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Aminomethyl propanol
Aminomethyl propanol
from Wikipedia
Aminomethyl propanol
Names
Preferred IUPAC name
2-Amino-2-methylpropan-1-ol
Other names
Isobutanol-2-amine
Aminoisobutanol
2-Amino-2-methyl-1-propanol
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
ChemSpider
ECHA InfoCard 100.004.282 Edit this at Wikidata
UNII
  • InChI=1S/C4H11NO/c1-4(2,5)3-6/h6H,3,5H2,1-2H3
    Key: CBTVGIZVANVGBH-UHFFFAOYSA-N
  • CC(C)(CO)N
Properties
C4H11NO
Molar mass 89.138 g·mol−1
Density 0.934 g/cm3
Melting point 30–31 °C (86–88 °F; 303–304 K)
Boiling point 165.5 °C (329.9 °F; 438.6 K)
Miscible
Solubility in alcohols Soluble
Hazards
Occupational safety and health (OHS/OSH):
Main hazards
Irritant
GHS labelling:[1]
GHS07: Exclamation mark
Warning
H315, H319, H412
P264, P264+P265, P273, P280, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P321, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P501
NFPA 704 (fire diamond)
NFPA 704 four-colored diamondHealth 2: Intense or continued but not chronic exposure could cause temporary incapacitation or possible residual injury. E.g. chloroformFlammability 2: Must be moderately heated or exposed to relatively high ambient temperature before ignition can occur. Flash point between 38 and 93 °C (100 and 200 °F). E.g. diesel fuelInstability 0: Normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions, and is not reactive with water. E.g. liquid nitrogenSpecial hazards (white): no code
2
2
0
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).

Aminomethyl propanol (AMP) is an organic compound with the formula H2NC(CH3)2CH2OH. It is colorless liquid that is classified as an alkanolamine. It is a useful buffer and a precursor to numerous other organic compounds.[2]

Aminomethyl propanol is typically sold as a solution of the material in water, for which different concentrations are available.

Synthesis

[edit]

Aminomethyl propanol can be produced by the hydrogenation of 2-aminoisobutyric acid or its esters.

Properties

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Aminomethyl propanol is soluble in water[3][4] and about the same density as water.[3]

Uses

[edit]

Aminomethyl propanol is used for the preparation of buffer solutions.[3] It is a component of the drugs ambuphylline and pamabrom. It is also used in cosmetics.[2]

It is a precursor to oxazolines via its reaction with acyl chlorides.[5] Via sulfation of the alcohol, the compound is also a precursor to 2,2-dimethylaziridine.[6]

Aminomethyl propanol is used as an intermediate the synthesis of fepradinol, isobucaine, and radafaxine.[citation needed]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
2-Amino-2-methyl-1-propanol, commonly abbreviated as AMP or referred to as aminomethyl propanol, is an classified as a primary amino alcohol with the molecular formula C₄H₁₁NO and the (CH₃)₂C(NH₂)CH₂OH. It appears as a colorless to pale yellow with a mild odor, exhibiting complete with and in alcohols, while possessing a of approximately 165 °C, a around 24–31 °C, and a density of 0.93 g/mL at 25 °C. As a due to its group, it readily neutralizes acids to form salts and , making it versatile for adjustment and stabilization in aqueous systems. In industrial applications, 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol serves as a multifunctional additive, particularly in waterborne coatings, paints, and inks, where it functions as a neutralizer for resins, a co-dispersant for pigments, and a to enhance formulation stability and performance. It is also utilized in and systems to control and improve curing processes, contributing to better and reduced in these materials. In the personal care and sector, it acts as a adjuster and in products such as lotions, shampoos, and hair conditioners, helping to maintain optimal formulation and extending while being deemed safe for use at concentrations up to 7% by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel; however, as of 2025, the (ECHA) is reviewing a proposal to classify it as reprotoxic category 1B. Additionally, 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol finds niche roles in pharmaceutical synthesis, notably as a component in the drug , where it forms a salt with 8-bromotheophylline to aid in treating conditions like . Its alkaline properties have been explored in environmental applications, such as capture in aqueous solutions, leveraging its ability to react with CO₂ for potential use in gas absorption processes, with ongoing research into sustainable technologies. Overall, its low volatility, high base strength, and compatibility with multiple systems underscore its importance across chemical, manufacturing, and healthcare industries.

