N-Ethyl-1-butanamine didn’t just appear out of thin air—it’s the result of creative organic chemistry that gained steam through the 20th century. Originally, small amines like this caught the attention of researchers looking for building blocks for pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and synthetic materials. The nitrogen industry grew, so did the repertoire of simple organic amines. Early chemists figured out reductive amination routes, sometimes even by accident, when experimenting with basic amine synthesis. Lab records from the ‘50s show chemical suppliers cataloging N-ethylalkyl amines. Although the main focus landed on more headline-grabbing compounds, this molecule quietly proved itself as a reliable intermediate. In decades that followed, process refinement and increased demand for specialty chemicals pulled N-Ethyl-1-butanamine out of obscurity. Its adaptability found a home in everything from flavors and fragrances to more technical R&D applications.
On the benchtop, N-Ethyl-1-butanamine tends to show up as a clear, colorless to slightly yellowish liquid. Folks in chemical supply call it an aliphatic secondary amine—it slips right into a range of synthetic workflows. The molecular formula, C6H15N, keeps it simple, and a quick SMILES string (CCN(CCCC)H) shows its straightforward structure. It has a faint, ammoniacal or fishy odor, a signature most small amines carry. In my experience, this compound often comes in tightly sealed amber bottles, with hazard labeling for irritancy and flammability.
N-Ethyl-1-butanamine typically boils around 131-132°C at atmospheric pressure and freezes near -80°C. The density sits about 0.78 g/cm³, so it’s lighter than water and floats when mixed. You’ll notice it mixes with typical organic solvents—ethanol, ether, chloroform—but dodges water due to limited hydrogen bonding. The molecule resists hydrolysis under standard conditions, thanks to the secondary amine structure. The pKa sits around 10.6, meaning it behaves as a fairly basic amine, eager to grab protons or participate in nucleophilic substitution. Its vapor can sting the eyes, so fume hoods remain a must. In long-term storage, exposure to air can promote slow oxidation, which is best avoided by careful handling.
Commercial bottles should spell out its CAS number (110-75-8), along with purity (most suppliers offer >98%), moisture content, and trace impurity levels. Product datasheets outline safety data according to GHS (Globally Harmonized System), flagging flammability, acute toxicity, and irritancy. Regulatory compliance comes into play for shipping, especially under UN1993 (flammable liquids). Labels should call out emergency measures for contact or inhalation. For analytical needs, documentation lists GC or NMR spectra, ensuring identity checks meet quality assurance protocols. Manufacturers usually guarantee shelf stability for one to two years under proper storage conditions.
Industrial synthesis starts with 1-butanamine or butyraldehyde, then involves reductive amination using ethylamine and a reducing agent like hydrogen gas over a nickel or palladium catalyst. That process couples ethyl and butyl groups efficiently. Some small-scale chemists use sodium cyanoborohydride in organic solvents for lab-prep routes, although handling strong reducing agents brings safety concerns. Reaction parameters like pressure, temperature, and purity of starting amines influence both yield and side product profile. After reaction, distillation under reduced pressure can clean up the product. Efficient purification keeps byproducts like diethylated or dibutylated amines to a minimum, which matters for downstream applications.
N-Ethyl-1-butanamine serves as a robust nucleophile in alkylation and acylation reactions. By heating with alkyl halides, chemists form more complex tertiary amines. Reacting with carboxylic acid chlorides or anhydrides runs smoothly, providing amide derivatives valued in pharmaceutical or material science research. Oxidation with peroxides can, under harsh conditions, yield nitriles or N-oxides. In my lab days, we sometimes used this amine to quaternize via exhaustive methylation, creating quaternary ammonium salts for surfactant or catalyst exploration. Its moderate basicity means it can also neutralize acids, and occasionally shows up as a phase transfer catalyst or corrosion inhibitor precursor.
