Tri-n-Octylamine(TOA)

Properties

♦ Chemical Structure

TOA has the chemical formula C24H51N, and its structure consists of three n-octyl groups

(-C8H17) attached to a central amine functional group (-NH2). The long-chain alkyl groups

contribute to its hydrophobic nature.

♦ Physical State

TOA is a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid at room temperature. It has a characteristic odor.

♦ Solubility

TOA is insoluble in water, but it is soluble in many organic solvents, including alcohols, ethers,

hydrocarbons, and chlorinated solvents. This solubility behavior makes it suitable for organic

solvent-based processes and extractions.

♦ Basicity

TOA is a weak base due to the presence of the amine group. It can act as a proton acceptor and

form salts with acids. The basicity of TOA can be utilized in various chemical reactions and

applications.

♦ Extraction Capability

TOA exhibits selective solubility for metal ions, especially those of rare earth elements (REEs)

and actinides. It can extract and separate metal ions from aqueous solutions, enabling their

purification and concentration. The extraction efficiency and selectivity can be influenced by factors

such as pH, temperature, and the presence of other ligands or complexing agents.

♦ Surfactant Properties

TOA acts as a surfactant, which means it can reduce the surface tension between different phases,

forming emulsions and stabilizing them. This property contributes to its use as an emulsifier and

dispersant in various formulations.

♦ Viscosity

TOA has a relatively high viscosity compared to some other organic solvents. The viscosity can affect

its handling and flow characteristics in different applications.

♦ Stability

TOA is relatively stable under normal storage and handling conditions. However, it can undergo

degradation or chemical reactions under extreme conditions, such as high temperatures or strong

acids.

 

Applications

♦ Metal Extraction and Separation

TOA is widely used as an extractant in liquid-liquid extraction processes for the separation and

purification of metals. It exhibits selective solubility for metal ions, especially rare earth

elements (REEs) and actinides. TOA can extract these metals from aqueous solutions and enable

their separation from other metals, facilitating their purification for various industrial applications.

♦ Catalyst and Co-Catalyst

TOA serves as a catalyst or co-catalyst in numerous industrial reactions. Its basic nature promotes

reactions such as esterification, alkylation, amidation, and condensation reactions. TOA can

enhance reaction rates, improve yields, and modify reaction selectivity in different chemical processes.

♦ Surfactant and Emulsifier

TOA possesses surfactant properties, making it useful as an emulsifier and dispersant. It can reduce

the interfacial tension between immiscible phases, stabilize emulsions, and aid in the dispersion of

substances in both aqueous and organic systems. TOA is employed in various formulations such as

paints, coatings, inks, and personal care products.

♦ Gas Separation

TOA has been investigated for its potential application in gas separation processes. It shows an affinity

for certain gases, including carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S). TOA-based systems

have been studied for the removal of these gases from industrial gas streams, such as natural gas

purification and biogas upgrading.

♦ Analytical Chemistry

TOA finds utility in analytical chemistry, particularly in the extraction and preconcentration of analytes

from complex matrices. It can selectively extract and enrich trace metals and organic compounds from

various samples, enabling their subsequent analysis and detection.

♦ Polymer Additive

TOA is used as an additive in polymers and resins to modify their properties. It can enhance the

compatibility between different polymer phases, improve processing characteristics, such as rheology and

melt flow, and impart specific functionalities to the final polymer products.

♦ Solvent Extraction in Organic Synthesis

TOA is employed as a solvent or co-solvent in organic synthesis reactions. It can dissolve and facilitate the

reaction of certain organic compounds, especially those with limited solubility in common organic solvents.

TOA can aid in the formation of reactive intermediates and promote desired chemical transformations.

 

Product Process

♦ Raw Material Preparation

The primary raw materials required for TOA production are n-octanol and ammonia. These materials need

to be obtained or synthesized to meet the desired specifications and purity requirements.

♦ Alkylation

The production of TOA begins with the alkylation reaction, where n-octanol reacts with ammonia. The

reaction is typically carried out in the presence of a suitable catalyst, such as acid or base catalysts, at elevated

temperatures and pressures. The alkylation process results in the formation of tri-n-octylamine.

♦ Reaction Monitoring and Control

During the alkylation process, it is crucial to monitor and control reaction parameters such as temperature,

pressure, and reactant concentrations. This ensures the desired conversion and product quality are achieved

while maintaining safe operating conditions.

♦ Separation and Purification

After the alkylation reaction, the mixture is subjected to separation and purification steps to isolate and purify

the TOA product. This may involve techniques such as distillation, extraction, or crystallization. The separation

process aims to remove impurities and by-products, resulting in the desired pure TOA.

♦ Drying and Packaging

Once the TOA product is obtained and purified, it is typically dried to remove any residual moisture. The dried

TOA is then packaged in suitable containers, ensuring proper sealing to maintain its quality. Adequate labeling

and storage conditions are maintained to ensure safe handling and storage of the product.

 

Inspection

♦ Inspection process

• Incoming inspection: The main raw materials,are inspected for their content, appearance and other

main properties.

• Feeding inspection: the principle of raw material feeding is first-in-first-out, and the appearance of the

main raw materials is randomly inspected according to whether there is a big change in the storage

conditions before feeding.

• Batch sampling in the production process: During the production process, the main indexes of each batch

of products: content and acid value will be examined three times in different time periods.

• Storage Inspection: Each batch (4tons) is inspected before storage.

• Outbound inspection: According to the quantity demanded by customers, the products will be sampled

and inspected.

• Pre-shipment inspection: according to customer’s requirement, third party inspection can be carried

out on the products before shipment.

♦ Inspection Method

• Physical Appearance: Visual inspection

• Purity Analysis:Gas chromatography (GC)

• Acid Value:Potentiometric titration

• Water Content:Moisture analyzers

• Refractive Index:Refractometer

• Density:Density meter

Marking, packaging, shipping and storage

♦ Marking

Each batch of products should be accompanied by a certificate of conformity, including: the name of the

manufacturer, the name of the product, the production batch number, the net weight per barrel, the

quality level and the implementation of the standard number.weight, quality grade and implementation

standard number.

♦ Packing

Packed in clean and dry plastic drums, net weight 200±0.3kg per drum or 1000±0.5kg, compressed and

sealed after each batch.

♦ Transportation

This product is packed in plastic drums, during transportation and loading/unloading, it should be carefully

and gently put down, and prevent from impact.

♦ Storage

The storage place should be cool, dry and ventilated. Do fireproof and rainproof.