Fatty amines refer to a broad category of organic amine compounds with carbon chain lengths ranging from C8 to C22. Like general amines, they are classified into four major types: primary amines, secondary amines, tertiary amines, and polyamines. The distinction among primary, secondary, and tertiary amines depends on the number of hydrogen atoms in ammonia that are substituted by alkyl groups.
Fatty amines are organic derivatives of ammonia. Short-chain fatty amines (C8-10) exhibit certain solubility in water, whereas long-chain fatty amines are generally insoluble in water and exist as liquids or solids at room temperature. They possess basic properties and, as organic bases, can irritate and corrode the skin and mucous membranes.
Primarily produced through the reaction of fatty alcohols with dimethylamine to yield monoalkyldimethyl tertiary amines, the reaction of fatty alcohols with monomethylamine to form dialkylmethyl tertiary amines, and the reaction of fatty alcohols with ammonia to generate trialkyl tertiary amines.
The process begins with the reaction of fatty acids and ammonia to produce fatty nitriles, which are then hydrogenated to yield primary or secondary fatty amines. These primary or secondary amines undergo hydrogendimethylation to form tertiary amines. Primary amines, after cyanoethylation and hydrogenation, can be converted into diamines. Diamines further undergo cyanoethylation and hydrogenation to produce triamines, which can then be transformed into tetramines through additional cyanoethylation and hydrogenation.
Applications of Fatty Amines
Primary amines are used as corrosion inhibitors, lubricants, mold release agents, oil additives, pigment processing additives, thickeners, wetting agents, fertilizer dust suppressants, engine oil additives, fertilizer anti-caking agents, molding agents, flotation agents, gear lubricants, hydrophobic agents, waterproofing additives, wax emulsions, and more.
Saturated high-carbon primary amines, such as octadecylamine, serve as mold release agents for hard rubber and polyurethane foams. Dodecylamine is employed in the regeneration of natural and synthetic rubbers, as a surfactant in chemical tin-plating solutions, and in the reductive amination of isomaltose to produce malt derivatives. Oleylamine is utilized as a diesel fuel additive.
Production of Cationic Surfactants
Primary amines and their salts function as effective ore flotation agents, anti-caking agents for fertilizers or explosives, paper waterproofing agents, corrosion inhibitors, lubricant additives, biocides in the petroleum industry, additives for fuels and gasoline, electronic cleaning agents, emulsifiers, and in the production of organometallic clays and pigment processing additives. They are also used in water treatment and as molding agents. Primary amines can be employed to produce quaternary ammonium salt-type asphalt emulsifiers, which are widely used in the construction and maintenance of high-grade roads, reducing labor intensity and extending pavement lifespan.
Production of Nonionic Surfactants
The adducts of fatty primary amines with ethylene oxide are primarily used as antistatic agents in the plastics industry. Ethoxylated amines, being insoluble in plastics, migrate to the surface, where they absorb atmospheric moisture, rendering the plastic surface antistatic.
Production of Amphoteric Surfactants
Dodecylamine reacts with methyl acrylate and undergoes saponification and neutralization to yield N-dodecyl-β-alanine. These surfactants are characterized by their light-colored or colorless transparent aqueous solutions, high solubility in water or ethanol, biodegradability, hard water tolerance, minimal skin irritation, and low toxicity. Applications include foaming agents, emulsifiers, corrosion inhibitors, liquid detergents, shampoos, hair conditioners, softeners, and antistatic agents.
Post time: Nov-20-2025