DIOCTYLAMINE

Dioctylamine is a long-chain secondary aliphatic amine primarily employed as a chemical intermediate in surfactant, antistatic, corrosion-control, metal-extraction, and specialty additive manufacturing.
Dioctylamine combines a reactive secondary amino group with two hydrophobic linear octyl chains, providing oil solubility, surface activity, and strong affinity for acidic compounds and selected metal interfaces.
Dioctylamine is commonly supplied as a colorless to pale-yellow liquid or low-melting solid and requires careful handling because it is corrosive and highly hazardous to aquatic organisms.

CAS Number: 1120-48-5
EC Number: 214-311-6
Molecular Formula: C₁₆H₃₅N
Molecular Weight: 241.46 g/mol

SYNONYMS:

Dioctylamine, Di-n-octylamine, Di-n-octyl Amine, N,N-Dioctylamine, N,N-Di-n-octylamine, N-Octyloctan-1-amine, N-Octyl-1-octanamine, 1-Octanamine, N-octyl-, 1-Octanamine N-Octyl Derivative, N-n-Octyl-n-octylamine, N-Octyl-n-octylamine, N-Octyloctylamine, Bis(n-octyl)amine, Bis(octyl)amine, Di-normal-octylamine, Di-normal Octyl Amine, Dioctyl Amine, Secondary Dioctylamine, Secondary Di-n-octylamine, Linear Dioctylamine, Di-C8 Amine, Secondary Di-C8 Amine, Bis-C8 Alkylamine, N,N-Di-C8 Alkylamine, Di-n-C8 Amine, N-Octyl Octylamine, Dioctyl Secondary Amine, Octylated Octylamine, N-Octyl-n-octan-1-amine, N-Octyl Octan-1-amine, N-Octyl-1-aminooctane, Dioctylamine Base, Dioctylamine Technical Grade, Di-n-octylamine Technical Grade, RC 5632, Rc 5632, MFCD00009557, Reaxys Registry Number 1748376, PubChem CID 3094, ChEBI 132284, EINECS 214-311-6, EC 214-311-6, CAS 1120-48-5, LAWOZCWGWDVVSG-UHFFFAOYSA-N

APPLICATIONS

Dioctylamine serves as a chemical intermediate in the manufacture of quaternary ammonium compounds containing long hydrophobic alkyl groups.
Dioctylamine enables producers to introduce two linear C8 chains into cationic derivatives designed for specialized surface-active formulations.
Dioctylamine contributes to the synthesis of amine salts that combine an ionic head group with substantial compatibility in organic media.
Dioctylamine provides a versatile secondary amine platform for preparing functional derivatives through alkylation, acylation, neutralization, and related reactions.

Dioctylamine functions as an intermediate in specialty surfactant production where hydrophobicity and interfacial activity are technically important.
Dioctylamine supports the preparation of cationic and amphiphilic compounds used to modify wetting, emulsification, dispersion, and surface behavior.
Dioctylamine facilitates the development of oil-compatible surfactant systems for industrial formulations containing hydrocarbons or other nonaqueous components.
Dioctylamine offers formulators a reactive building block for tailoring charge density, alkyl-chain balance, and compatibility in downstream surfactants.

Dioctylamine finds application as an intermediate in the preparation of antistatic agents for polymers, fibers, coatings, and related materials.
Dioctylamine promotes the synthesis of surface-active derivatives that help dissipate electrostatic charge when properly incorporated into finished formulations.
Dioctylamine supports antistatic additive systems intended to reduce dust attraction, handling difficulties, and charge accumulation on treated surfaces.
Dioctylamine enables manufacturers to adjust the hydrophobic character and substrate compatibility of specialized antistatic compounds.

Dioctylamine serves as a precursor for softening agents used in selected textile, fiber, polymer, and industrial treatment formulations.
Dioctylamine contributes long alkyl chains that can improve lubricity, smoothness, and surface feel in suitable downstream derivatives.
Dioctylamine facilitates the manufacture of cationic softener components capable of interacting with negatively charged fibers or surfaces.
Dioctylamine provides an adaptable intermediate for modifying softness, slip, conditioning, and handling characteristics in formulated products.

Dioctylamine functions as a metal-extraction agent in selected solvent-extraction and hydrometallurgical separation processes.
Dioctylamine supports the transfer of suitable acidic metal complexes from aqueous phases into compatible organic phases.
Dioctylamine enhances phase selectivity when its basic nitrogen center and hydrophobic octyl groups are matched to the target extraction system.
Dioctylamine allows process developers to adjust extraction, stripping, phase separation, and organic-phase compatibility through controlled formulation.

