Pentylamine has a past shaped by curious scientists, a growing chemical industry, and the push for better building blocks in synthesis. Chemists in the late 1800s experimented with amines, exploring simple molecules for both theoretical knowledge and industrial uses. By the 1930s, organic chemists gave more attention to pentylamine, realizing that altering alkyl chain length on amines changed their reactivity and biological properties. Decade by decade, advancements in distillation, purification, and analytical chemistry allowed for more reliable production and characterization. Laboratories in Europe and North America led the charge, experimenting with new preparation methods—from older reduction approaches using metal and acid to catalytic hydrogenation as the equipment improved. Today, pentylamine gets regular attention thanks to uses in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, along with ongoing debates about safe handling and environmental impact.
At its core, pentylamine is a straight-chain primary amine with the formula C5H13N. Producers supply it as a clear, colorless liquid with a distinct, fishy odor. It serves as an intermediate—a stepping stone for more complex molecules—in fields ranging from industrial cleaning formulations to the lab-scale synthesis of new bioactive compounds. Laboratories and manufacturers appreciate pentylamine for its relatively simple structure, making it a reliable starting material for creating new functionalized amines, ureas, or carbamates. It’s neither too bulky nor especially toxic, so it fits comfortably as a “workhorse” in a variety of chemical toolkits.
Pentylamine brings together modest volatility and water solubility with classic amine reactivity. Its boiling point sits above room temperature—about 104°C—providing both convenience and safety. The density falls near that of water, allowing straightforward separation steps. Solubility in water remains high, but pentylamine behaves like typical linear amines: it mixes readily with polar solvents but separates cleanly from nonpolars. Exposure to air brings the familiar amine smell, a sign of easy vaporization and a warning to handle with care.
Chemically, pentylamine reacts as expected for a primary amine. The lone nitrogen pair attacks electrophiles, making it helpful for downstream chemistry. Acylation, alkylation, and condensation reactions go smoothly when using it as a reactant. It forms both primary and secondary amine derivatives and can also take on roles in catalysis or as a proton-scavenger.
Producers provide pentylamine in sealed containers, often with inert gas blankets for larger-scale supplies. The requirements set by chemical catalogs typically include purity above 98% for research uses, with GC or HPLC documentation to show minimal contamination from related amines or unreacted precursors. Safety labels warn about flammability, irritancy, and the need for careful ventilation. Product data sheets break down recommended storage at ambient or slightly below-room temperature and strict avoidance of open flames or oxidizers. The Signal Word “Danger” or “Warning” often appears on bottles, a reminder that even common reagents demand respect and safe practice.
Chemists usually prepare pentylamine starting from 1-pentanol or pentyl halides. A recognized method uses 1-pentanol and converts it to pentylchloride, followed by ammonolysis with ammonia gas in a closed reactor. Alternatively, scientists target catalytic hydrogenation of pentanenitrile, which gives pentylamine with a high yield and fewer by-products, especially on modern catalysts. Industrial settings favor continuous-flow reactors for better efficiency, while small labs stick with batch procedures. Producers distill the final product, capturing the middle fraction for purity and re-running batches if necessary.
The straightforward structure of pentylamine lets chemists easily modify it. Acylation with carboxylic acid chlorides or anhydrides produces amides, a vital step for designing new drugs or agrochemicals. Alkylation reactions turn pentylamine into secondary or tertiary amines, opening up a wide chemical space for surfactant or catalyst research. Reacting pentylamine with urea derivatives yields substituted guanidines, further expanding its utility. The latent nucleophilicity of the nitrogen atom allows pentylamine to serve as an excellent starting point for more exotic transformations, including heterocycle synthesis. Scientists have also explored its oxidative deamination, hydrolysis, and coupling to form Schiff bases or imines.
Across the globe and throughout chemical catalogs, pentylamine wears a few different labels. It goes by n-pentylamine, 1-aminopentane, and aminopentane. Some suppliers use commercial product codes related to their cataloging systems. Whether searching in an academic paper, a safety sheet, or a procurement list, these synonyms all point to the same five-carbon primary amine with wide utility.
Work involving pentylamine needs careful handling, not only because of its flammability but also due to its irritant nature. Gases and mists can trigger headaches or upper respiratory irritation, a hazard easily overlooked in busy labs. Protective gloves, goggles, and proper fume hoods should stay on every chemist’s checklist. Should any exposure happen, manufacturers recommend immediate rinsing with water and, in the case of inhalation, seeking medical attention. Proper storage away from heat sources and oxidizers reduces fire risk. Institutional safety teams typically issue Standard Operating Procedures for handling, ensuring compliance with occupational health standards. For larger users, waste streams containing pentylamine require neutralization before disposal, with detailed documentation for environmental authorities.
