Trioctylamine is a hydrophobic tertiary amine used mainly as an extractant, phase-transfer and neutralizing agent, and corrosion-inhibition related intermediate in industrial systems, and Trioctylamine is valued for strong basicity in nonpolar media and high compatibility with organic phases.
Trioctylamine is widely used in solvent extraction for organic acids and metal complexes, in specialty chemical synthesis, and in oilfield and industrial formulations where long-chain tertiary amines improve interfacial activity, and Trioctylamine performance depends on alkyl chain distribution, purity, and the solvent system design.
Trioctylamine is typically supplied as a clear to pale yellow viscous liquid, and Trioctylamine can cause irritation and has strong amine odor, so handling requires ventilation, PPE, and control of skin and eye contact.
CAS Number: 1116-76-3
EC Number: 214-248-3
Molecular Formula: C24H51N
Molecular Weight: 353.67 g/mol
Synonyms: Trioctylamine, Tri-n-octylamine, TOA, Tri(C8)amine, N,N-Dioctyl-1-octanamine (naming used in some contexts), Tri(octyl)amine, Trioctyl Amine, Tertiary Octyl Amine, Long-Chain Tertiary Amine, Trioctylamine Extractant, Trioctylamine Base, TOA Amine, Trioctylamine, Tri-n-octylamine, Tri-N-Octylamine, Triisooctylamine, Tertiary Trioctylamine, Tertiary Octylamine, N,N-Dioctyloctan-1-amine, N,N-Dioctyl-1-octanamine, Tris(octyl)amine, Tris-n-octylamine, Tris(1-octyl)amine, Tri-C8-alkylamine, Tri-C8 Amine, Tertiary C8 Amine, Tri-n-alkylamine C8, TOA, TNOA, Alamine 336, Adogen 381, Hostarex A 327, Octylamine Tertiary, Tri-octyl Amine, Trioctyl Amin, Trioctylamine Reagent, Trioctylamine Solvent, Trioctylamine Extractant, Trioctylamine Phase Transfer Agent, Trioctylamine Ion Pair Reagent, Trioctylamine Intermediate, Trioctylamine Catalyst, Trioctylamine Additive, Trioctylamine Surfactant Intermediate, Trioctylamine Corrosion Inhibitor Intermediate, Trioctylamine Organic Base, Trioctylamine Liquid, Industrial Trioctylamine
APPLICATIONS
Trioctylamine is used in solvent extraction systems to extract organic acids by forming ion pairs or amine salts in the organic phase.
Trioctylamine is incorporated into extraction formulations to separate carboxylic acids from aqueous streams in compatible process designs.
Trioctylamine is used in purification processes where reversible acid-base complexation improves recovery and selectivity.
Trioctylamine is used as an extractant or co-extractant in hydrometallurgy in selected applications to recover metal complexes or anionic species from aqueous solutions.
Trioctylamine is incorporated into solvent extraction circuits to improve phase separation and loading capacity in compatible systems.
Trioctylamine is used in specialty separation processes where tertiary amine extractants provide selectivity.
Trioctylamine is used as a phase-transfer and acid scavenger base in organic synthesis in selected applications where water-immiscible, high-boiling tertiary amines are beneficial.
Trioctylamine is incorporated into reaction systems to neutralize acids and to improve conversion in compatible chemistries.
Trioctylamine is used in catalyst and intermediate preparation in selected applications where long-chain tertiary amine behavior supports process control.
Trioctylamine is used in corrosion-inhibition related formulations in selected applications as part of amine-based inhibitor packages for acids or brines.
Trioctylamine is incorporated into oil and gas production chemicals in selected applications to improve adsorption and film formation on metal surfaces.
Trioctylamine is used in metal treatment systems where amine adsorption improves surface protection in compatible environments.
Trioctylamine is used as an intermediate in producing quaternary ammonium salts and amine-based surfactants in selected applications.
Trioctylamine is incorporated into specialty chemical synthesis to produce salts that act as phase-transfer catalysts or ionic surfactants.
Trioctylamine is valued because Trioctylamine provides strong organic-phase basicity, effective extraction behavior, and useful interfacial properties for separations and industrial chemistry.
Trioctylamine is used as an extractant in solvent extraction processes.
Trioctylamine helps separate organic acids from aqueous solutions.
Trioctylamine is used in hydrometallurgical metal recovery.
Trioctylamine supports selective extraction of metal complexes from process streams.
Trioctylamine is used in uranium extraction systems.