You might spot this compound listed as N-Ethylbutan-1-amine, ethyl(n-butyl)amine, or just Butanamine, N-ethyl-. Other catalog names—such as 1-Butanamine, N-ethyl- and N-Ethyl-n-butylamine—refer to the same chemical. Some trade directories group it with secondary alkylamines, lumping it in with structurally related compounds. Accurate nomenclature matters a lot in procurement; a mix-up with N-butylethylamine could mean big trouble.
Chemists recognize small aliphatic amines for their volatility and irritant potential. While handling N-Ethyl-1-butanamine, I always reached for gloves, safety goggles, and a well-ventilated fume hood. Spills can release sharp, unpleasant vapors, and skin contact sometimes triggers mild to moderate irritation. SDS data highlights flammability—its low flash point leaves little margin for error near ignition sources. Many sites recommend explosion-proof refrigerators for samples, and strict accounting to avoid unauthorized access. Proper waste management routes include incineration with scrubbing for NOx, in line with environmental rules. Workers should always receive clear training, and facilities need spill plans that factor in both inhalation and fire risk.
Industries value N-Ethyl-1-butanamine as an intermediate for agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, surfactants, and polymer additives. In my career, I saw it used to build more complex amine-based drugs and as a blocking agent in organic synthesis. Some sectors employ it to prepare corrosion inhibitors for industrial equipment, using its amine group to bind metal surfaces. Its low molecular weight and reactivity make it useful when tailoring surfactants or antistatic agents. Analytical labs appreciate it as a derivatization reagent, especially in trace-level amine analysis. The fragrance industry occasionally leans on it as a precursor, spinning its basic structure into fancy scent molecules.
Ongoing research explores new ways to tweak N-Ethyl-1-butanamine for better pharmacological or material properties. Some teams modify the alkyl side chains or introduce halogens, hunting for compounds with improved biological activity. In polymer science, custom-functionalized amines can drive surface modification and crosslinking. Flavors and fragrance R&D often revolves around flavor nuances and metabolic safety, where small changes in amine structure have big sensory payoffs. Academic and industrial chemists use N-Ethyl-1-butanamine to test catalysts and reaction mechanisms too—it serves as a model substrate in basic research. Newer green chemistry approaches seek milder, more sustainable syntheses, looking to cut down on waste and energy use.
Toxicological data on N-Ethyl-1-butanamine shows moderate acute toxicity by oral or dermal exposure, mostly due to its irritant nature. While studies in rodents inform workplace safety, the full scope of long-term effects remains fuzzy. The compound can act as a mild central nervous system depressant at high doses, but routine workplace exposure at controlled levels rarely produces such effects. Chronic inhalation sometimes ties to respiratory irritation, especially in inadequately ventilated spaces. Environmental fate studies show moderate biodegradability, but as with all amines, improper disposal can upset aquatic systems. Regulatory toxicologists keep pushing for comprehensive testing on metabolism and mutagenicity, driven by increased demand in specialty chemical markets. Users should stay up to date with updated hazard assessments and workplace safety guidelines as they evolve.
Growth in specialty chemical markets and green chemistry pushes suppliers to manufacture N-Ethyl-1-butanamine with reduced emissions and safer processes. As more industries turn towards sustainable supply chains, the call for less hazardous solvents and milder reaction conditions gets louder. Research into biocatalytic or electrochemical synthesis hopes to knock down energy costs and minimize byproducts. In pharmaceuticals, designers eye this molecule when constructing new candidates for CNS or metabolic disorder treatments. Custom surfactants, corrosion inhibitors, and even electronic materials may soon tap into amines like N-Ethyl-1-butanamine for tailored functionality. Demand will likely keep rising as industries dig deeper into amine-based innovation, but so will pressure for thorough toxicological profiling and regulatory oversight, which calls for ongoing vigilance and transparency at every step of the supply chain.
N-Ethyl-1-butanamine doesn’t make headlines like common medical or industrial chemicals, but it quietly shows up in more than a handful of settings, especially behind the scenes in labs and manufacturing floors. I’ve met this compound most often as a building block. Chemists count on it for creating more complex molecules, sort of like how a carpenter grabs a standard piece of lumber when framing a new wall. Several industries tie this amine to production lines that rely on organic synthesis, whether for custom pharmaceuticals, specialty coatings, or even fuel additives.