Pentylamine’s reach stretches from small labs to factory floors. Chemists use it as a building block in the pharmaceutical industry—developing antihypertensives, antifungals, and central nervous system drugs. Its reactivity brings value in manufacturing agrochemicals, such as herbicides, insecticides, and stabilizers. Polymer scientists use pentylamine to tweak properties in specialty plastics or as a chain-transfer agent. Its predictable behavior lets formulators design and optimize surfactant blends that power industrial degreasers or household cleaners. Sometimes pentylamine acts as a corrosion inhibitor in petroleum and lubricant processing; its amine group attaches to metal surfaces, slowing rust and breakdown.
Pentylamine continues drawing interest for both its direct applications and the chemistry it enables. Researchers see value in its simple, linear structure for designing new drug scaffolds. It helps probe reaction mechanisms or serve as a model substrate in catalysis research. As standards for green chemistry tighten, labs look for ways to recycle or re-use pentylamine-based intermediates, inspired by sustainability targets sweeping the chemical industry. Academic groups in synthetic organic chemistry and medicinal chemistry take advantage of its transformations to improve yields, reduce by-products, or invent new reactivity platforms. Pentylamine remains a foundation for thousands of published studies each year, proving that even “basic” molecules never go out of style in creative hands.
Pentylamine’s safety profile looks better than many chemicals in its class, but caution stays warranted. Studies show low acute toxicity for skin or oral exposure, though effects can compound in poorly ventilated spaces. Prolonged contact brings risk of skin sensitization, local irritation, or respiratory inflammation. Data on long-term toxicity remain scarce, so employers and regulators err on the side of caution, setting low permissible exposure limits. Environmental studies highlight its rapid biodegradation in soil and water but also note sensitivity in aquatic species. Research into metabolic fate has not identified any persistent cancer risk, but regulatory agencies in the US, Europe, and Asia call for strict tracking of workplace conditions. Chemical safety educators push for up-to-date hazard communication, helping the next generation stay both productive and safe as discovery continues.
Demand for pentylamine is not likely to drop; global pharmaceutical and agrochemical development keeps it in steady rotation. As new bioactive compounds appear, pentylamine’s status grows—both as an essential precursor and as a subject for greener, safer chemistry. Chemists pursue bio-based or waste-derived production routes, reducing energy input and lowering environmental footprints. Automation and process chemistry innovations may soon shrink cost while boosting purity. Advances in analytical methods, like real-time mass spectrometry, improve quality monitoring, opening paths to even higher standards. Researchers are already exploring pentylamine’s potential in fields like nanomaterials and specialty coatings, building on its reliable amine reactivity. The future rewards chemists and firms that keep safety, sustainability, and innovation at the core—from benchtop breakthroughs to pilot plant production.
Everyday life doesn’t usually get us thinking about chemicals like pentylamine. Still, this compound pops up in some unexpected places. As someone who's spent years hauling boxes in warehouses, stocking drugstore shelves, and talking to folks in agriculture, I’ve picked up a real appreciation for what goes into the things we use every day. If you peel back the packaging on some products, a behind-the-scenes cast member like pentylamine sometimes plays a big role—especially in specialty chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and even food manufacturing.
Let’s talk farming. Crops face a parade of pests and diseases. Farmers fight back with crop protection chemicals, many of which depend on synthesis processes that need small amines—like pentylamine—as building blocks. Some herbicides rely on pentylamine salts instead of traditional versions, helping reduce drift or boost performance in the field. Such tweaks feel minor until you see a healthy stand of crops where weeds once took over. For people growing food, the margin between a good harvest and a loss often traces back to small chemical changes.
On the pharmacy side, drugmakers favor pentylamine for another reason. It offers a way to modify molecules. Medicinal chemists reach for it to adjust the structure of promising medicines or help deliver drugs better. There’s plenty of research showing that targeting minor adjustments in drug chemistry can improve absorption or lower side effects. Antibiotics, painkillers, blood pressure pills—the fine-tuning behind these drugs often comes from a small change early in the lab, sometimes with pentylamine as a stepping stone.
Walk into a food processing plant and you'll see long conveyor belts and big mixing tanks. Food companies use amines like pentylamine to help create certain flavors and preservatives. Here, it’s not about taste but about keeping food safe and stable. Regulators pay close attention, and manufacturers need to stick to strict limits. But without these key players in the background, food would spoil faster, costing stores and families more in the long run.
