Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Aug 3, 2026

Tributylamine

Tributylamine (TBA) is an organic compound with the molecular formula (C4H9)3N. It is a colorless liquid with an amine-like odor.

Last revised
Aug 3, 2026
Read time
≈ 1 min
Length
189 w
Citations
6
Source
Tributylamine
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Names
Preferred IUPAC name
N,N-Dibutylbutan-1-amine
Other names
(Tributyl)amine
(The name tributylamine is deprecated.)
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
ChemSpider
ECHA InfoCard 100.002.781
UNII
  • InChI=1S/C12H27N/c1-4-7-10-13(11-8-5-2)12-9-6-3/h4-12H2,1-3H3
    Key: IMFACGCPASFAPR-UHFFFAOYSA-N
  • InChI=1/C12H27N/c1-4-7-10-13(11-8-5-2)12-9-6-3/h4-12H2,1-3H3
    Key: IMFACGCPASFAPR-UHFFFAOYAY
  • N(CCCC)(CCCC)CCCC
Properties
C12H27N
Molar mass 185.355 g·mol−1
Appearance Colorless liquid
Density 0.78 g/cm31
Melting point −70 °C (−94 °F; 203 K)1
Boiling point 214 °C (417 °F; 487 K)1
50 mg/L (20 °C)1
Hazards
Flash point 86 °C (187 °F; 359 K)1
Related compounds
Related
Tributylphosphine
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).

Tributylamine (TBA) is an organic compound with the molecular formula (C4H9)3N. It is a colorless liquid with an amine-like odor.

Uses

Tributylamine is used as a catalyst (proton acceptor) and as a solvent in organic syntheses and polymerization (including polyurethanes).2

References

References

  1. Record in the GESTIS Substance Database of the Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
  2. Eller, Karsten; Henkes, Erhard; Rossbacher, Roland; Höke, Hartmut (2000). Amines, Aliphatic. doi:10.1002/14356007.a02_001. ISBN 3527306730.