Drug makers use N-Ethyl-1-butanamine to craft intermediates—they shape these scaffolding molecules into final medicines that fight infections or treat chronic conditions. What caught my attention early in my career was how versatile these simple alkylamines become in the right chemist’s hands. A few changes and the same base structure transforms from being a minor footnote in one process to an essential ingredient elsewhere.
Manufacturers pick up N-Ethyl-1-butanamine for another reason: its usefulness as a solvent. Solvents affect everything, from how a reaction behaves to the purity and safety of the final product. This compound’s mix of polarity and chain length helps balance reactivity and solubility, a big deal when working out new drugs or materials in the lab.
Researchers in chemistry departments or R&D wings at large corporations call on N-Ethyl-1-butanamine for method development and as a reference in instrument calibration. Analytical chemists use it to check instrumentation or to act as a reactant, letting them test how devices pick up or measure specific amine groups. Experience teaches that lab techs want reliable and stable reference materials—this little amine fits the bill in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or gas chromatography testing.
Every industrial chemist knows certain amines can tip the scale in synthesizing rubber chemicals, resin hardeners, and corrosion inhibitors. N-Ethyl-1-butanamine fits neatly into these workflows. Not all derivatives are destined for pharmaceuticals; plenty help make adhesives that hold together automotive or building materials. This is where cost, supply consistency, and regulation drive demand just as much as technical merit.
Even a relatively small-volume amine draws questions about toxicity and handling. N-Ethyl-1-butanamine isn’t especially notorious for health risks, but mistakes or poor storage can irritate skin, eyes, or lungs. Regulatory agencies call for gloves, eye protection, well-ventilated rooms, and diligent labeling; these safeguards help chemists feel comfortable handling and disposing of this compound responsibly. From experience, a clean, organized workbench and proper PPE go much further than any warning label when it’s your own well-being on the line.
Progress pushes everyone to look for not only new uses of functional chemicals but also greener and safer alternatives. Producers and end users pay more attention to sustainable sourcing, better waste treatment, and transparent communication about exposure risks. Simple steps—training new lab staff, double-checking ventilation, or switching to closed-system transfers—tangibly lower risk and build confidence among environmental auditors and the communities living near production sites.
N-Ethyl-1-butanamine is a simple alkyl amine. Its chemical formula is C6H15N. Break that down, and you see it contains six carbon atoms, fifteen hydrogens, and one nitrogen. The structure looks like a butyl chain—essentially four carbons in a row—attached to an ethyl group and an amine group (-NH2), but with one twist: The nitrogen is attached to the first carbon of the butyl chain and directly bonded to an ethyl group.
Draw this on paper, and it’s a zigzag of carbons with the amine sticking out at one end and an ethyl group hanging on the nitrogen.
For chemists, knowing the precise structure isn’t just trivia. It defines how the molecule acts—how it mixes, reacts, and even smells. N-Ethyl-1-butanamine falls into a family of amines that often show up in labs working with pharmaceuticals, agricultural chemicals, and research into materials where nitrogen-containing groups bring unique properties.
The molecule’s basicity depends on the lone pair on the nitrogen. This feature shapes its usefulness. Add it to acid, and it forms salts. Mix it in organic reactions, and it sometimes serves as a base, helping nudge reactions toward completion or selectivity. This dual nature, both nucleophilic and basic, opens several paths for synthetic chemists who want to build more complex compounds. From experience, using small alkyl amines as intermediates helps create cleaner and more efficient reactions, since their volatility means they’re not sticking around at the end to gum up purification.
Line up the atoms, and the structure looks like this: the nitrogen sits between an ethyl group and a butyl group. If you sketch it as a condensed formula, it’s CH3CH2NHCH2CH2CH2CH3. For those who like stick drawings, it’s a single line for four carbons, a nitrogen, then two more carbons shooting off the nitrogen. Not every molecule is this neat, but for a chemist who cares about working up a product or tracking down a contaminant, straightforward structures like N-Ethyl-1-butanamine make lab life easier.
