What Is N-Butylethanolamine (NBEA)?
N-Butylethanolamine (NBEA), also known as 2-(Butylamino)ethanol, is a secondary alkanolamine with the molecular formula C₆H₁₅NO and CAS number 111-75-1. Its structure combines a butyl group (C₄H₉–) and a hydroxyl-bearing ethyl arm (–CH₂CH₂OH) on a single secondary nitrogen, giving it the dual character of an amine and an alcohol simultaneously.
NBEA is a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid at room temperature with a characteristic amine odor. It has a melting point well below −60 °C (remaining liquid in virtually all storage conditions), a boiling point of 195–198 °C, and a flash point of ~78 °C. It is fully miscible with water, ethanol, and common organic solvents.
As a secondary alkanolamine, NBEA offers moderate alkalinity, excellent hydrophilicity, and high reactivity toward alkylation, acylation, and condensation reactions. This versatile reactivity profile makes it a valuable intermediate in pharmaceutical API synthesis, agrochemical formulations, surfactant manufacturing, rubber and plastics processing, metalworking fluids, and textile auxiliaries. SinoLook Chem supplies NBEA at ≥99.0% purity from ISO 9001-certified manufacturing facilities.
Product Specification & CoA
SinoLook Chem supplies NBEA at ≥99.0% purity. A full Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) are provided with every shipment, ensuring full traceability and compliance with international standards.
NBEA - Core Specification & Typical CoA Results
| Parameter | Specification | Typical CoA Result |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid | Clear colorless liquid |
| Assay (GC), wt% | ≥ 99.0% | 99.5 – 99.8% |
| Molecular Formula | C₆H₁₅NO | C₆H₁₅NO |
| Molecular Weight | 117.19 g/mol | 117.19 g/mol |
| Boiling Point | 195 – 198 °C | 196 °C |
| Melting Point | ≤ −60 °C | < −60 °C |
| Density (20 °C), g/cm³ | 0.880 – 0.885 g/cm³ | 0.882 g/cm³ |
| Water Content, wt% | ≤ 0.3% | 0.10 – 0.15% |
| Color (APHA / Hazen) | ≤ 20 | ≤ 10 |
| Flash Point (closed cup) | ≥ 75 °C | 78 °C |
| Solubility | Miscible with water, ethanol, ether | Fully miscible |
Key Chemical Properties
Moderate Alkalinity
Ideal neutralizer and pH adjuster in pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and surfactant formulations. Neutralizes acidic components without introducing impurities, making it reliable for sensitive applications.
Excellent Hydrophilicity
Highly soluble in water, ethanol, and common organic solvents, making it easy to integrate into a wide range of formulations including surfactants, lubricants, and corrosion inhibitors.
High Reactivity
Undergoes alkylation, acylation, and condensation reactions readily, making it a valuable intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and fine chemicals.
Chemical Stability
Remains stable under normal industrial storage and transportation conditions, ensuring consistent performance and a long shelf life with no degradation under standard conditions.
N-Butylethanolamine Uses & Applications
NBEA's unique combination of secondary amine reactivity, moderate basicity, and excellent solubility makes it a versatile intermediate across multiple high-value industrial sectors.
Pharmaceutical & Fine Chemical Synthesis
Critical intermediate for API synthesis including antihistamines and antihypertensives. High purity (≥99.0%) meets strict regulatory standards. Full CoA and compliance documentation available for every batch.
Agrochemical Production
Neutralizer and emulsifier in pesticide, herbicide, and fungicide formulations. Enhances active ingredient stability, bioavailability, and shelf life of crop protection products.
Surfactant & Detergent Manufacturing
Key raw material for non-ionic and cationic surfactants used in industrial cleaners, laundry detergents, and personal care products. Provides excellent emulsifying and foaming properties.
Rubber & Plastic Processing
Functions as a curing agent, plasticizer, and antioxidant in synthetic rubber and PVC. Improves elasticity, tensile strength, and resistance to heat and aging during processing.
Metalworking & Corrosion Inhibition
Effective corrosion inhibitor and lubricant additive in metalworking fluids and rust preventatives. Forms a protective film on metal surfaces to reduce friction and prevent oxidation.
Textile & Leather Auxiliaries
Used as a softening agent and pH adjuster in textile finishing and leather tanning processes, improving product feel, uniformity, and processing efficiency.
Safety, Handling & Regulatory Information
NBEA is a flammable, corrosive liquid requiring standard amine chemical PPE. Its flash point of ~78 °C places it in the combustible liquid category; store away from heat sources and oxidizers. Full SDS available with every shipment.
| Safety Parameter | Value / Notes |
|---|---|
| GHS Classification | Flam. Liq. 3; Acute Tox. 4 (oral/dermal); Skin Corr. 1; Eye Dam. 1; STOT SE 3 |
| GHS Signal Word | DANGER |
| UN Number / Packing Group | UN 2734 / PG II |
| Flash Point (closed cup) | ~78 °C (172 °F) - ASTM D93 |
| Auto-ignition Temperature | ~280 °C |
| NFPA 704 | Health: 3 · Flammability: 2 · Reactivity: 0 |
| PPE Required | Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile/butyl), safety goggles, face shield, lab coat or chemical apron; work in ventilated area |
| Storage | Cool, well-ventilated area; away from heat sources, sparks, and open flames; away from strong acids and oxidizers; 5–35 °C |
| Incompatibilities | Strong acids, strong oxidizers, acid chlorides, isocyanates, copper and copper alloys |
| REACH Status | Registered (CAS 111-75-1) |
| Certifications | ISO 9001 · ISO 14001 · OHSAS 18001 · EU REACH · UN GHS compliant |
| SDS / MSDS Download | Request SDS via sales@sinolookchem.com |
B2B Supply Solutions & Pricing
SinoLook Chem exports NBEA to B2B clients in 50+ countries from ISO 9001-certified facilities. Transparent, market-aligned pricing with volume discounts and fixed-price contract options for long-term buyers.
