value than its simple appearance suggests.
Walk through any modern agricultural operation and you’ll see crop protection as a high priority. Many of today’s potent herbicides and pesticides have isobutylamine in their backstory. Companies use isobutylamine to create some of the amide herbicides that farmers rely on to keep their fields free of weeds. Without these chemicals, food production would face more threats from pests and unwanted plants. I grew up around grain silos, and I’ve seen how crop losses affect local economies. Reducing these losses protects jobs and supports food security.
Step into the world of pharmaceuticals, and isobutylamine appears again. Some medications start as syntheses with isobutylamine. Chemists use it to help form molecules that lead to antidepressants and antihypertensive drugs. When a doctor writes a prescription for blood pressure or mood issues, the chain of events behind that pill may involve isobutylamine. I know families who rely on these medications for daily health. If a shortage of an ingredient ripples through the system, people feel the effects directly.
Beyond medicine and agriculture, isobutylamine supports industrial systems as well. It plays a role in the production of rubber chemicals, plasticizers, and dyes – all things we touch every day, from tires to clothing to cell phone cases. The chemical acts as an intermediate, providing a starting block for bigger molecules. In manufacturing, everything connects, so if a critical raw material like isobutylamine becomes scarce, production lines slow down.
Municipal water treatment plants want to keep drinking water clean and safe. Some water treatment chemicals trace back to isobutylamine. It helps in making agents that pull heavy metals out of water or neutralize harmful ions. Clean water means fewer illnesses and stronger communities. Anyone who has dealt with water advisories or boil instructions knows the peace that comes from simply turning on the tap without worries.
With every valuable chemical, safety follows close behind. Isobutylamine carries health risks if handled carelessly. Inhalation or skin contact may trigger harmful effects, so safety protocols matter. Workers rely on protective gear and proper training. Regulations provide a safety net, but company culture and personal diligence make the difference. Waste management also matters a lot, since improper disposal damages soil or waterways. Connecting responsible use with environmental policies should remain a focus, especially since local ecosystems often shoulder the burden of chemical spills.
Innovation rarely stands still. Researchers look for greener routes to synthesize important chemicals. Some companies study ways to cut hazardous byproducts or substitute milder alternatives. Building solutions around these ideas takes investment, but the payoff shows up in public health and sustainability. Incentives and clear rules from regulatory agencies can speed things along. Industry leaders supporting education and accountability influence the pace of change.
Working around chemicals opens the eyes to hazards that aren’t always obvious. Isobutylamine shows up in labs and industry, and its strong ammonia-like smell gives away how quick it evaporates. A sniff is enough to send most people backing away, not just because the odor stings, but because exposure can make the throat scratchy, trigger nausea, or cause headaches.
Chemists and technicians aren’t the only people at risk. Shippers, warehouse workers, or even drivers hauling drums deal with the fumes. Imagine a spill during transport—the gas can fill an enclosed space in minutes. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), inhaling isobutylamine irritates the nose, throat, and lungs. Short exposure usually fades without lasting harm, but careless handling or a big spill changes the story. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets exposure limits for good reason; too much exposure can lead to coughing, dizziness, and even unconsciousness.
Skin contact with isobutylamine can sting and bring on redness. I’ve seen coworkers splash a trace on their hands—it burns, people wash it off fast and watch for blisters. Lab coats, goggles, and gloves don’t just offer comfort; they make encounters with volatile amines like this one manageable. In my experience, staying alert is half the job, especially with chemicals most folks never hear about.
Nothing grabs attention like a flash fire, and isobutylamine is quick to ignite. Its flash point drops far lower than room temperature. A spark, hot tool, or even static electricity risks setting off vapors. Factories and research labs need good ventilation, working sprinklers, and well-trained staff to keep storage and use safe. Insurance adjusters and hazmat teams point out that small containers sometimes explode if pressure builds. Beyond the immediate hazard to health, fire and toxic smoke threaten neighborhoods close to industrial areas.
Technicians know to avoid pouring left-over chemicals down sinks or storm drains. Isobutylamine breaks down in air after a few days, but in water and soil, it lingers. Small spills dilute, but bigger leaks threaten fish, amphibians, and those who drink from nearby wells. Government agencies track accidents; safe handling keeps contamination out of rivers and away from crops.
Simple steps go a long way: ventilate workspaces, wear gloves and goggles, check labels twice before mixing chemicals, store containers away from heat. Training staff yearly caps mistakes before they grow serious. Emergency plans—showers, eyewash stations, spill kits—should lie close at hand, not in storage gathering dust. For small businesses without big budgets, open communication and basic protective gear offer real protection.
Respect for isobutylamine’s hazards makes the difference between another safe shift and a trip to the ER. That lesson sticks with me. Anyone who handles or stores the stuff benefits from treating it with the same care as flammable gasoline or caustic bleach. Better to learn from someone else’s close call than to become the example in tomorrow’s safety meeting.