Because the molecule is small and flexible, it evaporates quickly and can surprise you with a fishy or ammonia-like odor—familiar to anyone who’s spent days measuring amines. This volatility is double-edged: It makes removal by distillation simple but also calls for careful use of gloves and fume hoods. Skin contact can irritate, and breathing in the vapors is best avoided. Simple measures, like using closed containers and working in well-ventilated areas, go a long way in preventing exposure in teaching and industrial settings alike.
Beyond the bench, N-Ethyl-1-butanamine doesn’t get much attention outside specialized industries, but it belongs to a class of chemicals important for building block access. Each simple amine links into a bigger world of organic chemistry and, indirectly, to many things we use every day—medicines, agrochemicals, polymers, and dyes. Understanding the structure, formula, and safety profile allows both experienced chemists and newcomers to move confidently with small amines.
N-Ethyl-1-butanamine comes across as one of those chemicals with a name that barely fits on a product label. It falls under the family of amines and finds use in organic synthesis work. Walk through any decent undergraduate chemistry lab, and there's a good chance you’ll spot a bottle of the stuff on the shelf. Its presence in research or manufacturing can raise questions, especially about safety.
Every time I’ve worked with small amines in the lab, I’ve had to reach for gloves, goggles, and that familiar whiff of something unpleasant. Turns out, that’s for a good reason. This compound, like many short-chain amines, can be irritating. Eyes, skin, even the respiratory tract can react after exposure. Once, after a half-hearted swipe at a spill, I spent the rest of the day with red, itchy hands. Short-term exposure leads to burning sensations and coughing if inhaled. Prolonged or repeated contact won’t win any prizes for comfort either; some cases show blisters or sensitivity after longer exposures.
Data from chemical safety databases, such as PubChem and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), shows moderate toxicity. Rats exposed to high doses by mouth or breathing route have shown effects like lethargy and breathing trouble. These doses tend to be on the higher end — laboratory accidents, rather than routine handling. Still, animal studies alert us to the potential for harm if things go wrong.
Spilled amines usually remind me of a fish market that’s been left open too long. N-Ethyl-1-butanamine shares this warning sign, with its strong odor becoming noticeable even at low concentrations. In my experience, no one wants that kind of smell lingering, and for good reason: strong odors signal high volatility, which brings risks for inhalation.
Chemicals like this can drift beyond the immediate spill, affecting air quality indoors. Without good ventilation, symptoms like headaches and sore throat often follow. City and workplace laws require strict ventilation systems for good reason. For those handling the compound daily, regulations step in. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other authorities recommend keeping air levels far below hazardous thresholds, often measured in parts per million.
Accidental release can also affect the environment. Amines break down in soil and water, but concentrated spills can harm aquatic organisms. Keeping spills contained and waste properly neutralized helps cut down risks outside labs and factories.
Fitting chemical hoods, holding regular training, and keeping spill kits handy can all but erase emergencies. I learned the hard way that short cuts invite trips to the first-aid kit. Eye washes, showers, and emergency procedures need full attention on any lab walk-through. Simple things, like double-checking glove integrity or swapping open bottles for sealed transfer systems, save headaches.
Labeling trouble spots and giving clear instructions, especially to newcomers, keeps accidents rare. Good habits come from experience, and sharing close calls can teach more than any sign on the wall. Proper storage limits fire risk, since amines like this also burn easily.
Empowering workers and the public with access to full hazard data builds trust. Manufacturers should lay out risks clearly, with up-to-date safety sheets and honest guidance. Health surveillance for those handling these chemicals always helps catch problems early. Safety depends on an open conversation between researchers, workers, managers, and regulators.
N-Ethyl-1-butanamine rewards careful handling but punishes complacency. Its toxicity lands around moderate, no more threatening than other low-molecular-weight amines, but ignoring safety rules brings trouble. Following best practices at every stage, from purchase to disposal, keeps risks in check. Shared knowledge, daily caution, and reliable gear make all the difference.