Having worked near chemical storage and in supply logistics, I’ve seen how transportation and labeling really matter. Pentylamine’s low flash point makes it hazardous—one spark can start a fire fast. Warehouse workers and truck drivers count on real training so they don’t end up with a dangerous spill or fire. Companies can’t cut corners here. Agencies such as OSHA and local fire marshals perform spot checks, and with good reason. Chemical mishaps endanger people, hurt businesses, and often leave lasting scars on the environment.
People ask whether chemicals like pentylamine end up in water or food. Regulators study how much residue appears at the end of agriculture or food manufacturing. Scientists trace where chemicals go after use, and the EPA has punishment ready for anyone dumping leftovers illegally. Large companies invest in better containment, spill response, and recycling for this reason. Cleaner practices cost cash upfront, but that often helps companies avoid big lawsuits or lost crops later when contamination occurs.
No single chemical changes the world alone, but pentylamine fills a niche that few others match. Safer chemical handling only works when companies follow training, not just paperwork. My experience in logistics showed that regular drills, basic PPE, and no shortcuts make all the difference to safety. Better tracking, from barcodes to batch logs, lets folks spot problems before they hit the headlines. In labs, researchers look for similar amines with less risk—chemistry drives progress, but old habits are tough to change overnight. Supporting good science, transparent reporting, and holding companies accountable keeps us all safer, from farmers and pharmacists to grocery clerks and warehouse crews.
I once found myself helping a small lab clear out obsolete chemical stock, and a half-full bottle of pentylamine stared back at me through a dusty cabinet. Just because a chemical isn’t on every hazard list doesn’t mean it deserves little attention. Pentylamine isn’t some household name, but those in labs and certain industries may run across it often enough for safety questions to pop up. Like many aliphatic amines, it packs an unmistakable odor—a warning for those who pay attention, though the safety risks go deeper than just an unpleasant smell.
A straight answer about pentylamine’s safety comes down to handling and respect. This compound brings hazards to the table: it irritates eyes, skin, and especially the respiratory tract. Years ago, I watched a technician pop open a container without gloves or goggles—despite clear warnings in the MSDS. Red, painful skin and watery eyes showed up quickly. The stuff doesn’t wait long before reminding you it needs care.
Breathing even a small amount in a poorly ventilated space can burn your throat and nasal passages. Anyone thinking pentylamine is tame because it lacks the notoriety of old-school industrial chemicals needs a reality check. OSHA and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health both assign recommended limits for worker exposure: as low as 5 parts per million over an 8-hour workday.
Pentylamine also catches fire quite easily. If a lab or workspace doesn’t pay close attention to sources of ignition, the risk grows. I once volunteered on a team investigating a small fire at a research facility. Guess what helped it along? Residual pentylamine left in a waste container, paired with a static discharge. The fire wasn’t dramatic, but the lesson was clear—ignoring the flammability can be costly.
This compound also doesn’t mix well with the environment. If it escapes into water or soil, it threatens aquatic organisms. Disposing of pentylamine down the drain or outside isn’t just careless, it invites bigger environmental headaches. Regulations make it clear that proper waste management isn’t optional.
In my time working beside both new students and seasoned researchers, those who took shortcuts with personal protective equipment always ended up regretting it. Gloves, safety goggles, and lab coats aren’t there for show. Good chemistry means good air flow. A fume hood remains a friend to anyone handling this amine. Storing pentylamine away from heat, in tightly sealed containers, ensures stray vapors don’t creep into workspaces.
Clear labeling and training pay off. Leaders in labs often tell newcomers about the headache from that “smelly bottle.” Stories stick better than memos. No one likes extra paperwork, but documenting spills and exposure keeps everyone safer in the long run. In my view, “winging it” never beats reading the safety sheet and double-checking gear.
Most injuries involving pentylamine happen not because of just the liquid itself, but because someone underestimated its risks or skipped the basics. Facts and first-hand experience combine for lasting knowledge. Handle pentylamine with the same caution given to better-known hazards. That simple shift protects health, the environment, and the long-term reputation of any lab or facility.
For anyone who remembers a high school chemistry lab smell, the word "amine" probably calls up memories of something pungent. Pentylamine isn’t the first compound that pops up outside of a textbook, but it holds its value both in daily research and in industry. The chemical formula for pentylamine is C5H13N. Underneath this formula, there’s a chain of five carbon atoms, joined by thirteen hydrogens and a nitrogen sticking out at the end.
