N-Butylamine

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

N-Butylamine

N-Butylamine is an organic compound that belongs to the class of amines. This compound is a colorless liquid that is soluble in water and has a strong, unpleasant fishy odor. It is used in the production of various chemicals, including pharmaceuticals, rubber chemicals, and pesticides.

Chemical Properties[edit | edit source]

N-Butylamine has the chemical formula C4H11N. It is a primary amine, which means it has one alkyl group attached to the nitrogen atom. The nitrogen atom in N-Butylamine is sp3 hybridized, and the molecule has a pyramidal shape. The compound is a weak base, and it can form salts with acids.

Physical Properties[edit | edit source]

N-Butylamine is a colorless liquid at room temperature. It has a strong, unpleasant odor that is often described as fishy or ammoniacal. The compound has a boiling point of 77.1 degrees Celsius and a melting point of -49 degrees Celsius. It is soluble in water and most organic solvents.

Production[edit | edit source]

N-Butylamine is produced industrially by the reaction of butanol with ammonia in the presence of a catalyst. This process is known as amination. The reaction produces a mixture of primary, secondary, and tertiary amines, which are then separated by distillation.

Uses[edit | edit source]

N-Butylamine is used in the production of a wide range of chemicals. It is used as a building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, including antihypertensive drugs and anti-inflammatory drugs. It is also used in the production of rubber chemicals, such as accelerators and antioxidants. In addition, N-Butylamine is used in the synthesis of pesticides and other agrochemicals.

Safety[edit | edit source]

N-Butylamine is a corrosive substance that can cause burns and serious eye damage. It is harmful if swallowed or inhaled, and it can cause respiratory irritation. Proper safety measures should be taken when handling this compound.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

1. "N-Butylamine." National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Database, U.S. National Library of Medicine. [1] 2. "N-Butylamine." Chemical Book. [2] 3. "N-Butylamine." Sigma-Aldrich. [3]

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD