High-Purity Solvents, Personal Care

Tallow Amine

Tallow amine is a primary aliphatic amine derived from the fatty acid profile of natural tallow, a lipid source primarily composed of C14 to C18 carbon chains. Chemically, it is a mixture dominated by oleyl, stearyl, and palmityl amines. It is synthesized industrially via the “Nitrile Process,” involving the reaction of fatty acids with ammonia followed by catalytic hydrogenation. Tallow amine serves as a fundamental building block in nitrogen chemistry due to its dual functionality: a long hydrophobic alkyl chain and a reactive hydrophilic primary amine group.

The chemical is available in various forms, represented by the provided CAS numbers: 61790-33-8 refers to distilled tallow alkyl amines; 61788-45-2 denotes the hydrogenated (saturated) version; and 61791-26-2 identifies the ethoxylated derivatives. As a waxy solid at room temperature with a characteristic ammoniacal odor, tallow amine is highly valued for its ability to be converted into secondary/tertiary amines, quaternary ammonium salts, and amphoteric surfactants.

Attributes

Key Features and Benefits

High Surface Activity: Functions as an exceptional emulsifier and wetting agent, facilitating the mixing of immiscible phases.
Strong Substantivity: Exhibits a high affinity for negatively charged surfaces, such as minerals, metals, and natural fibers, allowing for effective coating.
Chemical Versatility: The primary amine group is highly reactive, serving as a precursor for ethoxylates, amine oxides, and betaines.
Renewable Origin: Derived from natural tallow fats, offering a bio-based alternative to synthetic, petroleum-derived amines.
Corrosion Inhibition: Forms a protective molecular film on metallic substrates, significantly reducing oxidation and acid attack.
Biodegradability: Generally exhibits good environmental breakdown profiles compared to branched synthetic surfactants.

Specifications

Technical Highlights

Carbon Chain Distribution: Typically consists of C16 (approx. 25–30%) and C18 (approx. 65–70%) chains, including saturated and unsaturated fractions.
Amine Value: High primary amine content, generally ranging from 205 to 215 mg KOH/g for standard technical grades.
Saturation Levels: In hydrogenated grades (CAS 61788-45-2), the Iodine Value is minimal (<2 gI₂/100g), ensuring superior oxidative and thermal stability.
Solubility: Insoluble in water in its base form but exhibits high solubility in organic solvents like ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, and chloroform.
Physical State: Melting point ranges between 30°C and 48°C depending on the degree of hydrogenation and distillation purity.

Download Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

Practical industry uses

Applications

Agrochemicals: Extensively used as an adjuvant and surfactant in herbicide formulations (notably glyphosate) to improve leaf surface penetration.
Mining & Flotation: Acts as a cationic collector for the froth flotation of silicate, potash, and phosphate minerals.
Asphalt Additives: Functions as an anti-stripping agent and emulsifier, enhancing the adhesion between bitumen and mineral aggregates in road construction.
Oil & Gas: Integrated into downhole corrosion inhibitors and used as a lubricant additive in drilling fluids.
Textile & Leather: Employed as a softening agent, antistatic additive, and dyeing assistant to improve fabric hand-feel and color uniformity.
Water Treatment: Utilized in the synthesis of flocculants and biocides.