Chemical identity

Names and identifiers

Aminomethyl propanol is the common name for the systematically known as 2-amino-2-methylpropan-1-ol according to IUPAC . Other common names include 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol and β-aminoisobutyl alcohol. Key identifiers for this compound are summarized in the following table:
IdentifierValue
124-68-5
EC Number204-709-8
Molecular FormulaC₄H₁₁NO
SMILES NotationCC(C)(N)CO
InChIInChI=1S/C4H11NO/c1-4(2,5)3-6/h6H,3,5H2,1-2H3

Molecular structure

Aminomethyl propanol, also known as 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol, has the molecular formula C₄H₁₁NO and the H₂N-C(CH₃)₂-CH₂OH. In this arrangement, a group (-NH₂) is attached to a atom, which is also bonded to two methyl groups (-CH₃), while a group (-CH₂OH) is attached to the same atom. The features two key functional groups: a , which imparts basicity due to the on , and a , enabling hydrogen bonding. This bifunctional nature classifies it as an , with the and alcohol separated by a short, branched carbon chain. The central carbon bearing the lacks stereocenters because it is attached to two identical methyl groups, rendering the achiral overall. In its three-dimensional , the adopts a compact conformation due to the branching at the , minimizing steric hindrance while allowing the polar and alcohol groups to orient outward for potential intermolecular interactions. Typical bond lengths from computational models of similar aliphatic systems include the C-N bond at approximately 1.47 and the O-H bond at about 0.96 , consistent with standard values for primary amines and alcohols.

CH3 | H2N - C - CH2OH | CH3

CH3 | H2N - C - CH2OH | CH3

Physical and chemical properties

Physical properties

Aminomethyl propanol, also known as 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol, is a colorless to light yellow viscous liquid at , exhibiting a mild ammoniacal odor characteristic of its functionality. This bifunctional nature, with both amino and hydroxyl groups, contributes to its physical behavior as a mobile liquid under standard conditions. The compound has a molecular weight of 89.14 g/mol. Its is 0.934 g/cm³ at 25 °C. The is 165 °C at standard (760 mmHg). As a viscous liquid with a of 31 °C (lit.), it remains in liquid form at typical room temperatures above this range (commercial grades may have lower MP around 24–28 °C due to impurities). Key thermal and volatility properties include a of 67 °C (closed cup method) and a of approximately 1 mmHg at 20–25 °C. The is 1.449 at 20 °C. Regarding acidity, the pKa of its conjugate acid (the protonated ) is 9.72 at 25 °C. Aminomethyl propanol demonstrates high solubility in polar solvents, being fully miscible with , , and , while showing low solubility in nonpolar hydrocarbons due to its polar functional groups.
PropertyValueConditionsSource
Molecular weight89.14 g/mol-PubChem
Density0.934 g/cm³25 °CChemicalBook
165 °C760 mmHgChemicalBook
31 °C-PubChem
67 °CClosed cupPubChem
Vapor pressure~1 mmHg20–25 °CChemicalBook
Refractive index1.44920 °C (n20/D)PubChem
pKa (conjugate acid)9.7225 °CChemicalBook

Chemical reactivity

Aminomethyl propanol, also known as 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol, functions primarily as a owing to its primary group. The pKb value is approximately 4.3, corresponding to a pKa of 9.7 for its conjugate at 25°C. This basicity enables it to neutralize acids, forming salts such as the hydrochloride [\ce(CH3)2C(NH3+)CH2OH]\ceCl[ \ce{(CH3)2C(NH3+)CH2OH} ] \ce{Cl-}. The neutralization reaction with is exothermic, proceeding as \ce(CH3)2C(NH2)CH2OH+HCl>[(CH3)2C(NH3+)CH2OH]Cl\ce{(CH3)2C(NH2)CH2OH + HCl -> [(CH3)2C(NH3+)CH2OH] Cl-}. The molecule also possesses a group, which imparts reactivity typical of alcohols, including potential esterification with carboxylic acids or derivatives under acidic conditions, though the functionality generally dominates due to its higher nucleophilicity. Etherification is possible via reactions like the Williamson synthesis, but such transformations are less common compared to amine-involved processes. Under neutral conditions, aminomethyl propanol exhibits good stability and does not decompose at its boiling point of 165°C. However, prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures, such as 135°C in the presence of CO2, leads to thermal degradation, primarily forming 4,4-dimethyl-2-oxazolidinone as a key product. The primary amine is susceptible to oxidation by reactive species. For instance, atmospheric photo-oxidation initiated by hydroxyl radicals (OH) primarily abstracts hydrogen from the -CH2- group, yielding major products such as 2-amino-2-methylpropanal and propan-2-imine. Stronger oxidants can further degrade the amine, though specific pathways depend on conditions. It is incompatible with isocyanates, halogenated organics, peroxides, phenols, epoxides, anhydrides, acid halides, and strong reducing agents (which may produce hydrogen gas).

