Chemical Identity: N-Butylmorpholine (4-Butylmorpholine, CAS 1005-67-0, MW 143.23 g/mol), featuring a morpholine ring with an N-butyl substituent.
Catalytic Profile: High-purity tertiary amine combining strong basicity with exceptional solvating power; offers significantly lower odor and lower volatility compared to conventional aliphatic amines.
Core Applications: Polyurethane (PU) foam catalyst (balanced blow/gel), epoxy curing accelerator (anhydride/DICY), and specialty intermediate for agrochemicals and lubricants.
In polyurethane manufacturing and thermoset epoxy formulation, selecting the right tertiary amine catalyst is critical to controlling reaction kinetics, cell structure uniformity, and volatile emissions.
SYNOCAT® NBM (N-Butylmorpholine, CAS: 1005-67-0) is a specialized heterocyclic tertiary amine. By pairing the electron-rich morpholine ring with a flexible N-butyl aliphatic chain, it delivers strong catalytic basicity along with superior organic solvating capability.
| Product Name | SYNOCAT® NBM / N-Butylmorpholine |
| CAS Number | 1005-67-0 |
| Molecular Formula | C₈H₁₇NO |
| Molecular Weight | 143.23 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless to light yellow transparent liquid |
| Assay / Purity (GC) | >98.0% |
| Moisture (KF) | <0.5% |
| Color (Pt-Co) | <50 |
| Boiling Point | Approx. 185.8 °C (760 mmHg) |
N-Butylmorpholine is an essential component in catalyst-solvent blends for flexible and semi-rigid polyurethane foams (especially polyester-type PU foams). It provides balanced catalytic activity between gelling and blowing reactions.
In commercial production, NBM is frequently formulated with N,N'-Dimethylpiperazine (DMP) and a solvent carrier:
| Catalyst Component | Functional Role | Typical Ratio (wt%) |
|---|---|---|
| N-Butylmorpholine (SYNOCAT® NBM) | Primary catalyst & solvating agent | 60% – 85% |
| N,N'-Dimethylpiperazine (DMP) | High-activity co-catalyst | 3% – 15% |
| Carrier Solvent / Glycol | Homogenizing & viscosity agent | 7% – 25% |
In thermoset epoxy systems, SYNOCAT® NBM accelerates ring-opening polymerization for:
Anhydride-cured epoxies: Reduces peak curing temperature and shortens curing time.
Latent DICY formulations: Promotes rapid crosslinking in structural adhesives and electrical potting.
Synthesis Intermediate: Non-nucleophilic base and acid scavenger for agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals.
Lubricant Additives: Corrosion inhibitor and neutralizer in metalworking fluids.
Extraction Agent: Selective extractant for specialty metals and acids.
Low Odor & Low Volatility: Significant reduction in workplace amine odor compared to short-chain aliphatic amines.
Balanced Catalysis: Synchronizes foam rise and gelling for superior cell structure.
Excellent Solvating Power: Ensures stable, non-crystallizing catalyst-solvent packages.
Packaging: 190 kg/drum or 900 kg/IBC.
Storage: Keep container tightly closed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Shelf life: 24 months.
A: Polyester PU foams require precise control over reaction kinetics. N-Butylmorpholine provides mild basicity combined with high solvating power, stabilizing DMP co-catalyst blends and promoting uniform cell growth without pinholes.
A: The tertiary amine nitrogen initiates anhydride ring-opening, generating reactive carboxylate species that rapidly crosslink with epoxy resin groups at lower activation temperatures.
A: In blended catalyst packages, NBM typically comprises 60% to 85% by weight of the catalyst solution, with overall usage adjusted according to foam density and demold time requirements.
Sinocure Chemical Group provides high-purity SYNOCAT® NBM and amine catalysts for global manufacturers.
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Email: info@sinocurechem.com
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