(Z)-Octadec-9-enylamine · cis-9-Octadecenylamine · 70% technical and high-purity grades
Oleylamine is a primary unsaturated fatty amine derived from oleic acid — an eighteen-carbon chain with a single cis double bond at C9. The double bond changes everything: oleylamine is a liquid at room temperature, more reactive than its saturated counterparts, and the amine of choice for nanoparticle synthesis, liquid-crystal amine formulations, corrosion inhibitors that must remain fluid in cold service, and cationic surfactants that require a bent, flexible chain. Chelora Amines supplies oleylamine worldwide in technical, high-purity and research grades, with a batch-wise COA and SDS on every dispatch.
216.20 + 37.30 + 14.01 = 267.49 g/mol
Oleylamine, also called (Z)-octadec-9-enylamine or cis-9-octadecenylamine, is a primary unsaturated fatty amine containing an eighteen-carbon chain with a single cis double bond between C9 and C10 — the same carbon skeleton as oleic acid, but with an amino group at C1 instead of a carboxyl. The cis geometry of the double bond kinks the chain, preventing the molecules from packing closely, which keeps oleylamine liquid at room temperature unlike its saturated counterparts DDA and ODA.
Commercial oleylamine is typically sold as a technical-grade mixture containing 70% or more of the (Z)-C18:1 amine, with the remainder being C16, C18 saturated and C18:2 di-unsaturated amines arising from the oleic acid feedstock. High-purity grades above 95% (Z)-C18:1 are available for research and demanding synthetic applications.
Its distinctive combination of a fluid liquid state, a reactive primary amine, a coordinating nitrogen and a kinked hydrophobic tail makes oleylamine unique in the fatty-amine family — and specifically sought in nanoparticle synthesis, where it acts simultaneously as solvent, capping ligand and reducing agent.
| Chemical name | (Z)-Octadec-9-enylamine (Oleylamine, cis-9-Octadecenylamine) |
| Common synonyms | OLA, oleylamine, 9-octadecenylamine, (Z)-1-amino-9-octadecene, cis-oleylamine |
| CAS number | 112-90-3 |
| EC / EINECS number | 204-015-5 |
| HS / HSN code | 2921 19 (acyclic monoamines; HSN 2921 19 on Indian invoices) |
| Molecular formula | C₁₈H₃₇N (CH₃(CH₂)₇CH=CH(CH₂)₈NH₂, cis) |
| Molecular weight | 267.49 g/mol |
| Appearance | Yellow to amber viscous liquid at room temperature |
| Odour | Characteristic amine odour |
| Melting / pour point | About 21–26 °C (technical grade; lower with higher unsaturation) |
| Boiling point | About 348–350 °C at atmospheric pressure |
| Density | About 0.812 g/cm³ at 25 °C |
| Viscosity | About 10–15 cP at 25 °C |
| Solubility in water | Practically insoluble; soluble in most organic solvents |
| Flash point | About 163 °C (closed cup) — combustible liquid |
| UN number | UN 2735, Amines, liquid, corrosive, n.o.s., Class 8, Packing Group III |
Figures are typical values for the technical grade. High-purity grade values may differ. All values for the material you order are stated on its Certificate of Analysis and Safety Data Sheet.
Two functional groups, one molecule: the primary amine reacts at the nitrogen, and the cis double bond introduces unsaturation — enabling coordination chemistry, hydrogenation, epoxidation and reactions not available with saturated fatty amines.
The amine nitrogen coordinates to metal (Au, Ag, Pt, Pd, Fe₃O₄) and semiconductor (CdSe, PbS) nanoparticle surfaces, acting simultaneously as solvent, stabilising ligand and mild reducing agent during synthesis.
M⁰ + OLA → M–NH₂R (capped NP)Exhaustive methylation or alkylation gives oleyltrimethylammonium and oleyl benzyl quats — low-melting, fluid cationic surfactants for fabric softeners and hair conditioners.
RNH₂ + 3 CH₃X → RN⁺(CH₃)₃ X⁻Reacts with fatty acids or acid chlorides to give oleyl amides — emulsifiers, lubricants and release agents with lower melting points than the stearyl equivalents.
RNH₂ + R′COOH → R′CONHR + H₂OEthylene oxide addition gives ethoxylated oleylamine — a nonionic to cationic fluid surfactant and emulsifier used in personal care and agricultural formulations.
RNH₂ + n EO → RN(CH₂CH₂OH)₂The C9=C10 bond is epoxidised with peracids to give an epoxide, which is then ring-opened to give hydroxy- or amino-amine derivatives for specialty surfactants.