| Order Volume | Packaging | Included Services |
|---|---|---|
| 50 – 500 kg (Trial) | 25 kg drums / 200 kg drums | CoA, SDS, free sample option |
| 500 – 5,000 kg (Regular) | 200 kg drums / IBC tanks | CoA, SDS, dedicated account manager, volume discount |
| 5,000+ kg (Bulk) | IBC tanks / ISO tank / custom | Best unit price, fixed-price contract, priority scheduling, 24/7 support |
📦 MOQ
50 kg for trial orders. No minimum for free samples (500 g – 1 kg with full CoA).
🚢 Delivery Terms
FOB, CIF, EXW available. Ex-Shanghai, Guangzhou, Qingdao, Tianjin.
⏱ Lead Time
Quote within 24 hours. In-stock orders: 3–5 working days. Custom: 10–15 days.
💳 Payment Terms
T/T 30% advance, 70% vs B/L. L/C at sight for orders >50 MT. OA for established clients.
- ✓ ISO 9001 · ISO 14001 · OHSAS 18001 certified - advanced synthesis technology, strict QC at every production stage
- ✓ Full export documentation: commercial invoice, packing list, CoA, SDS/MSDS, certificate of origin
- ✓ EU REACH and UN GHS compliance documentation available; in-depth knowledge of US import regulations
- ✓ Free 500 g – 1 kg samples with full CoA for qualified buyers before committing to bulk orders
- ✓ Custom packaging: 25 kg barrels, 200 kg drums, IBC tanks; private labeling available on request
- ✓ 24/7 technical support - experienced chemical engineers available for formulation, troubleshooting, and regulatory queries
Frequently Asked Questions
Common technical and commercial questions about N-Butylethanolamine from our B2B customers worldwide.
What is N-Butylethanolamine (NBEA) and what is it used for?
N-Butylethanolamine (NBEA, CAS 111-75-1) is a secondary alkanolamine with the formula C₆H₁₅NO, also known as 2-(Butylamino)ethanol. It is used as a chemical intermediate in pharmaceutical API synthesis (antihistamines, antihypertensives), as a neutralizer and emulsifier in agrochemical formulations, as a raw material for non-ionic and cationic surfactants, as a corrosion inhibitor in metalworking fluids, and as a curing agent or plasticizer additive in rubber and plastics processing.
What purity grade does SinoLook Chem supply for NBEA?
SinoLook Chem supplies N-Butylethanolamine at ≥99.0% purity (GC assay), with typical batch results of 99.5–99.8%. Water content is ≤0.3% (typically 0.10–0.15%) and color is ≤20 APHA (typically ≤10). A full Certificate of Analysis (CoA) covering all specification parameters is issued with every shipment. Pharmaceutical-grade documentation including compliance letters is available on request.
What is the difference between NBEA and MEA / DEA / TEA?
MEA, DEA, and TEA (the ethanolamine family) all have hydroxyethyl groups on nitrogen and are produced from ethylene oxide and ammonia. NBEA differs in that it has a butyl (C₄H₉–) substituent rather than a hydroxyethyl group, making it a secondary amine with more hydrophobic character. This gives NBEA better compatibility with organic media and different reactivity in condensation and alkylation chemistry. NBEA is not primarily used for gas sweetening (unlike MEA/DEA) but is valued as a synthetic building block in fine chemicals and formulation chemistry.
What are the storage and handling requirements for NBEA?
NBEA has a flash point of ~78 °C and should be stored as a flammable liquid: in a cool (5–35 °C), well-ventilated area away from heat sources, sparks, and open flames. Keep away from strong acids, oxidizers, and acid chlorides. Use stainless steel or HDPE containers; avoid copper and copper alloys. Wear chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or butyl rubber), safety goggles, and a face shield when handling. Work in a ventilated area or use respiratory protection if mist or vapor may be generated.
What is the N-Butylethanolamine HS code?
N-Butylethanolamine (CAS 111-75-1) is classified under HS code 2922.19 (amino alcohols - other, other than those only containing oxygen-containing groups as heteroatoms, their ethers and esters; salts thereof). Always confirm the applicable tariff code with your local customs authority, as classifications can vary by jurisdiction.
What is the N-Butylethanolamine price?
NBEA pricing depends on order volume, packaging format, and delivery terms. Volume discounts are available starting from 500 kg regular orders, with fixed-price contract options for long-term buyers of 5,000+ kg. Contact sales@sinolookchem.com with your required quantity and destination for a customized quote within 24 hours.
Can I request a free sample before placing a bulk order?
Yes. SinoLook Chem provides free 500 g – 1 kg samples with a full Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for qualified buyers who wish to validate product quality in their specific application before committing to bulk orders. Contact our sales team at sales@sinolookchem.com or WhatsApp +86 134 0071 5622 to request a sample.
How do I place an order for N-Butylethanolamine?
The purchasing process is straightforward:
- Step 1: Contact our sales team via email, phone, or website with your requirements (quantity, purity, packaging, delivery terms).
- Step 2: Receive a customized quote within 24 hours including price and lead time confirmation.
- Step 3: Request a free sample (500 g – 1 kg) with full CoA to validate quality in your application.
- Step 4: Place your confirmed order - our team handles production scheduling, packaging, documentation, and logistics end-to-end.
- Step 5: Receive your shipment on time with full traceability documentation and post-delivery technical support.
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