High-Purity Solvents, Personal Care

Oleyl Amine

Oleyl amine (CAS: 112-90-3), technically known as (Z)-octadec-9-enylamine, is a long-chain primary fatty amine derived primarily from oleic acid. This unsaturated C18 compound is a clear to slightly yellowish liquid at room temperature, characterized by a distinct ammoniacal odor. As an amphiphilic molecule, it features a long hydrophobic hydrocarbon tail and a polar hydrophilic primary amine head. This dual nature allows it to function effectively as a surfactant, emulsifier, and chemical intermediate.

Synthesized typically via the nitrile process—involving the catalytic hydrogenation of oleyl nitrile—oleyl amine serves as a critical building block in the chemical industry. It is highly valued for its ability to adsorb onto metal and mineral surfaces, providing protective and functional layers. Beyond its role as a precursor to quaternary ammonium compounds and amine oxides, it has gained significant prominence in materials science as a capping agent for the controlled synthesis of monodisperse metallic and metal-oxide nanoparticles.

Attributes

Key Features and Benefits

Surface Adsorption: Exhibits a strong affinity for metallic and mineral surfaces, forming protective monomolecular films that prevent corrosion and oxidation.
Versatile Intermediate: Acts as a reactive precursor for the production of ethoxylated amines, betaines, and quaternary ammonium salts.
Thermal Stability: Maintains functional integrity under moderate thermal processing, making it suitable for high-temperature industrial applications.
Nanoparticle Stabilization: Provides excellent steric stabilization in non-polar solvents, preventing the agglomeration of synthesized nanocrystals.
Low Volatility: High boiling point ensures lower vapor pressure and increased safety during industrial handling compared to short-chain amines.
Solubility Profile: Highly soluble in common organic solvents like ethanol, chloroform, and hydrocarbons, facilitating diverse formulation possibilities.

Specifications

Technical Highlights

Molecular Formula: $C_{18}H_{37}N$
Molar Mass: Approximately 267.49 g/mol.
Amine Value: Typically ranges between 205 and 215 mg KOH/g, indicating high primary amine content.
Iodine Value: Usually 70–95 $g I_2/100g$, confirming the presence of the cis-double bond (unsaturation).
Physical State: Liquid at 25°C; Melting Point: 18°C to 26°C.
Boiling Point: ~348°C at atmospheric pressure.
Chemical Reactivity: Undergoes typical amine reactions, including alkylation, acylation, and salt formation with inorganic or fatty acids.
Purity: Commercial grades often exceed 95% primary amine concentration, with minimal secondary amine impurities.

Download Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

Practical industry uses

Applications

Nanotechnology: Utilized as a solvent, reducing agent, and capping ligand to control the size and morphology of gold, silver, and semiconductor nanoparticles.
Corrosion Inhibition: Integrated into oilfield chemicals and refinery processes to protect pipelines and metal infrastructure from acidic environments.
Mining and Flotation: Employed as a collector in the froth flotation process to separate minerals, particularly silicate and potash ores.
Lubricants and Greases: Functions as a friction modifier and anti-wear additive to improve the boundary lubrication properties of industrial oils.
Chemical Manufacturing: Serves as a key raw material for fabric softeners, bitumen emulsifiers, and specialized pesticide formulations.
Pigment Dispersant: Improves the wetting and dispersion of organic and inorganic pigments in paints, coatings, and plastics.
Safety Note: Oleyl amine is classified as corrosive and hazardous to the aquatic environment. Proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and containment measures are mandatory during handling.*