Production

Synthesis methods

Aminomethyl propanol, also known as 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol, can be synthesized in the through several key routes involving reduction reactions. A common synthesis involves the preparation of 2-nitro-2-methyl-1-propanol from 2-nitropropane and , followed by catalytic to reduce the nitro group to an . The nitro alcohol intermediate is formed via a Henry reaction (nitroaldol condensation), and the reduction is typically performed using gas over a catalyst (e.g., ) in a solvent like at and 4-6 MPa pressure. The overall transformation is: \ce(CH3)2C(NO2)CH2OH+3H2>[Ni](CH3)2C(NH2)CH2OH+2H2O\ce{(CH3)2C(NO2)CH2OH + 3H2 ->[Ni] (CH3)2C(NH2)CH2OH + 2H2O} The product is isolated by fractional distillation, achieving high purity. This route is efficient and provides yields up to 90% under optimized conditions. An alternative route employs the hydrogenation of esters derived from 2-aminoisobutyric acid, such as methyl 2-aminoisobutyrate. This reduction converts the ester group to a primary alcohol using hydrogen gas over a nickel catalyst (e.g., Raney nickel), typically in a primary alcohol solvent like methanol at 40–130°C and 15–30 MPa pressure for 1–30 hours. The transformation is represented by: \ce(CH3)2C(NH2)COOCH3+H2>[Ni](CH3)2C(NH2)CH2OH+CH3OH\ce{(CH3)2C(NH2)COOCH3 + H2 ->[Ni] (CH3)2C(NH2)CH2OH + CH3OH} Yields for this process can reach 92% under optimized conditions with appropriate catalyst loadings. Another method involves the catalytic hydrogenation of 2-nitro-2-methyl-1-propanol to reduce the nitro group to an amine, as detailed above. While specific yields vary, this route is noted for its efficiency in converting the nitro precursor, which itself is prepared from 2-nitropropane and formaldehyde.

Commercial production

The commercial production of 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP) primarily involves the of 2-nitropropane with to form 2-nitro-2-methyl-1-propanol, followed by catalytic to the . This process has been the dominant industrial method since the mid-20th century, yielding AMP as a key intermediate. Major producers include Advancion (formerly Angus Chemical), with facilities in the supporting diverse industrial sectors; specific capacity figures are not publicly detailed. Other producers may include companies in , such as those using similar nitro reduction routes. The global market was valued at approximately USD 200 million as of 2023. AMP is available in various purity grades, including technical grade at 95% for general industrial applications and higher-purity variants (≥99%) for pharmaceutical uses, achieved through additional purification steps like . Production costs are influenced by nitropropane feedstock prices and the energy-intensive and processes. Recent trends indicate growing interest in bio-based production routes to align with goals, such as using renewable feedstocks for precursors, although conventional methods continue to dominate due to established infrastructure and cost efficiency.