You might not run into pentylamine at the grocery store, but behind the scenes, it’s used in places most folks never see. In the lab, organic chemists rely on it to piece together more complicated molecules. Pharmaceutical companies put pentylamine to work in creating drugs, using its basic nitrogen to build more complex skeletons for medicines. Its ability to act as a building block keeps research wheels turning, whether it’s drugs, pesticides, or specialty chemicals.
Every time you find a new pesticide or an innovative therapeutic compound, chances are chemistry like pentylamine’s played a role somewhere in the process. That’s why people who depend on fine-tuned chemical synthesis give pentylamine its due. Chemists care about pure, properly labeled material, and the correct formula—C5H13N—makes sure they stay on course. Getting even one atom wrong invites mistakes or ruined batches. So, accuracy in the basics saves thousands of dollars and hours in the long run.
Working with chemicals goes beyond just knowing names. A single error in naming or using a formula can lead to safety hazards or costly setbacks. For those who routinely handle substances like pentylamine, a strong grasp of chemistry becomes a form of protection. Mislabeling or misunderstanding basics, such as formulas, can spark incidents ranging from irritating skin reactions to dangerously flammable spills.
Companies and laboratories put resources into training not just for compliance, but because the stakes run high. For those working behind a fume hood, the clarity and accuracy of communicating something as simple as “C5H13N” runs like a common thread through the science. By sticking to best practices and industry-standard naming conventions, workplaces cut down on error rates and raise safety barriers.
Chemical names and formulas, like that of pentylamine, don’t have to stay behind a curtain. With the growth of open information and public discussion about chemicals in products, consumers develop a better sense of what goes into what they use or ingest. That insight allows for informed conversations with professionals and more scrutiny of safety claims from manufacturers.
Instead of seeing chemistry as an intimidating science, more people could stand to benefit from learning about formulas and structures. Even a small boost in chemical literacy can lift confidence, whether you’re handling cleaning products at home or reading a medication ingredient list. The formula C5H13N may look simple, but it represents a crucial piece of the vast, interconnected world of chemistry that shapes modern living.
Pentylamine isn’t the type of chemical anyone should leave on a cluttered shelf. It exists in labs, chemical plants, and even small workshops, and there’s a reason for the caution. This stuff carries flammable and toxic risks. I once worked in a lab where an unlabeled bottle of an amine sat too close to a heat source. The fumes made their way across the room, causing headaches that no one could quite pin down at first. That experience taught us to never take shortcuts with chemical storage.
Anyone dealing with pentylamine will tell you the biggest threat comes from its volatility. The chemical can ignite easily, so storing it near open flames or heating systems spells trouble. I remember seeing an incident report from a plant in Asia where pentylamine fumes caught fire after a worker lit a cigarette in the wrong area. Luckily, no one was seriously hurt, but the scare stuck with me. Standard safety data recommends a cool, well-ventilated spot away from any ignition sources.
Humidity and moisture also create problems for pentylamine. This stuff doesn’t play nicely with water, which can set off reactions you don’t want in your storage room. Sealing the container tightly and checking caps and lids every time makes a big difference. Once, after a shipment arrived, our team found a loose cap on a bottle of pentylamine, and the smell hit us immediately. The supplier apologized, and now we always inspect shipments on arrival. Keeping containers properly labeled stops confusion and accidental mixing with the wrong chemicals.
Breathing pentylamine fumes can irritate the nose, throat, and even the lungs. Several coworkers have suffered from dizziness after exposure, especially in poorly ventilated areas. Intelligence from toxicology studies points to the need for chemical fume hoods or, at the very least, plenty of airflow in the storage space. Personal protective equipment—gloves and goggles—become basic routine for people handling the substance.
Failure to handle pentylamine carefully doesn’t just affect health. Regulators in most countries have rules for storing flammable chemicals. I’ve seen companies hit with heavy fines and even forced shutdowns over poor storage practices. Agencies like OSHA in the United States take these precautions seriously after several warehouse fires traced back to improper chemical storage.
Start with steel safety cabinets built specifically for flammable chemicals—some insurance companies even demand this before coverage begins. Store away from direct sunlight, radiators, or any source of heat. Every employee handling pentylamine deserves clear training and updated safety documentation. I suggest quick refreshers before anyone joins a shift where chemical work is on the schedule. Implementing a regular inspection calendar adds another layer of security—sometimes issues pop up months after installation, and catching them early prevents bigger disasters.
Disposal matters too. Unused pentylamine shouldn’t end up in floor drains or municipal waste. Most municipalities offer hazardous waste pickup, but in some cases, a licensed contractor should take care of it. Label all containers before sending them off, to avoid mix-ups later at the handling facility.
