Quick Search
Introduction
Methoxypropylamine is an important organic compound belonging to the class of aliphatic amines, characterized by the presence of both an alkoxy substituent and a primary amino group.
It plays a versatile role in chemical industries as an intermediate, corrosion inhibitor, surfactant component, and pH adjuster in various formulations.
Its unique structure, which combines hydrophilic and hydrophobic domains, makes it particularly useful in surface chemistry, coatings, and specialty chemical manufacturing.
IUPAC Name: 3-Methoxypropylamine
Molecular Formula: C4H11NO
Molecular Weight: 89.14 g/mol
CAS Number: 5332-73-0
Synonyms:
3-Methoxy-1-propanamine,1-Amino-3-methoxypropane,Methoxy-3-propylamine, MOPA
The compound has been used industrially for several decades, and its applications continue to expand with the increasing demand for functional amines in polymer chemistry, coatings, and agrochemicals.
Chemical Structure and Properties
Structural Characteristics
Methoxypropylamine consists of a three-carbon aliphatic chain bearing a terminal amino group and a methoxy substituent at the opposite terminal.
The presence of both the amino group (-NH2) and the ether group (-OCH3) confers amphiphilic character to the molecule.
Structure: H2N–CH2–CH2–CH2–OCH3
Functional Groups: Primary amine, ether linkage
Physical Properties
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Ammoniacal, fishy odor typical of aliphatic amines
Boiling Point: ~132–134 °C
Melting Point: Approximately -60 °C
Density: 0.87–0.90 g/cm³ at 20 °C
Refractive Index: ~1.415
Vapor Pressure: Moderate
Solubility: Miscible with water, alcohols, ketones; moderate solubility in hydrocarbons
Chemical Properties
Basicity: Strong base due to primary amine group
Reactivity:
Reacts with acids to form stable salts
Undergoes acylation and alkylation reactions
Prone to oxidation in air
Reacts with isocyanates to form ureas
Reacts with epoxides to form β-amino alcohols
The dual functionality (ether + amine) makes it a versatile intermediate in organic synthesis.
Production Methods
Industrial Synthesis
The primary method of producing methoxypropylamine involves the amination of methoxypropanol using ammonia or primary amines in the presence of catalysts.
Reaction with Ammonia:
Methoxypropanol + Ammonia → Methoxypropylamine + Water
Catalytic Amination:
Nickel, copper, or cobalt-based catalysts under high temperature and pressure improve yields.
Laboratory Preparation
Reduction of methoxypropionitrile yields methoxypropylamine.
Alternative synthesis via substitution reaction using 3-chloropropylamine with sodium methoxide.
Applications
Polymer and Resin Industry
Used as a curing agent and chain extender in epoxy resin formulations.
Enhances flexibility and adhesion of coatings.
Involved in the production of polyurethanes and polyamides.
Corrosion Inhibition
Forms protective films on metal surfaces.
Applied in boiler treatment chemicals, cooling water systems, and oilfield applications.
Surfactant and Detergent Chemistry
Incorporated into cationic and amphoteric surfactants.
Improves emulsification, dispersion, and wetting properties.
Agrochemical Industry
Intermediate in synthesis of herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides.
Used in the formulation of growth regulators.
Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Applications
Acts as a building block in active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
Useful in the synthesis of β-blockers, anesthetics, and other bioactive compounds.
Other Uses
Gas scrubbing for acid gases (CO2, H2S).
Additive in lubricants and fuel stabilizers.
Textile finishing and dye intermediates.
SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT METHYOXYPROPYLAMINE (MOPA)
First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician.
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air.
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately.
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment.
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste.
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles.
Faceshield (8-inch minimum).
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product.
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices.
Wash and dry hands.
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls.
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator.
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions.
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company.
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product