R-CH=CH-R′ + peracid → epoxideRemains liquid in cold service; the amine group anchors to metal oxide surfaces while the kinked unsaturated tail forms a protective film in oilfield and marine inhibitor packages.
Fe–OH + RNH₂ → Fe–O–NH₂RCondenses with aldehydes to give oleyl imines — used in corrosion inhibitors and as intermediates in agrochemical and pharmaceutical synthesis.
RNH₂ + R′CHO → RN=CHR′ + H₂OCatalytic hydrogenation of the double bond converts oleylamine to octadecylamine (ODA) — a route used when a fully saturated C18 amine is needed from an unsaturated feedstock.
OLA + H₂ → ODA (cat., pressure)Process notes. Oleylamine is air-sensitive: the double bond oxidises slowly on prolonged exposure to air, raising the peroxide value and the colour. Store under nitrogen and keep containers sealed. It is a corrosive liquid (Class 8); avoid copper, copper alloys and brass. High-purity grade is more susceptible to oxidation than technical grade — specify a peroxide-value limit if your process is sensitive to oxidation products.
Discuss your processOleylamine follows the same fatty nitrile–hydrogenation route as DDA and ODA, but the final hydrogenation step is carefully controlled to preserve the C9 double bond while fully reducing the nitrile to the primary amine.
Oleic acid derived from olive, sunflower or tall oil, with a high C18:1 cis content, is purified to narrow the fatty-acid profile.
Ammonia is reacted with oleic acid at high temperature to give oleonitrile, with the C9 double bond surviving the reaction conditions.
The nitrile is hydrogenated under mild conditions over a selective catalyst — enough pressure and temperature to convert nitrile to primary amine, but not enough to saturate the C9 double bond.
Fractional distillation removes secondary and tertiary amine fractions and adjusts the oleylamine/C18 saturated amine ratio to meet the grade specification.
OLA is tested for primary amine content, iodine value, colour and peroxide value, then filled under nitrogen to prevent oxidation.
Technical-grade oleylamine (typically 70–80% (Z)-C18:1 amine) is the norm for corrosion inhibitors, cationic surfactants, flotation reagents and general industrial synthesis, where the C16 and C18:0 co-amines are not detrimental. High-purity grade (≥ 95–98% (Z)-C18:1) is used in nanoparticle synthesis, liquid-crystal formulations and pharmaceutical intermediates, where the chain-length and geometry must be precisely defined. If the double-bond geometry matters — particularly for nanoparticle work — specify the (Z)-content and the iodine value at enquiry stage.
The double bond makes oleylamine more reactive than saturated fatty amines — and more prone to autoxidation. In sealed drums stored cool and away from light and air, OLA is normally stable for twelve months from manufacture, but the peroxide value should be checked before use in sensitive applications. A nitrogen purge when re-sealing partly used drums is essential. For research grades, we recommend 4 °C refrigerated storage and minimising headspace.
The right grade depends on how much the chain-length distribution and double-bond geometry matter to your process. Technical grade covers most industrial uses; high-purity grade is for nanoparticle synthesis and demanding research.
The standard grade for corrosion inhibitors, cationic surfactants, flotation reagents and general industrial synthesis.
Tight limits on saturated co-amines, (E)-isomer and peroxide value for nanoparticle synthesis and LC-amine formulations.
Highest purity for analytical, research and calibration use. Packaged in sealed ampoules or bottles under nitrogen.
| Parameter | Test method | Typical specification |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Visual | Yellow to amber viscous liquid |
| Primary amine content | GC or potentiometric titration | ≥ 98.0% w/w total amine |
| (Z)-C18:1 content (oleylamine) | GC | ≥ 70% w/w of total amine |
| Iodine value | Wijs method | 85–95 g I₂ / 100 g |
| Colour (APHA) | APHA | ≤ 100 |
| Peroxide value | Titration | ≤ 5 meq O₂ / kg |
| Water | Karl Fischer | ≤ 0.3% w/w |
| Density at 25 °C | Densitometer | 0.808 – 0.816 g/cm³ |
Indicative specification for planning. The controlling document is the Certificate of Analysis issued for your batch. If your process needs a specified (Z)-content or a tighter peroxide-value limit, say so at enquiry stage.
OLA is the specialist in the fatty-amine family — the one chosen when the liquid state, the unsaturation or the coordinating nitrogen matters as much as the chain length.
The primary application for high-purity oleylamine. Used as solvent, capping ligand and mild reductant in the synthesis of metal, oxide and semiconductor nanoparticles — Au, Ag, Pt, Fe₃O₄, CdSe, PbS and many others.
Remains fluid at temperatures where DDA and ODA solidify — essential for inhibitor blends used in cold-climate pipelines, offshore risers and winter-grade metalworking fluids.