Applications

In personal care and cosmetics

Aminomethyl propanol (AMP) serves primarily as a pH buffering agent in cosmetic formulations, helping to maintain an optimal range of 5 to 7 in products such as shampoos, lotions, and hair dyes to ensure skin compatibility and formulation efficacy. It also neutralizes fatty acids in emulsions, aiding in the stabilization of oil-in-water systems commonly found in creams and lotions. This basic property of AMP, derived from its structure, enables precise control without significantly altering the overall formulation balance. In typical cosmetic recipes, AMP is incorporated at usage levels of 0.1% to 2%, with concentrations up to 2% in leave-on products and up to 1% in rinse-off formulations. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has concluded that AMP is safe for use in at these present practices of use and concentration, including up to 2% in leave-on products like eye makeup and preparations. Its benefits include enhanced product stability and extended by preventing drift over time, along with low odor and high color compatibility that avoid compromising fragrance profiles or visual appeal in clear or tinted formulations. AMP is commonly found in specific personal care items such as hair sprays, wave sets, eye makeup, and cleansers, where it contributes to formulation integrity. Additionally, by adjusting pH to levels that inhibit microbial growth, AMP acts as a preservative enhancer, supporting the efficacy of primary antimicrobial agents in these products. Under regulatory frameworks, AMP is listed in the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) as Aminomethyl Propanol and is permitted in the European Union under Annex III, entry 61, for non-sensitizing concentrations when used as a buffering agent in cosmetics. However, in December 2024, Austria proposed classifying it as reprotoxic category 1B (H360F) to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), which remains under review as of November 2025 and may lead to future restrictions in cosmetic use.

In coatings and paints

Aminomethyl propanol (AMP), particularly in its commercial form AMP-95, serves as a multifunctional additive in the coatings and paints industry, primarily functioning as a neutralizer for acidic resins in waterborne formulations. It efficiently neutralizes groups in acid-functional resins, enabling their solubilization and dispersion in aqueous systems, which is essential for producing stable waterborne s. Additionally, AMP acts as a co-dispersant for pigments, aiding in the uniform distribution of colorants and fillers within the paint matrix, and as a in primers by stabilizing and minimizing metal substrate degradation. Typical usage levels of AMP in architectural and automotive coatings range from 0.5% to 3% by weight, depending on the formulation's acidity and desired properties. At these concentrations, it improves control by enhancing rheological stability, facilitating better flow and leveling during application, and supports optimal formation for durable coatings. In latex paints, AMP stabilizes emulsions by compatibilizing hydrophobic and hydrophilic components, preventing and ensuring long-term shelf stability. The benefits of AMP include reduced foaming during mixing and application, which minimizes defects in the final coating, and enhanced to substrates through improved wet-edge retention and film integrity. It is particularly multifunctional in and systems, where it promotes curing reactions and contributes to resistance without compromising mechanical properties. In industrial coatings, adhesives, and sealants, AMP's low volatility and compatibility enable its use in high-performance formulations. Furthermore, AMP holds significant market relevance in green coatings, as it is classified as VOC-exempt by the U.S. EPA due to its negligible contribution to formation, supporting the development of low-VOC architectural and automotive paints that meet stringent environmental regulations.

Other industrial uses

Aminomethyl propanol, also known as 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP), serves as a corrosion inhibitor in industrial water treatment systems, particularly in cooling water and boiler applications where it neutralizes acidic conditions caused by dissolved carbon dioxide. In boiler water treatment, AMP is added to control corrosion by scavenging CO₂ and maintaining pH stability, often at low concentrations to protect metal surfaces such as steel pipes. As a chemical intermediate, AMP is widely used in the synthesis of , vulcanization accelerators for rubber production, and various pharmaceuticals, leveraging its and alcohol functionalities for reactions like to produce derivatives such as quaternary ammonium compounds. For instance, it facilitates the formation of surface-active agents through esterification or amidation processes, contributing to formulations in detergents and emulsifiers. In , AMP acts as a building block for active ingredients, often via reactions, including its use in the pamabrom. Beyond these, AMP functions as an emulsifier in metalworking fluids, where it stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions to enhance lubrication and cooling during machining operations, reducing cobalt leaching and improving fluid performance. It also serves as a buffer in analytical chemistry, notably in attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy for studying gas absorption characteristics, such as CO₂ interactions with amines. Additionally, AMP finds minor application in agrochemicals, aiding pesticide formulations by adjusting pH and improving solubility of active ingredients. Emerging highlights AMP's potential in CO₂ capture technologies, particularly in non-aqueous blends where it exhibits high absorption capacity due to its sterically hindered structure, enabling efficient post-combustion capture with lower energy penalties compared to traditional solvents like monoethanolamine. Studies demonstrate that AMP-based solvents achieve favorable CO₂ loading in biphasic systems, promoting for easier regeneration. These applications represent an emerging area with potential for future growth in sustainable technologies.