Dioctylamine finds use as an amine solvent and reactive organic medium in specialized synthesis and separation operations.
Dioctylamine provides a basic, water-immiscible environment that can support reactions involving acidic substrates or oil-soluble intermediates.
Dioctylamine contributes to nonaqueous processing systems where high hydrophobicity and secondary amine reactivity are advantageous.
Dioctylamine enables selective neutralization or solubilization of compatible acidic components within organic formulations.

Dioctylamine serves as an intermediate in corrosion-inhibitor packages intended for selected metal surfaces and industrial fluid systems.
Dioctylamine supports the formation of oil-soluble salts and derivatives capable of interacting with metallic interfaces.
Dioctylamine contributes to protective additive chemistry by combining amine basicity with hydrophobic chains that favor adsorption from organic media.
Dioctylamine offers a useful building block for inhibitor systems designed to reduce moisture-related or acid-promoted corrosion under controlled conditions.

Dioctylamine functions as a component or intermediate in lubricant-additive manufacturing where neutralization and surface interaction are required.
Dioctylamine facilitates the preparation of oil-soluble amine salts for incorporation into mineral oils, synthetic oils, and specialty lubricant formulations.
Dioctylamine supports additive packages intended to improve corrosion control, interfacial behavior, or compatibility with acidic formulation components.
Dioctylamine enables lubricant formulators to introduce secondary amine functionality without sacrificing compatibility in hydrocarbon-rich media.

Dioctylamine finds application in fuel-additive chemistry as a hydrophobic amine intermediate for preparing functional oil-soluble derivatives.
Dioctylamine promotes compatibility with hydrocarbon fuels because its two octyl chains provide substantial nonpolar character.
Dioctylamine contributes to additive systems where acid neutralization, metal-surface interaction, or controlled surfactancy is desired.
Dioctylamine provides a chemical route for producing specialized fuel-treatment compounds rather than functioning as a universal direct-use additive.

Dioctylamine serves as an intermediate in metalworking-fluid formulations requiring oil-soluble amine functionality.
Dioctylamine supports the production of salts and derivatives incorporated into cutting oils, forming fluids, and protective process fluids.
Dioctylamine enhances organic-phase compatibility in additive packages designed for lubrication, corrosion control, or interfacial modification.
Dioctylamine allows formulators to balance hydrophobicity, basicity, and metal affinity in carefully developed metalworking systems.

Dioctylamine functions as a building block in selected oilfield chemicals designed for hydrocarbon-rich processing environments.
Dioctylamine contributes hydrophobic secondary amine functionality to derivatives used in corrosion-control, separation, or surface-treatment formulations.
Dioctylamine supports oil-soluble additive systems where adsorption at metal, oil, or water interfaces is technically beneficial.
Dioctylamine offers compatibility advantages in nonaqueous process fluids when the final derivative is properly formulated and evaluated.

Dioctylamine finds application as a reagent in organic synthesis for producing substituted amines, amides, ammonium salts, and other nitrogen-containing derivatives.
Dioctylamine provides a sterically substantial secondary nitrogen center capable of participating in controlled nucleophilic reactions.
Dioctylamine supports laboratory and industrial synthesis routes requiring a long-chain hydrophobic amine reactant.
Dioctylamine enables researchers to investigate structure–property relationships involving secondary amines with two linear C8 substituents.

Dioctylamine serves as a starting material in selected oxidation routes used to prepare octanal or related oxygenated C8 compounds.
Dioctylamine contributes to specialty synthesis programs where controlled conversion of the amine structure provides useful downstream intermediates.
Dioctylamine facilitates custom chemical manufacturing involving hydrophobic nitrogen-containing building blocks.
Dioctylamine offers manufacturers a versatile intermediate for antistatic agents, softeners, surfactants, extractants, solvents, and other specialty products.

DESCRIPTION

Dioctylamine is generally supplied as a clear, colorless to pale-yellow liquid at temperatures above its melting range.
At cooler temperatures, Dioctylamine may solidify or appear as a white to yellow powder, lump, or low-melting solid.
Its physical form can therefore vary during transportation and storage without necessarily indicating chemical degradation.
Gentle controlled warming may restore a homogeneous liquid when permitted by the supplier’s handling instructions.

