nPropylamine

n-Propylamine, or propan-1-amine, is an aliphatic primary amine with the formula CH3CH2CH2NH2. It is a colorless, volatile liquid at room temperature with a strong, ammonia-like odor. It is miscible with water and many organic solvents and acts as a weak base, readily forming salts with acids such as hydrochloric acid.

Production and occurrence: Industrially it is produced by catalytic hydrogenation of propionitrile or by reductive amination of propionaldehyde with ammonia. It can also be obtained by hydrogenation of other propyl-containing nitriles or nitro compounds. It is typically stored in well-ventilated areas and used as a chemical intermediate.

Chemical properties: As a primary amine, n-propylamine participates in standard amine chemistry, including acylation to form amides and alkylation reactions. It forms ammonium salts with acids and can act as a nucleophile in various substitution reactions.

Applications: It is used as a building block in the synthesis of agricultural chemicals, surfactants, rubber accelerators, and pharmaceutical intermediates. It can serve as a precursor to other propyl-containing amines and as a reactant in reductive amination and amide formation.

Safety: n-Propylamine is flammable and can be irritating to skin, eyes, and the respiratory tract. It should be handled in a fume hood with appropriate PPE, stored away from oxidizers, and kept under proper containment to prevent inhalation and contact.