Oleyltrimethylammonium and oleyl benzyl quats melt lower than their stearyl counterparts — used in fluid fabric softeners, hair conditioners and low-temperature-stable antistatic agents.
The rigid double bond and flexible saturated tails of oleylamine and its derivatives are exploited in lyotropic liquid-crystal and LC-polymer systems used in photonics and display research.
Ethoxylated oleylamine and its acid salts are used as emulsifiers, wetting agents and dispersants in herbicide and insecticide formulations — particularly in cold-climate field conditions.
Used in friction-modifier and lubricity-additive packages for engine oils, gear oils and metalworking fluids, where the unsaturated chain improves film formation at boundary-lubrication conditions.
Ethoxylated oleylamine and its quaternary salts are used as conditioning agents, emulsifiers and skin-feel agents in shampoos, conditioners and skin creams, where the unsaturated chain gives a lighter, less waxy texture than ODA derivatives.
A building block for unsaturated amides, oleyl imines and other specialty intermediates; widely used as a model compound in surface chemistry, self-assembled monolayer and lipid research.
From nanoparticle ligands to fabric-softener actives — the value chain downstream of OLA.
| Derivative | Made by | End use |
|---|---|---|
| Oleylamine–metal nanoparticle complexes | Coordination to metal precursor at high temperature | Catalysis, magnetic materials, biosensors, photovoltaics |
| Oleyltrimethylammonium chloride (OTAC) | Exhaustive methylation | Fluid fabric softener active, hair conditioner, phase-transfer catalyst |
| Ethoxylated oleylamine (PEG-2 to PEG-15 oleylamine) | Ethylene oxide addition | Emulsifier, antistatic, wetting agent in agrochemicals and personal care |
| Oleyl amide | Condensation with fatty acid | Lubricant, plastics slip agent, emulsifier |
| Oleyl imine (Schiff base) | Condensation with aldehyde | Corrosion inhibitor, oilfield chemical |
| Epoxidised oleylamine derivative | Peracid epoxidation of C9 double bond | Specialty surfactant intermediate, polymer modifier |
Every container carries the Chelora Amines label with product name, grade, net weight, batch number, manufacturing date, UN number and hazard pictograms. All packs are nitrogen-purged before sealing.
UN-approved steel drums for production use. Nitrogen-purged and sealed; a drum of OLA should be used promptly after opening to minimise air exposure.
For high-volume users. Earthing points fitted; nitrogen blanket on delivery. Blanket the tote between draws.
100 mL to 5 L sealed bottles under nitrogen for laboratory, pilot and nanoparticle-synthesis work. Batch COA with every pack.
Because oleylamine is sensitive to air oxidation, tell us your anticipated batch draw-down rate and storage conditions at enquiry stage — we will recommend the pack size and nitrogen-blanketing arrangement that best protects the material between uses. Export consignments are packed in UN-specification containers and shipped FOB, CIF or CFR through Nhava Sheva and Mundra.
Plan my supplyOleylamine is a corrosive liquid that causes severe skin burns and eye damage on contact, and is harmful if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through skin. The unsaturated chain also means it oxidises slowly in air, raising the peroxide value. The notes below are a summary for planning only — always work to the Safety Data Sheet supplied with your consignment and your own site risk assessment.
| Parameter | Specification | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Yellow to amber liquid | Complies |
| Primary amine (titration) | ≥ 98.0% | Complies |
| (Z)-C18:1 content (GC) | ≥ 70% | Complies |
| Iodine value | 85–95 | Complies |
| Peroxide value | ≤ 5 meq/kg | Complies |
| Water (KF) | ≤ 0.3% | Complies |
Oleylamine is checked before dispatch. Each consignment leaves with the paperwork your QC, stores and accounts teams need on day one — including the iodine value and peroxide value that matter for unsaturated fatty amines.
Five steps for a first order of oleylamine.
Grade, quantity, pack size, (Z)-content or iodine-value requirement, and your nitrogen-blanketing arrangement.
We confirm grade and form for your application and quote, usually within 24 hours.
The batch is tested — including iodine value and peroxide value — and the COA, SDS and invoice details are prepared.
Nitrogen-purged and sealed packs move by road, or in export packing for overseas buyers.
Material reaches your gate and repeat dispatches are scheduled to your usage, with priority placed on minimising storage time.
Buyers who order oleylamine usually source these from the same list. See the full product range for the complete picture.
Short answers to what purchase, lab and plant teams ask us most. Anything else, ask us directly.
Send the grade, quantity, pack size and your delivery address or destination port. We come back with a price, the documents that go with the batch and a dispatch or shipping plan, usually within 24 hours.