Trioctylamine helps recover uranium from acidic leach solutions.
Trioctylamine is used in rare earth element separation research.
Trioctylamine supports selective transfer of metal ions into organic phases.
Trioctylamine is used in molybdenum and tungsten extraction processes.
Trioctylamine helps separate anionic metal complexes in acidic media.
Trioctylamine is used in vanadium recovery systems.
Trioctylamine supports extraction of vanadium species from industrial solutions.
Trioctylamine is used in cobalt and nickel separation studies.
Trioctylamine helps improve selectivity in compatible solvent extraction systems.
Trioctylamine is used in wastewater treatment applications.
Trioctylamine assists removal of acidic organic contaminants from aqueous effluents.
Trioctylamine is used in purification of carboxylic acids.
Trioctylamine helps extract lactic acid from fermentation broths.
Trioctylamine is used in citric acid recovery systems.
Trioctylamine supports separation of acid products from aqueous process media.
Trioctylamine is used in succinic acid extraction.
Trioctylamine helps improve recovery of bio-based organic acids.
Trioctylamine is used in acetic acid extraction from dilute streams.
Trioctylamine supports concentration and purification of weak acids.
Trioctylamine is used in pharmaceutical intermediate purification.
Trioctylamine helps separate acidic intermediates from reaction mixtures.
Trioctylamine is used in fine chemical manufacturing.
Trioctylamine acts as a phase-transfer and extraction aid in selected processes.
Trioctylamine is used in ion-pair extraction methods.
Trioctylamine forms extractable salts with acidic species.
Trioctylamine is used in analytical chemistry sample preparation.
Trioctylamine helps concentrate acidic analytes before instrumental analysis.
Trioctylamine is used in chromatographic reagent systems.
Trioctylamine can modify interactions of acidic compounds in separation methods.
Trioctylamine is used as a tertiary amine base in organic synthesis.
Trioctylamine helps neutralize acids formed during selected reactions.
Trioctylamine is used as an acid scavenger in chemical processes.
Trioctylamine supports pH control in non-aqueous reaction systems.
Trioctylamine is used in catalyst preparation.
Trioctylamine helps control ligand and salt formation in selected catalytic systems.
Trioctylamine is used in phase-transfer catalysis research.
Trioctylamine supports transfer of ionic species between aqueous and organic phases.
Trioctylamine is used in corrosion inhibitor formulations.
Trioctylamine can contribute hydrophobic amine functionality to protective systems.
Trioctylamine is used in surfactant and quaternary ammonium compound synthesis.
Trioctylamine serves as a precursor for specialty cationic derivatives.
Trioctylamine is used in lubricant additive development.
Trioctylamine helps introduce amine functionality into oil-soluble additive systems.
Trioctylamine is used in polymer additive formulations.
Trioctylamine supports acid neutralization and compatibility in selected polymer systems.
Trioctylamine is used in dye and pigment processing.
Trioctylamine helps improve dispersion or extraction of acidic dye components.
Trioctylamine is used in electronic chemical purification research.
Trioctylamine supports removal of acidic impurities from compatible liquid streams.
Trioctylamine is used in specialty solvent systems.
Trioctylamine acts as a hydrophobic amine component in organic-phase formulations.
Trioctylamine is used in research and development of liquid membrane separation systems.
Trioctylamine supports facilitated transport of acidic and anionic species.
Trioctylamine is used in industrial process development where selective extraction is required.
Trioctylamine helps improve separation efficiency, phase behavior, and product recovery.
DESCRIPTION
Trioctylamine is a tertiary aliphatic amine with three C8 alkyl groups, and this long-chain structure makes Trioctylamine highly hydrophobic and compatible with many organic solvents.
Trioctylamine acts as a base and forms salts with acids, and in solvent extraction it often functions by forming extractable ion pairs that transfer target species into the organic phase.
Trioctylamine has high boiling point and low water solubility, and these properties support use in processes where the amine must remain in the organic phase and resist loss to water.
Trioctylamine can have variable composition depending on manufacturing because “octyl” chains can include isomer distributions, and this can influence viscosity, phase separation behavior, and extraction kinetics.
Trioctylamine can cause irritation and has a strong amine odor, and exposure should be minimized with appropriate PPE, ventilation, and good industrial hygiene.
Trioctylamine should be used according to applicable regulations and good industrial hygiene practices for the target market and facility.
Trioctylamine should be stored in tightly closed containers away from strong oxidizers and strong acids unless used in controlled salt formation processes.
