© 2026 Alchemist Worldwide Ltd,
All Right Reserved
Isobutyramide stands out in the world of organic compounds. This substance, with the molecular formula C4H9NO and a molar mass of about 87.12 g/mol, carries a tightly-knit combination of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen atoms. Its structure reveals a central amide group joined to an isobutyl side chain, giving it both stability and versatility in practical use. Looking at the raw material, users usually see it in forms like white crystalline powder, solid flakes, and sometimes a pearl-like granularity. These forms don’t just appear pretty; they mean the substance can be scooped, mixed, or weighed with no fuss, depending on what you have on your workbench. A closer look at the density shows a figure around 0.97 g/cm3 at 25°C, which puts it in the same league as other common amides used in labs and industries.
One of the big things people notice about Isobutyramide is its solubility. It dissolves well in water and many organic solvents, which makes it a practical choice in many syntheses or extractions. The melting point lands in the range of 116–118°C, evidence of stable physical qualities that ease storage and shipment. The chemical’s appearance often tells you a lot about purity and handling: a fine, white crystalline powder slides easily through your hands and doesn’t clump in typical storage. That solid feel and neat crystal structure give you confidence over batch consistency. The odor is faint, nothing that dominates the workspace, which adds to the comfort of handling for long stretches.
Isobutyramide walks a line between safety and risk. On paper, it is not classified as a highly hazardous chemical, but regular safety data sheets list it as an irritant, especially for eyes, skin, and airways on direct exposure. Gloves, goggles, and ventilation matter in the lab or warehouse, just as common sense would say. Its safety profile shows low acute oral toxicity, meaning accidental small exposures need quick washing but don’t bring immediate risk of dangerous poisoning. Still, workers would do well to watch out for dust in the air, since respiratory problems can develop over time with careless handling.
The reach of Isobutyramide shows itself in how it’s used as a starting material for several chemical syntheses. From pharmaceuticals to fragrance building blocks, this amide provides a stepping stone toward more complex molecules. Research labs often reach for it when needing a stable backbone for amide coupling reactions. You’ll find it catalogued under the HS Code 2924.19—a segment for amides of carboxylic acids, grouping it alongside many similar chemicals used as raw materials in industrial chemistry. For processes aiming at specific isobutyric acid derivatives, this chemical trims down time and cuts through synthetic dead-ends, boosting efficiency. Formulators value its dependable structure, sharp melting point, and resilience against mild heat and cold.
Depending on supplier and preparation, Isobutyramide can arrive at your door as coarse flakes, pressed pearls, or fine powder. Each style matters. A powder packs tight and mixes easily, making it the pick for blending or lab-scale weighing. Flakes work best in bulk processes, where shovel and scoop do the heavy lifting. Pearls tumble well and pour clean even in automated feeders, reducing dust. No matter the texture, all forms deliver the same core properties: moderate density, solid at room temperature, slight solubility in water, and no major off-gassing under normal conditions. Technicians like it for that. They get fewer surprises, easier measurements, and safe stacking in storerooms.
A sketch of Isobutyramide's structure shows a small, compact backbone. Four carbons form the shape, three bundled in an isobutyl group and one sitting on the amide bridge. Both ends are well-protected, so side reactions stay at bay unless driven by strong acids, bases, or oxidizers. That predictable stability is why it lands on so many purchasing lists for pilot projects and scale-up runs alike. Reactivity often centers on the amide bond, which resists hydrolysis under neutral conditions, only breaking down with persistent heat or strong reagents. Unlike some flammable or volatile amides, Isobutyramide stays put in most workshop atmospheres, giving workers peace of mind. Its low vapor pressure and steady density keep spills manageable and respiratory risks in check.
People storing and shipping Isobutyramide treat it mostly like other standard lab solids. Dry, cool, sealed containers work best, as with most organics, and lining containers with polyethylene films adds a basic layer of protection against moisture. Labels, MSDS sheets, and basic hazard signage meet regulatory needs and help prevent workplace confusion. Though it has low hazard, regular training keeps staff from cutting corners. In liquid form, either dissolved or suspended, users lean on glass and certain plastics, steering clear of metals that might slowly degrade in contact in rare cases. Disposal follows local chemical waste guidelines; most countries list it as non-hazardous, suitable for controlled incineration or treatment at licensed facilities.
People in procurement and logistics should pay close attention to product specification sheets. Not all suppliers deliver identical quality: purity levels, moisture content, and even particle size can swing from batch to batch. Up-to-date certification from accredited labs helps keep surprises at bay and builds trust with downstream users. My own experience says ordering in bulk brings cost savings, but only works if humidity stays controlled through the entire supply line, since this amide, though stable, absorbs water over weeks if cartons are left open.
Looking at health standards, Isobutyramide falls low on the hazard ladder for direct human toxicity. Most exposures, through inhalation or accidental skin contact, lead to mild and reversible irritation. Good housekeeping, regular glove-changing, and mask-wearing do more to limit risk than elaborate containment systems. From an environmental angle, accidental spills present little long-term threat to soil or water. Its biodegradability means even if a spill happens, soil bacteria can break it down. Wastewater treatment plants reduce the risk of bioaccumulation, turning what leaks through into harmless residues over weeks or months. That reassurance matters to folks who care about low-impact chemistry—people working to shrink the chemical industry's footprint on local water and soil.
Most risks from Isobutyramide boil down to routine lapses: open packages, old containers, or careless dumping. Adding humidity sensors in storage rooms, using desiccant packs in cargo, and keeping detailed logs of each shipment give buyers the upper hand. As someone who has watched shipments delay over ruined moisture-prone chemicals, these steps save both money and labor later. For big factories and labs, setting up a closed transfer system, where materials move from drum to reactor without open air contact, nearly eliminates spill and dust risks. Training for new workers about the subtle irritant properties avoids long-term skin problems or respiratory complaints. On the regulatory side, regular audits of chemical storage, use, and disposal make a difference—not just for legal compliance, but for keeping people and property safe year after year.
Isobutyramide sports a tight specification sheet: molecular formula C4H9NO; molar mass 87.12 g/mol; melting point 116–118°C; density near 0.97 g/cm3; appearance ranges from powder to flake; soluble in water and many organics; HS Code 2924.19; irritant but not acutely hazardous; easy to store under dry, cool, sealed conditions. It plays a steady role as a raw material, bridging industries from pharmaceuticals to fragrance, thanks to its reliability and compositional clarity.