Pentylamine deserves respect, not fear. Following the right protocols and leaning on experience from years in the lab keeps everyone safe and the environment protected. Over time, little steps—tight containers, smart labels, and good ventilation—stack up to a trustworthy storage setup that keeps health risks and legal headaches away.
Ask anyone outside of the science world about pentylamine, and you’ll likely get blank stares. This isn’t a bottle sitting on pharmacy shelves or tucked between cleaning sprays under the kitchen sink. Pentylamine is a specialty chemical, mostly recognized by researchers, people working in labs, and those in industries like pharmaceuticals. Its uses include chemical synthesis and research, where it plays a role in building more complex molecules. Regular shoppers don’t come across pentylamine the way they do other compounds, so curiosity about how to get it opens up some larger questions around safety, responsibility, and trust.
Looking for pentylamine reveals something deeper about how access to science is changing. There are online sites selling specialty chemicals, making it seem easy to buy almost anything with a credit card. Sigma-Aldrich, TCI Chemicals, Fisher Scientific, and many other reputable suppliers list pentylamine. Realistically, purchases from these companies require more than a log-in. They check credentials, verify shipping addresses, and look for connections to schools, research centers, or professional labs. These guardrails protect people from harm and help stop chemicals from being used in dangerous or illegal ways.
Some folks new to chemistry might not realize how important regulations have become. In the past, it felt simpler—order, receive, experiment in the garage. That’s changed, and for good reason. Authorities like the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) keep a close watch on chemicals, especially those that might turn up in drug making or hazardous recipes. Pentylamine isn’t on every restricted list, but suppliers still take care, because safety trumps speed.
Shady sellers sometimes pop up in online marketplaces, auction sites, or forums promising “easy access” or “no paperwork.” Red flags flash. Without proper regulation, buyers risk getting impure or mislabeled products, placing their health and freedom on the line. It’s not just about safety goggles and gloves—pentylamine in the wrong hands or in the wrong dose brings serious health consequences, including headaches, nausea, and worse.
Education is a huge part of building trust around chemical sales. People researching, teaching, or developing products need reliable access, but only if everyone sticks to clear, enforced rules. That means transparent documentation, training, and a push for supplier accountability. Responsible sellers know their customers, keep records, and work within legal frameworks. The average hobbyist faces an uphill battle, and sometimes, disappointment is the honest answer—true science isn’t always accessible without the right background or credentials.
For students or home scientists, local universities sometimes organize outreach programs or shared resources with proper oversight. Community science spaces, like makerspaces, often build legal and safe connections to chemical suppliers. Working through these channels provides experience and mentorship, and, as a bonus, helps keep the science community open and ethical.
Demand for chemicals such as pentylamine shines a light on the balance between curiosity, safety, and trust. Every bottle has a story—and every purchase should be part of a process that prizes knowledge, health, and responsibility above shortcuts and risk.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | pentan-1-amine |
| Other names |
1-Pentanamine
n-Amylamine pentan-1-amine |
| Pronunciation | /ˈpɛntɪl.əˌmiːn/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 110-58-7 |
| Beilstein Reference | 1209242 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:33141 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL14259 |
| ChemSpider | 8840 |
| DrugBank | DB14019 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03bcfa62-6e97-4df9-a5c4-e6be0d2f2bcf |
| EC Number | 205-793-9 |
| Gmelin Reference | 8287 |
| KEGG | C01877 |
| MeSH | D010412 |
| PubChem CID | 8057 |
| RTECS number | SJ9625000 |
| UNII | O2M5JX7D5D |
| UN number | UN1104 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C5H13N |
| Molar mass | 87.16 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Odor | ammoniacal |
| Density | 0.765 g/mL at 25 °C |
| Solubility in water | soluble |
| log P | 1.51 |
| Vapor pressure | 2.15 kPa (at 20 °C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 10.75 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 2.90 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -54.0e-6 cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.411 |
| Viscosity | 0.374 mPa·s (at 20 °C) |
| Dipole moment | 1.37 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 221.6 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | −52.2 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -3763 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | C01CA23 |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS05,GHS07 |
| Signal word | Danger |
| Hazard statements | H226, H302, H314, H332 |
| Precautionary statements | P210, P233, P280, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P312, P337+P313, P403+P235 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-3-0-ALK |
| Flash point | 40 °C |
| Autoignition temperature | 300 °C |
| Explosive limits | 1.1% - 10.8% |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 Oral Rat 1460 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): Oral rat LD50 = 1,570 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | SN 3500000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL: Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 0.5 ppm |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | 100 ppm |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Butylamine
Hexylamine Octylamine Pentanol Pentan-2-one |
