Tributylamine

Tributylamine (CAS 102-82-9), also known as Tri-n-butylamine, is a tertiary aliphatic amine used across chemical manufacturing as a catalyst, acid scavenger, and corrosion inhibitor. Its combination of basicity and solubility in organic media makes it a practical processing aid in synthesis and formulation workflows. In pharmaceutical manufacturing, it acts as a base catalyst.

It serves as an acid scavenger during API synthesis, neutralizing HCl and other acidic byproducts to drive reactions to completion. Polymer producers use it as a catalyst in polyurethane and epoxy systems. Controlled basicity is critical to cure rate and final material properties in these systems. In metalworking and industrial lubricant formulations, it functions as a corrosion inhibitor for metal surfaces.

It protects ferrous and non-ferrous metal surfaces under high-load conditions. Upstream oil and gas operations employ it in drilling fluid additives and gas treatment processes to manage corrosive acidic species. Tributylamine is supplied as a clear liquid in drum and IBC quantities, with bulk tanker options available for larger volume requirements. Technical grade is the standard commercial specification.

This grade covers the majority of industrial synthesis and formulation applications. High-purity grades are available for pharmaceutical and specialty chemical use cases where tighter impurity profiles are required.