Amines
REACH
Isobutylamine
CAS Number
78-81-9
EC Number
201-145-4
FEMA Number
FEMA 4239
What is Isobutylamine?
Isobutylamine (CAS 78-81-9), also known by its FEMA 4239 designation, is a primary aliphatic amine used as a reactive building block and process chemical in pharmaceutical synthesis and agrochemical manufacturing.
Where is Isobutylamine used?
- Agrochemicals: key intermediate in synthesizing herbicides and pesticides
- Pharmaceuticals: synthetic intermediate for drug compounds requiring a branched-chain amine moiety
- Rubber and tire processing: polymerization initiation and accelerator component in vulcanization systems
- Water treatment: pH buffering and corrosion inhibition in industrial cooling and boiler systems
- It functions as an intermediate, pH regulator, and corrosion inhibitor depending on the process context.
Good to know: Its reactivity with acid chlorides and isocyanates enables the formation of active ingredient structures.
Commercial specifications
- Technical grade: purity typically 99% or higher
- Clear, low-viscosity liquid in drum and IBC quantities; bulk tanker options for high-volume procurement
Other Names (Synonyms)
Valamine|iso-C4H9NH2|I-Butylamine|3-Methyl-2-propylamine|2-Methylpropylamine|2-Methyl-1-Aminopropane|1-Amino-2-methylpropane|IBA
What are the physical properties of Isobutylamine?
Melting Point -85 °C
Boiling Point 68-69 °C
Density 0.724 g/cm³ @ Temp: 25 °C
Flash Point 15 °F
Appearance Butyl amines are highly flammable, colorless liquids (n-turns yellow on standing) with ammoniacal or fishlike odors. n-isomer:
Color Clear colorless to slightly yellow
Odor Strong ammoniacal.
Form Liquid
Water Solubility soluble
Vapor Pressure 15.9kPa at 20℃
Refractive Index n 20/D 1.397(lit.)
pH 12.2 (100g/l, H2O, 20℃)
Log P -0.3 at 25℃
How is Isobutylamine classified and handled safely? Learn More
Danger
GHS02· Flammable GHS05· Corrosive GHS06· Toxic GHS07· Irritant
Hazard Statements
H225 Highly Flammable liquid and vapor
H301 Toxic if swallowed
H302 Harmful if swallowed
H311 Toxic in contact with skin
Precautionary Statements
P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
P233 Keep container tightly closed.
P240 Ground and bond container and receiving equipment.
P241 Use explosion-proof [electrical/ventilating/lighting/…] equipment.
Which trade and regulatory codes apply to Isobutylamine?
HS Code 29211990
UN Number 1214
ADR Class 3
Packing Group II
Storage Class 3 - Flammable liquids
WGK (Germany) 1