Isobutylamine, with its formula of C4H11N, seems simple enough on paper. A molecule packed with four carbon atoms, eleven hydrogens, and just one nitrogen gives a lot more than meets the eye, especially for anyone living in the real world where chemistry influences daily life in silent but big ways. I remember sitting in a basic organic chemistry class, the teacher scribbling out skeletal formulas, and feeling that distant connection between what happens on the chalkboard and what matters outside.
That carbon skeleton makes a huge difference. Isobutylamine is an isomer of butylamine, meaning both molecules share the same atoms but arrange them in ways that turn them into different beasts. Changing the skeleton, the “iso” structure slides a methyl group in a spot that shifts how it behaves—reactivity, boiling point, solubility, all those things people outside labs rarely link to everyday products or medicines.
Look closely and the value in knowing this formula jumps out. C4H11N crops up wherever chemical plants, pharmaceuticals teams, and agricultural companies try to tweak or optimize small details for big gains. I once worked with folks in a seed lab who leaned heavily on the properties of amines for modifying plant resistance. The shape and function of isobutylamine contributed to tweaks that actually shifted the field’s outcome come harvest season. There’s no “just a molecule” in those moments—the details matter.
Safety talks stick in my memory just as much. The unique formula means isobutylamine carries its own risks—skin irritation, strong odor, low flash point. Anecdotes about leaks or improper handling taught me that even small mistakes can have outsized impacts on health and surroundings. Fact sheets from organizations like the CDC warn about exposure, underlining why chemical literacy stops short of just memorizing names and formulas.
There’s always discussion about chemical stewardship, especially for folks handling compounds like this every day. Knowing exactly what a formula spells out changes storage, transport, and emergency responses. I saw a mislabeled drum once bring in a local fire crew—just a small paperwork slip, and yet the risk multiplies in no time at all.
One problem with smaller amines like isobutylamine comes from their volatility and reactivity. These molecules don’t always play nice, which can send companies back to the drawing board hunting for less hazardous options or ways to contain emissions. R&D teams often juggle performance in synthesis with demands from regulations, workers, and neighbors who want cleaner air and safer facilities.
Smarter ventilation systems, real-time leak detection using sensors, and employee safety protocols all help tame the risks. It's not just about meeting a regulation—teams who’ve seen accidents or health scares firsthand make safety a top priority. Using local exhaust, regular air monitoring, and investing in alternatives when possible isn’t just about compliance, it's about showing up for each other at work and at home.
For anyone learning about chemistry, it pays to remember that every formula like C4H11N connects the dots between science and the lived experience. On a page, it may appear neat and tidy; in practice, it shapes the world in ways we’re bumping into every single day.
Anyone who spends time around chemical storage tanks knows the importance of proper labeling and storage conditions. With isobutylamine, mistakes turn serious quickly. This clear liquid gives off a strong ammonia-like odor and evaporates fast, which means leaks aren’t easy to ignore in a small lab. The fumes irritate eyes, skin and lungs. No one wants to risk inhaling its vapors or dealing with an emergency clean-up. Even short exposure leaves people rubbing their eyes and stepping outside for fresh air.
The first rule always sticks with me: isobutylamine stays in a tightly sealed, corrosion-resistant container. Years working alongside veteran chemists taught me that glass or high-quality polyethylene bottles work best. The container must never have even the smallest crack. I’ve seen colleagues throw out entire bottles after spotting a worn-down cap or faint smell, rather than take their chances.
Temperature control matters more than many folks think. Isobutylamine burns at low temperatures if it catches a spark, so storage rooms stay cool, well-ventilated and far away from direct sunlight and heaters. Fans or dedicated HVAC systems help keep air moving and reduce vapor buildup. My old university used temperature loggers on every volatile chemical fridge—one alert triggers a scramble to check for leaks and move stock if temperatures climb.
One overlooked detail: chemicals never mix on shelves. Anyone who has stored flammable amines next to oxidizers or acids learns the hard way. Storing isobutylamine next to acids can make toxic gas, so cabinets have clear signs showing which shelf holds what. Separate secondary containers—usually simple plastic trays—catch drips and ring any alarm bells if someone makes a costly mix-up.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the European Chemicals Agency both recommend routine checks on cap tightness and container labels. Labels list not just the chemical but the date received, so no one gets stuck storing old stock past safe shelf life. Most places include a Material Safety Data Sheet binder right next to the storage cabinet, helping everyone review symptoms and spill protocols at a glance.
PPE is a daily reality. Handling isobutylamine without gloves or goggles invites trouble, even for seasoned workers. Chemical-resistant gloves and splash goggles become second nature. If someone spills as little as a few drops, the area clears out until exposed surfaces are cleaned with dedicated absorbent materials.
Waste management deserves attention, too. Isobutylamine never heads down the drain; hazardous waste bins sit close by, clearly labeled. Every local disposal company I’ve used insists on proper segregation and prompt pickups to prevent lingering hazards.
Training and repetition shape good habits. Regular drills on spill response, updates on changing regulations, and honest sharing of near-miss incidents give everyone a stake in safety. Labels fade, containers crack, and new staff arrive with varying levels of experience. A workplace where every voice contributes to chemical management makes all the difference in creating a safer lab or warehouse.