Too many chemicals end up stored on a shelf, forgotten or mislabeled until something goes wrong. N-Ethyl-1-butanamine doesn’t stand out on its own, but if it spills or reacts unexpectedly, everyone in the building knows about it. This compound gives off sharp, unpleasant odors because of its amine group. It reacts with many everyday substances, especially acids and oxidizers, releasing potentially dangerous fumes. It burns easily. Wherever volatility and risk of health effects meet, strong rules matter more than guesswork or convenience.
A good chemistry instructor once taught me that simple habits often prevent emergencies. Don’t treat N-Ethyl-1-butanamine like a generic product. Store this liquid in a closed, clearly labeled container, one that prevents vapor leakage. Place it in a cool, dry space, away from sunlight or possible ignition sources like electrical panels and heat vents. N-Ethyl-1-butanamine sits in the flammable category for a reason. The closer it gets to open flames, static charges, or heat, the higher the odds of an unwanted reaction.
Use storage cabinets built for flammable liquids. These cabinets resist the spread of fire and help keep incompatible chemicals apart. Don’t let it mingle with acids or oxidizers; give it its own spot on the shelf. Always double-check that containers are in good condition and remain sealed unless in direct use. Walk through labs or storage rooms every week, scanning for leaks or suspicious discoloration on container surfaces. Spills can start small—the odor leaves no doubt about what happened.
People often believe gloves and goggles only slow them down. I’ve seen rushed staff pour amines barehanded, only to rinse away an itchy, burning feeling later. Pick gloves rated for organic solvents, not just thin latex. Eye protection should form a tight seal; vapors irritate the nose and throat within seconds. Open windows or use a fume hood whenever moving or transferring this amine, as vapors get in the lungs before anyone notices.
Have material safety data sheets within reach at all times. If anyone feels dizziness, coughing, or headache, step outdoors and alert a supervisor. Wash any skin right away with water for at least fifteen minutes. Once, a colleague ignored tingling after a small splash—her skin blistered by that night. N-Ethyl-1-butanamine may look harmless, but even a short lapse makes trouble.
Keep a spill kit nearby: absorbent pads, neutralizers, and protective clothing should sit on a dedicated shelf. Post emergency instructions next to chemical storage. Encourage staff to speak up about leaks or recurring odors. Review safety rules and real-life accident stories with new hires, not just sticks and labels. The tone in a laboratory changes after hearing how a single unplanned reaction sent someone to the hospital.
Disposal deserves attention too. Never pour leftovers down the drain or mix with household waste. Collect and label the waste for certified hazardous disposal. Local agencies enforce these rules tightly, usually for good reason. Most incidents with N-Ethyl-1-butanamine stem from small shortcuts: ignoring lab coats, leaving caps loose, or carrying open containers across busy labs.
Small changes make the biggest difference. Store and handle N-Ethyl-1-butanamine with respect and care, not out of fear, but because everyone wants to make it home after work without lingering coughs or accidents. Clear rules, routine checks, and an organized storage space give peace of mind to teams—far better than learning lessons the hard way.
N-Ethyl-1-butanamine looks pretty plain on a chemical chart, but industry runs on molecules like this. I remember helping a friend in a small adhesives shop work out some sourcing headaches – N-Ethyl-1-butanamine popped up as one of those “silent” helpers, doing a lot behind the scenes. Whether you spend time in big chemical plants or you just buy finished goods, this compound threads its way through work you rarely see: making coatings tough, finishes smooth, or paints stick just the right way.
Painters and manufacturers look for smooth flow and strong binding. N-Ethyl-1-butanamine, used as an intermediate, helps form special resins and curing agents. These ingredients help coatings stick to metal, plastic, or wood and stand up against weather. The coatings world keeps chasing durable results—no one wants chipped railings or faded trim. Data from industry players like BASF point to the demand for amine-based intermediates growing each year, especially in protective finishes and heavy-duty paints.