Trioctylamine should be protected from excessive heat and direct sunlight to maintain stable color and odor.
Trioctylamine spills can create slip hazards and persistent odor, so containment and prompt cleanup are important.
Trioctylamine is a tertiary aliphatic amine with three octyl groups.
Trioctylamine is commonly classified as a long-chain trialkylamine.
Trioctylamine is typically supplied as a colorless to pale yellow liquid.
Trioctylamine has a characteristic amine-like odor.
Trioctylamine is strongly hydrophobic because of its long alkyl chains.
Trioctylamine has very low solubility in water.
Trioctylamine is soluble in many organic solvents and hydrocarbon diluents.
Trioctylamine is valued for its ability to extract acidic and anionic species.
Trioctylamine acts as a weak organic base.
Trioctylamine can form salts with mineral acids and organic acids.
Trioctylamine can form ion pairs with acidic solutes in solvent extraction systems.
Trioctylamine performance depends on diluent type, acid concentration, phase ratio, and temperature.
Trioctylamine is often used with modifiers to improve phase separation behavior.
Trioctylamine can show high selectivity for certain anionic metal complexes.
Trioctylamine can support recovery of organic acids from fermentation and wastewater streams.
Trioctylamine is useful where an oil-soluble amine extractant is required.
Trioctylamine should be stored in tightly closed containers.
Trioctylamine should be protected from strong oxidizing agents and incompatible acids.
Trioctylamine should be handled with suitable ventilation and protective equipment.
Trioctylamine may irritate skin, eyes, and respiratory passages.
Trioctylamine may be harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through skin depending on exposure level.
Trioctylamine quality may be defined by amine value, color, water content, and purity.
Trioctylamine is important in solvent extraction, chemical synthesis, and separation technology.
Trioctylamine is valued for combining hydrophobicity, basicity, and phase-transfer behavior.
PROPERTIES
Chemical Formula: C24H51N
Molecular Weight: 353.67 g/mol
Common Name: Trioctylamine (TOA)
Chemical Type: Tertiary amine; extractant; acid scavenger; phase-transfer base
Appearance: Clear to pale yellow viscous liquid
Odor: Strong amine odor
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in many organic solvents
Boiling Point: High (typically >300°C; grade dependent)
Flash Point: Typically >150°C (typical; grade dependent)
Density: ~0.81–0.83 g/cm³ (typical at 20°C; grade dependent)
Viscosity: Moderate to high; temperature dependent
Basicity: Strong organic-phase base; forms salts with acids
Stability: Stable under normal storage; avoid strong oxidizers
Storage Temperature: 10–30°C, tightly closed, well-ventilated area
Shelf Life: Typically 24–60 months in original sealed packaging (supplier dependent)
FIRST AID
Inhalation:
Move to fresh air if vapors are inhaled.
Seek medical attention if respiratory irritation persists or if symptoms occur.
Avoid breathing vapors and mists in poorly ventilated areas.
Skin Contact:
Remove contaminated clothing and wash skin with soap and water.
Seek medical advice if irritation develops or persists.
Avoid prolonged skin contact because amines can cause irritation.
Eye Contact:
Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, then continue rinsing.
Seek medical attention promptly because eye exposure can be serious.
Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water and do not induce vomiting.
Seek medical attention if discomfort occurs or if a significant amount is swallowed.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically.
Consider irritation and potential aspiration risk for oily liquids.
Provide supportive care as needed.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling:
Use appropriate PPE including chemical-resistant gloves and safety glasses.
Avoid splashing into eyes and avoid prolonged skin contact.
Use closed transfer or controlled pouring to reduce vapor and odor exposure.
Ventilation:
Use general ventilation for normal handling.
Use local exhaust where vapor concentrations may build up.
Avoid handling in confined spaces without adequate airflow.
Storage:
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area.
Keep away from strong oxidizers and from strong acids unless used in controlled processes.
Protect from excessive heat and direct sunlight to minimize discoloration and odor changes.
Spill and Leak Procedures:
Contain spill and absorb with inert material.
Clean residue promptly because oily films can be slippery and odors can persist.
Dispose of waste according to local regulations and facility procedures.
Handling Precautions:
Verify compatibility in extraction systems because Trioctylamine forms salts with acids and can change phase behavior and viscosity.
Control odor and exposure because Trioctylamine has strong amine odor and can irritate skin and eyes.
Rotate stock using FIFO practices to maintain consistent quality and predictable extraction and processing performance.