Safety and environmental considerations

Health effects

Aminomethyl propanol, also known as 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol, exhibits low via oral and dermal routes. The oral LD50 in rats is 2900 mg/kg, indicating low . The dermal LD50 in rabbits exceeds 2000 mg/kg, further supporting its low absorption and through skin exposure. is low, with irritation to the possible at high or vapor concentrations due to its liquid state and moderate volatility. The compound causes serious eye irritation, classified under GHS Category 2 (harmonized EU CLP) for serious eye irritation, potentially causing severe but reversible effects including upon direct contact. It acts as a moderate skin irritant, leading to redness, discomfort, and possible with prolonged or repeated exposure. Respiratory exposure irritates the mucous membranes, inducing coughing and throat irritation. Aminomethyl propanol is non-sensitizing, as demonstrated in guinea pig Buehler tests where it did not elicit allergic skin reactions. It is not classified as carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), with no evidence of oncogenic potential in available studies. Genotoxicity assays, including bacterial mutagenicity and mammalian cell tests, show no mutagenic effects. In chronic exposure scenarios, a 90-day oral study in rats established a no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of 100 mg/kg/day, with no significant systemic toxicity observed at this dose. However, the hydrochloride salt form demonstrated potential reproductive toxicity at high doses exceeding 500 mg/kg/day in rat screening studies, including increased post-implantation loss, though direct embryotoxicity was not confirmed. As of late 2024, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) proposed classifying the compound as a reproductive toxicant Category 1B under CLP, based on developmental effects in animal studies; this proposal remains under review as of 2025. No specific OSHA PEL has been established; general ventilation and practices are recommended to minimize exposure. In , the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has deemed it safe for use up to 5% concentration in rinse-off and leave-on products, based on and data. Common symptoms from exposure include and following ingestion, as well as from dermal contact; no long-term genotoxic risks are associated.

Environmental impact

Aminomethyl propanol, also known as 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP), exhibits favorable environmental fate characteristics due to its ready biodegradability under aerobic conditions. According to 301F guidelines, AMP achieves 89.3% degradation within 28 days in a manometric respirometry test, classifying it as readily biodegradable and indicating rapid breakdown primarily to , , and simpler alcohols like propanol fragments through microbial processes. This high degradation rate suggests minimal in the environment, with no significant accumulation of the parent compound in or systems. Bioaccumulation potential for AMP is low, as evidenced by its octanol-water partition coefficient (log Kow) of -0.63, determined via OECD 107 shake-flask method, which indicates strong hydrophilic behavior and limited partitioning into lipid tissues. Experimental bioconcentration factors (BCF) in fish such as Leuciscus idus are less than 1 after 3 days of exposure at 50 μg/L, confirming that AMP is not expected to biomagnify through food chains. Its mobility in the environment is high owing to miscible water solubility (>1000 g/L) and low adsorption to soil (estimated Koc < 100), facilitating potential transport to groundwater, though low volatility (vapor pressure 0.3 mmHg at 20°C) limits atmospheric dispersion due to a boiling point of 165°C. Ecotoxicity assessments reveal moderate impacts on aquatic organisms, with values including a 96-hour LC50 of 190 mg/L for bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) and 184 mg/L for plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) in static tests. For invertebrates, the 48-hour EC50 for is 193 mg/L, while algal growth inhibition (Desmodesmus subspicatus) shows an EC50 of 402 mg/L over 72 hours per 201. These profiles support the GHS classification of Aquatic Chronic 3 (H412: Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects), reflecting potential for chronic exposure risks despite thresholds above typical environmental concentrations. Releases of AMP occur mainly through industrial wastewater from manufacturing processes, such as those in coatings and personal care production, though its rapid degradation leads to low regulatory priority under the U.S. EPA's programs. In the European Union, AMP is registered under REACH (EC 204-709-8, CAS 124-68-5), with handling recommendations to avoid releases to align with its R52/53 classifications for harmful aquatic effects.

References

  1. https://www.[sigmaaldrich](/page/Sigma-Aldrich).com/US/en/sds/aldrich/a65182
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