Heptylamine stands out in the amine chemical family because of its straightforward structure and practical uses across chemical industries. This compound, also known as n-Heptylamine, carries the formula C7H17N, combining seven carbon atoms, seventeen hydrogen atoms, and one nitrogen atom. In practice, heptylamine often comes across as a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a mild, fishy odor, which is typical for alkylamines. Manufacturers and researchers see heptylamine as a choice for producing dyes, surfactants, pharmaceuticals, corrosion inhibitors, and specialty solvents. CAS Number for heptylamine: 111-68-2, and the Harmonized System (HS) Code recognized for international shipping is 29211990.
This compound handles heat much like other aliphatic amines. With a molecular weight of about 115.22 g/mol and boiling point in the 151–153 °C range, heptylamine holds its form under moderate laboratory and industrial temperatures. Melting point sits below room temperature, at around −16 °C, so storage at standard conditions keeps it in liquid form. Its density falls near 0.78 g/cm³ at 20 °C, making it lighter than water. In terms of solubility, heptylamine mixes well with organic solvents like ethanol and ether, though it does not dissolve strongly in water. Chemical activity favors organic synthesis, reacting with acids to form salts and with halides to create longer-chain amines.
The molecular structure of heptylamine is straightforward: a seven-carbon linear chain capped with an amine group (–NH2). This simplicity drives the chemical’s predictable behavior in synthesis and makes it easy to reference in material safety and sourcing documents. Most commonly, heptylamine moves through supply chains as a liquid. Some storage environments may yield solid flakes or crystalline forms if cooled significantly, but these states are rare in industry unless someone is working with direct cooling or specialized laboratory settings. In bulk, heptylamine can be delivered in drums or totes as a clear, almost water-like fluid.
Handling heptylamine brings up the importance of familiarity with amine health and safety. This chemical can cause skin burns and eye irritation if direct contact occurs. Inhalation of vapors might trigger respiratory irritation, headache, or even nausea, depending on the amount and time exposed. Long-term exposure is not well-documented outside of workplace settings, but occupational safety data shows the need for good ventilation, chemical-resistant gloves, and eye protection during use. Although not as hazardous as some aromatic amines, heptylamine falls under hazardous material regulations in many jurisdictions. Environmental concerns often relate to its toxicity towards aquatic organisms, which can experience harm even from relatively small spills. The safety data sheet (SDS/MSDS) should always be the point of reference for users.
Commercial heptylamine typically arrives with purities above 98%, reflecting the rigorous controls in the chemical manufacturing world. Impurities might include other amines or residual solvents from synthesis. Testing for water content, color, and amine number helps ensure compatibility with downstream uses, especially in pharmaceuticals where impurities can cause major quality issues. Heptylamine production most often derives from raw material feedstocks based on petrochemical origins. Upstream suppliers use catalytic hydrogenation and purification to reach the high assay required for specialty chemical work. Tracking this material through supply chains forces many companies to focus on documentation such as certificates of analysis, as well as compliance with global transport rules tied to HS Code 29211990.
Heptylamine appears almost exclusively as a liquid in standard manufacturing and laboratory environments, but some processes call for chilled or solidified forms. At colder temperatures, the material changes to a soft solid or crystalline structure, which sometimes looks like translucent flakes or small crystals. Such forms make dosing and weighing easier in precisely controlled applications, while the liquid remains a go-to in bulk handling. Powdered and pearl forms are rare due to handling difficulties and demand; most processes rely on the ease of transferring heptylamine as a fluid, with specialized containers designed for safe, spill-free transfer.
Industries treating heptylamine as a raw material usually focus on value-added synthesis. Chemical engineers draw on its reactivity to build up surfactants for detergents and emulsifiers, components for corrosion inhibitors, and even intermediates for pharmaceutical agents. Its alkyl chain length offers a balance between hydrophobicity and miscibility, which turns out valuable for products needing both oil solubility and reactivity with functional groups. Unlike short-chain amines, heptylamine can reduce volatility issues without sacrificing reactivity. Most research and application development in the past decade highlight its flexibility in fine chemicals, especially for specialty surfactants and blockers in protective coatings.
Storing heptylamine calls for closed, labeled containers kept away from heat, ignition sources, and incompatible chemicals such as acids and strong oxidizers. Stainless steel or lined carbon steel tanks often work well. In the lab, glass and certain plastics remain safe choices. Solutions of heptylamine in ethanol or water prepare quickly but must be buffered to prevent unwanted side reactions, particularly hydrolysis or acid-neutralization that may affect downstream experiments. The material proves stable for months to years if environmental controls prevent oxidation or loss of container seal integrity. Regular inspection of seals, container condition, and labeling helps avoid accidental exposure or unwanted mixing.
Recapping core properties, heptylamine’s molecular formula is C7H17N. Molecular mass checks in at 115.22 g/mol. Its density—around 0.78 g/cm³—calls for careful calculation during batching and formulation. High purity grade, clear to pale yellow appearance, and faint amine scent mark each incoming shipment. Boiling and melting points (151–153 °C and −16 °C, respectively) align with safe processing, as they don’t require exotic industrial equipment to manage. Each supplier’s documentation should match these numbers within tight tolerances, especially in regulated industries.
Heptylamine’s potential for chemical burns and aquatic toxicity underlines the push for safer practices and greener alternatives. Many facilities address these risks with on-site neutralization systems and rapid clean-up training. Research into biodegradable amines and process changes that minimize emissions continues, spurred by tighter environmental regulations and the drive for sustainable chemical practices. Investing in worker training, spill containment, and engineering controls often brings the best results—protecting both people and the planet while keeping productivity high.