In labs and manufacturing zones, you’ll often spot containers labeled with names like Isobutylamine. The boiling point for Isobutylamine hits right around 67 degrees Celsius, or 152.6 degrees Fahrenheit. This relatively low boiling point explains why, once you uncap a bottle, the whiff of ammonia fills the air almost instantly. Isobutylamine vaporizes fast, and every chemist knows to treat it with caution. Safety demands respect, since breathing it in can quickly overwhelm your senses.
Chemists pay attention to boiling points because they guide nearly every handling decision. For Isobutylamine, this moderate boiling point shapes the way research labs and factories manage storage. It’s not a chemical you set on a shelf and forget. Flammable vapors mix with air, raising the risk of fires if you don’t store it in tightly closed containers away from heat or spark sources. I remember prepping a reaction and forgetting that the fume hood needed to be fully on. In a few minutes, the vapor spilled out. The lesson was instant: rules are there for a reason.
No operator wants to gamble on uncertain numbers. Incorrect boiling point info leads to everything from ruined products to workplace accidents. The National Center for Biotechnology Information confirms the value of 67°C for Isobutylamine, making it possible for industries to set up their equipment and safety systems without guesswork. Take distillation, for example—an effective purification process relies on that exact boiling point. If your temperature control overshoots, both yield and product quality diminish quickly.
Low-boiling compounds like Isobutylamine bring speed but also risk. Spills won’t just leave a puddle—they’ll fill a room with fumes. Accidents multiply without proper ventilation and flame-proof storage. I’ve seen labs scramble when a single bottle heated too much, sending staff for respirators. It’s not just unpleasant; it can push breathing and heart rates up before you realize the source of trouble. A simple thermometer, routine checks, and clear ventilation rules stand between routine and emergency.
Workplace safety comes down to using facts and building habits. Isobutylamine’s boiling point tells workers exactly when to expect vapor formation and at what room temperatures normal precautions fall short. Training relies on accurate information, and regulations often trace back to critical properties like boiling points. The Environmental Protection Agency and OSHA both emphasize how this knowledge keeps operations legal and safe. You can’t wing it or cut corners.
Simpler labels, smarter sensors, and better emergency signage all make it easier to avoid boiling point mishaps. Electronic recordkeeping helps staff double-check temperatures before starting any process. Digital safety sheets can pop up with warnings the moment someone scans a barcode on a container. Making this information easy to access—not buried in paperwork—boosts compliance without slowing production.
A focus on real-world improvements makes a difference. Dedicated storage, strict temperature limits, and clear visual warnings keep everyone protected. More regular training, based on feedback from actual users, helps catch problems before they get serious. By treating essential data like boiling points as non-negotiable, industries keep productivity up and risks down. Easy access to correct numbers and a culture built on respect for chemistry ensure a safer path forward for everyone handling spirited chemicals like Isobutylamine.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 2-Methylpropan-1-amine |
| Other names |
2-Aminobutane
Isobutanamine 2-Methyl-1-propanamine |
| Pronunciation | /ˌaɪ.soʊˈbjuː.tɪl.əˌmiːn/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 78-81-9 |
| 3D model (JSmol) | `Isobutylamine?compact=f&model=3d&sid=JSmol` |
| Beilstein Reference | 635699 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:28497 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL1547 |
| ChemSpider | 54631 |
| DrugBank | DB01955 |
| ECHA InfoCard | ECHA InfoCard: 100.003.226 |
| EC Number | 202-751-2 |
| Gmelin Reference | 2247 |
| KEGG | C06196 |
| MeSH | D000201 |
| PubChem CID | 6567 |
| RTECS number | NX8925000 |
| UNII | 65WK7816DR |
| UN number | UN2059 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C4H11N |
| Molar mass | 73.14 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid with an amine-like odor. |
| Odor | Ammonia-like |
| Density | 0.74 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.) |
| Solubility in water | miscible |
| log P | 0.59 |
| Vapor pressure | 5.1 kPa (at 20 °C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 10.6 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 3.28 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -11.3·10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.393 |
| Viscosity | 0.386 cP (20°C) |
| Dipole moment | 1.13 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 296.6 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | “-110.4 kJ/mol” |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -3821.8 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | C01EB14 |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS02,GHS05,GHS06,GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS02,GHS07 |
| Signal word | Danger |
| Hazard statements | H225, H302, H314, H332, H411 |
| Precautionary statements | P210, P261, P280, P305+P351+P338, P310 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 3-3-0 |
| Flash point | 43 °F (6 °C) |
| Autoignition temperature | 374 °C |
| Explosive limits | 1.1–12.5% |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 oral rat 206 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 256 mg/kg (rat, oral) |
| NIOSH | KZ1050000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL = 5 ppm (parts per million) |
| REL (Recommended) | 35 mg/m³ |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | 800 ppm |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
n-Butylamine
sec-Butylamine tert-Butylamine Isopropylamine Methylamine |