Structurally, Dioctylamine is a secondary amine in which one hydrogen and two linear n-octyl groups are attached to nitrogen.
Its molecular structure may be represented as (C₈H₁₇)₂NH.
The central nitrogen atom provides basic and nucleophilic behavior, while the two long hydrocarbon chains create strong hydrophobic character.
This combination accounts for the compound’s reactivity with acids and its compatibility with many organic media.

Chemically, Dioctylamine acts as a Brønsted base and readily forms salts when brought into contact with suitable acids.
The secondary amino group can also undergo alkylation, acylation, oxidation, and other reactions used in specialty chemical synthesis.
Its two n-octyl substituents reduce water compatibility while increasing affinity for oils, hydrocarbons, and hydrophobic phases.
These characteristics make Dioctylamine particularly valuable as an intermediate rather than as a general-purpose water-soluble amine.

Dioctylamine can be manufactured through controlled amination or alkylation routes that introduce two linear octyl groups onto nitrogen.
Industrial production is normally followed by separation, distillation, drying, and quality-control operations.
Purification is important because residual starting materials, water, primary amines, or higher amine homologues may affect downstream reactions.
Commercial grades are commonly specified according to assay, color, water content, amine value, and physical appearance.

Dioctylamine is immiscible with water because the molecule contains sixteen hydrocarbon carbon atoms and only one amino group.
In contrast, Dioctylamine displays useful compatibility with many hydrocarbon solvents, oils, and other organic liquids.
Its water immiscibility is advantageous in solvent-extraction systems where a distinct organic phase must be maintained.
The actual solubility of Dioctylamine in a formulation depends on temperature, solvent polarity, acid content, and the presence of surfactants or salts.

Dioctylamine melts at approximately 13–16°C and may alternate between liquid and solid physical forms near normal room temperature.
Its boiling point is approximately 297–298°C under atmospheric pressure.
The product has a relatively low vapor pressure at room temperature, although corrosive vapor or mist exposure remains possible during heating or spraying.
Heating should therefore be performed in closed or adequately ventilated equipment designed for corrosive amine service.

Dioctylamine is hygroscopic and may absorb moisture during prolonged contact with humid air.
Certain commercial guidance also identifies the product as air sensitive and recommends storage under inert gas.
Moisture uptake can influence appearance, analytical results, salt formation, and performance in water-sensitive synthesis.
Containers should consequently remain tightly sealed and should be opened only under appropriately controlled conditions.

Under recommended conditions, Dioctylamine is chemically stable and hazardous polymerization is not expected.
Dioctylamine reacts strongly with acids because neutralization can generate heat and corrosive amine salts.
Contact with strong oxidizing agents may produce uncontrolled reactions or decomposition.
Combustion or severe thermal decomposition can generate carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides, and irritating or corrosive fumes.

Dioctylamine is classified as corrosive and can cause severe skin burns and serious eye damage.
The substance is harmful if swallowed, while vapor or mist may injure respiratory tissues.
Dioctylamine is also classified as very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.
Industrial use therefore requires effective containment, protective equipment, spill control, and prevention of environmental release.

Commercial quality should be confirmed using the supplier’s current specification and certificate of analysis.
Typical analytical controls may include gas-chromatographic purity, nonaqueous titration, refractive index, color, water, and amine value.
Physical values can vary slightly according to purity, test method, and commercial grade.
The current Safety Data Sheet should always take priority when Dioctylamine is transported, processed, stored, or disposed of.

PROPERTIES

Chemical Name: Dioctylamine
Chemical Class: Long-chain secondary aliphatic amine
CAS Number: 1120-48-5
EC Number: 214-311-6
Molecular Formula: C₁₆H₃₅N
Molecular Weight: 241.46 g/mol
IUPAC Name: N-Octyloctan-1-amine
Structural Formula: (C₈H₁₇)₂NH
PubChem CID: 3094
MDL Number: MFCD00009557
Appearance: Clear, colorless to pale-yellow liquid above its melting range
Low-Temperature Appearance: White or colorless to yellow powder, lump, or solid
Odor: Characteristic amine-like odor
Physical State at 20°C: Liquid, although commercial appearance may vary near the melting range
Typical Purity: 95.0–96.0% minimum, depending on commercial grade
Melting Point: Approximately 13–16°C
Boiling Point: Approximately 297–298°C
Flash Point: Greater than 110°C, closed cup
Relative Density at 25°C: Approximately 0.799
Refractive Index at 20°C: Approximately 1.4415–1.4455
Vapor Pressure at 20°C: Approximately 0.01 hPa
Relative Vapor Density: Approximately 9.67
Water Solubility: Immiscible with water
Log Pow: Approximately 6.7
Hygroscopicity: Hygroscopic
Air Sensitivity: Air sensitive according to certain commercial specifications
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids and strong oxidizing agents
Hazard Classification: Harmful if swallowed; causes severe skin burns and eye damage
Environmental Hazard: Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides, and irritating fumes
Recommended Storage Atmosphere: Inert gas where specified by the supplier
Recommended Storage Condition: Cool, dry, dark, and well-ventilated location in tightly closed containers