I’ve seen pharmacists and chemical engineers working late, puzzling over molecular routes to new therapies. N-Ethyl-1-butanamine gets used to make complex drugs—acting as a building block for active pharmaceutical ingredients. This shortcut saves steps, which matters. Extra steps mean extra cost and more waste. The European Medicines Agency documented how streamlined amine use can lower both environmental impact and production costs.
In the growing season, farmers count on crop protection agents that are potent and safe. Makers of herbicides and pesticides tap N-Ethyl-1-butanamine to help tailor complex molecules that control weeds and pests with fewer side effects for other plants or the environment. Since regulations now drive the need for safer, more targeted chemicals, having versatile intermediates like this amine keeps farmers productive and fields healthier.
N-Ethyl-1-butanamine also helps in manufacturing surfactants and specialty chemicals used in everyday detergents or personal care products. Whenever you watch a stain lift from your shirt or scrub paint off your hands, there’s a good chance these amines did some heavy lifting in the background. Big brands and small manufacturers scan for reliable intermediates that ensure consistent performance in their products, and this compound delivers both simplicity and quality control.
Industries feel growing pressure from consumers and regulators to use fewer hazardous chemicals. Replacement or improved sourcing of intermediates like N-Ethyl-1-butanamine is one part of safer chemical management. Leaders in chemical safety, including the American Chemical Society, recommend tracking supply chain transparency and working closer with suppliers to boost purity, lower emissions, and cut waste. Investment in “green chemistry” startups aims to find renewable feedstocks or better catalysts, nudging this field toward cleaner manufacturing each year.
I always think back to frustrations I saw in shops and labs, hunting for alternatives and safer ways to handle chemicals. Simple molecules, even ones rarely noticed by end users, matter a lot for job safety and environmental impact. Industry veterans talk up team education and open data so everyone on the line — from R&D to shipping — understands both risks and solutions. N-Ethyl-1-butanamine is only one piece, but it shows how careful choices echo up and down a production chain, shaping tomorrow’s industry standards.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | N-ethylbutan-1-amine |
| Other names |
Ethylbutylamine
N-Ethylbutan-1-amine N-Ethyl-n-butylamine 1-Butanamine, N-ethyl- |
| Pronunciation | /ˌɛnˈɛθ.ɪl.wʌn.bjuːˈteɪn.əˌmiːn/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 111-75-1 |
| Beilstein Reference | 0261343 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:34698 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL20040 |
| ChemSpider | 10220 |
| DrugBank | DB02534 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.011.109 |
| EC Number | 203-462-3 |
| Gmelin Reference | 70609 |
| KEGG | C06338 |
| MeSH | D017714 |
| PubChem CID | 11252 |
| RTECS number | EO1575000 |
| UNII | V7B9J6FL9K |
| UN number | UN1175 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C6H15N |
| Molar mass | 87.17 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
| Odor | Amine-like |
| Density | 0.779 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.) |
| Solubility in water | soluble |
| log P | 1.52 |
| Vapor pressure | 2.7 mmHg (20°C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 11.08 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 3.37 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -65.6·10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.408 |
| Viscosity | 2.64 mPa·s (20 °C) |
| Dipole moment | 2.245 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 272.6 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -140.8 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -3893.6 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | N06AX18 |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS07, Danger, H226, H302, H312, H332, H315, H319, P210, P261, P305+P351+P338, P337+P313 |
| Pictograms | GHS02, GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H226, H302, H314 |
| Precautionary statements | P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P261, P264, P271, P301+P310, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P311, P312, P337+P313, P370+P378, P403+P235, P405, P501 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-3-0 |
| Flash point | 52 °C (126 °F; 325 K) |
| Autoignition temperature | 265 °C |
| Explosive limits | Lower: 1.2% Upper: 8.0% |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 oral rat 410 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): 366 mg/kg (rat, oral) |
| NIOSH | RN 110-68-9 |
| PEL (Permissible) | Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | The REL (Recommended Exposure Limit) of N-Ethyl-1-butanamine is "2 ppm (6 mg/m3)". |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Propylamine
Butylamine Diethylamine Ethylamine N-Methylbutylamine 1-Butanamine |