FIRST AID

Inhalation:
Move the affected person immediately to fresh air.
Keep the person at rest in a position comfortable for breathing.
Provide artificial respiration with suitable protective equipment if the person is not breathing and trained personnel are available.
Immediately contact a poison center or physician because inhaled vapor or mist may cause corrosive respiratory injury.

Skin Contact:
Remove all contaminated clothing and footwear immediately.
Rinse the affected skin promptly with plenty of water and wash thoroughly with soap.
Continue washing because Dioctylamine can cause severe chemical burns.
Obtain immediate medical attention and clean contaminated clothing before reuse.

Eye Contact:
Rinse the eyes cautiously with plenty of clean water for at least 15 minutes.
Hold the eyelids open and remove contact lenses when present and easy to do.
Continue rinsing throughout transport for medical care whenever possible.
Obtain immediate specialist medical attention because Dioctylamine can cause serious or irreversible eye damage.

Ingestion:
Rinse the mouth thoroughly with water.
Do not induce vomiting.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Immediately contact a poison center or physician because the material is harmful and corrosive if swallowed.

Note to Physicians:
No specific antidote has been identified.
Provide immediate supportive and symptomatic treatment.
Assess the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, eyes, skin, and respiratory system for corrosive injury.
Protect the airway and manage chemical burns according to the patient’s clinical condition.

HANDLING AND STORAGE

Handling:
Handle Dioctylamine only with appropriate training and access to emergency washing facilities.
Avoid all direct contact with the skin, eyes, and clothing.
Do not breathe vapor, fumes, aerosols, or mist.
Use closed transfer systems wherever reasonably practicable.
Wash the hands and exposed skin thoroughly after handling and before breaks.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke in areas where Dioctylamine is processed.

Ventilation:
Provide effective general ventilation in storage and processing areas.
Use local exhaust ventilation at filling points, reactors, sampling stations, and other potential emission sources.
Perform heated, sprayed, or open handling operations inside suitably designed enclosed equipment or a chemical fume hood.
Maintain airborne exposure at the lowest reasonably achievable level.
Use approved respiratory protection when engineering controls cannot adequately control vapor or mist exposure.

Storage:
Store Dioctylamine in tightly closed, corrosion-resistant, and correctly labeled containers.
Keep containers in a cool, dry, dark, and well-ventilated location.
Carefully reseal opened containers and keep them upright to prevent leakage.
Protect the product from moisture, humid air, excessive heat, and direct sunlight.
Store under inert gas when required by the supplier’s specification.
Keep Dioctylamine locked up and separated from strong acids, oxidizing agents, and incompatible materials.

Spill and Leak Procedures:
Evacuate unnecessary personnel and ventilate the affected area.
Wear suitable chemical-resistant protective equipment before approaching the spill.
Stop the leak only when this can be done without risk.
Prevent Dioctylamine from entering drains, waterways, soil, or groundwater.
Contain the liquid with sand, vermiculite, earth, or another compatible inert absorbent.
Collect contaminated absorbent in tightly closed and labeled containers for hazardous-waste disposal.
Wash the contaminated area carefully after bulk material has been removed.
Do not discharge spill residues into the environment because Dioctylamine is highly toxic to aquatic life.

Handling Precautions:
Wear chemical-resistant gloves selected through a documented compatibility assessment.
Use tightly fitting chemical goggles together with a face shield where splashing is possible.
Wear protective clothing and footwear capable of preventing corrosive liquid contact.
Inspect gloves and protective equipment before each use.
Provide an emergency shower and eyewash station close to the handling area.
Use compatible pumps, hoses, seals, gaskets, and storage materials.
Avoid uncontrolled mixing with acids because neutralization may release considerable heat.
Review the current supplier Safety Data Sheet before production, transfer, sampling, transportation, storage, or disposal.