Product Information
General Information
Description
Product Introduction
3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (CAS No. 919-30-2), commonly abbreviated as APTES, is a multifunctional aminosilane and silane coupling agent containing a reactive amino group and three hydrolyzable ethoxy groups.
The three ethoxy groups enable hydrolysis and condensation with inorganic surfaces, while the terminal amino group provides a reactive site for further chemical modification. This dual functionality makes APTES particularly useful for connecting inorganic materials with organic molecules, polymers, biomolecules, and functional coatings.
3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane is widely used in surface functionalization, silica modification, nanoparticle functionalization, sol-gel chemistry, polymer composites, biosensors, microfluidics, and biomaterials research.
Mechanism / Principle
Hydrolysis and Condensation
The three Si–OEt groups of APTES undergo hydrolysis in the presence of water to form silanol groups. These silanol groups can subsequently condense with surface hydroxyl groups or with other silanol groups to form stable Si–O–Si linkages.
This mechanism enables APTES to form a chemically functionalized layer on surfaces such as:
- Silica
- Glass
- Metal oxides
- Ceramic materials
- Nanoparticles
- Graphene and related carbon materials
Amino-Functional Surface Modification
After the silane portion anchors to the inorganic surface, the terminal –NH₂ group remains available for subsequent reactions.
The amino group can participate in:
- Amide coupling
- Schiff-base formation
- Reaction with activated esters
- Reaction with epoxides
- Biomolecule immobilization
- Polymer functionalization
This makes APTES an effective molecular bridge between inorganic surfaces and organic or biological components.
Key Research Applications
1. Silica and Glass Surface Functionalization
APTES is widely used to introduce amino groups onto silica and glass surfaces.
Applications include:
- Silica surface modification
- Glass functionalization
- Amino-functionalized silica
- Surface activation
- Interfacial engineering
2. Nanoparticle Functionalization
3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane can modify nanoparticles containing hydroxylated surfaces.
Applications include:
- Silica nanoparticles
- Magnetic nanoparticles
- Metal oxide nanoparticles
- Quantum dots
- Nanocomposites
APTES is particularly useful when subsequent attachment of polymers, ligands, proteins, DNA, or other functional molecules is required.
3. Biosensors and Biointerfaces
The terminal amino group provides a convenient functional handle for immobilizing biomolecules.
Applications include:
- Biosensor fabrication
- Protein immobilization
- DNA immobilization
- Antibody attachment
- Enzyme immobilization
- Biointerface engineering
4. Microfluidics and Lab-on-a-Chip
APTES is used to functionalize glass, silica, and other substrates in microfluidic systems.
Applications include:
- Microfluidic surface modification
- Lab-on-a-chip devices
- Biochip development
- Microchannel functionalization
- Surface passivation and functionalization
5. Polymer Composites
APTES can improve interactions between inorganic fillers and organic polymer matrices.
Applications include:
- Polymer composites
- Silica-polymer interfaces
- Glass fiber treatment
- Nanocomposites
- Filler surface modification
6. Sol-Gel and Hybrid Materials
APTES is used as an organosilane precursor for preparing amino-functionalized hybrid materials.
Applications include:
- Sol-gel synthesis
- Amino-functionalized silica
- Organic-inorganic hybrid materials
- Functional porous materials
- Mesoporous materials
7. Self-Assembled Monolayers
APTES can form functionalized molecular layers on suitable oxide and silica surfaces.
Applications include:
- Surface chemistry
- Molecular layer fabrication
- Functional interfaces
- Sensor platforms
- Electronic device interfaces
Advantages
- Contains both amino and trialkoxysilane functionality
- Effective silane coupling agent
- Provides amino-functional surfaces
- Suitable for silica and glass functionalization
- Useful for nanoparticle surface modification
- Enables organic-inorganic interfacial coupling
- Applicable to biomolecule immobilization
- Useful for biosensors and microfluidics
- Suitable for polymer composites
- Available in high-purity research grades
Storage & Handling
- Store in a tightly closed container.
- Protect from moisture and humidity.
- Store in a cool, dark and well-ventilated environment.
- TCI recommends storage at room temperature in a cool and dark place, preferably below 15°C, and under inert gas.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to atmospheric moisture.
- Handle in a suitable fume hood.
- Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
- Wear appropriate gloves, protective clothing, and eye protection.
- Use compatible containers and dry equipment.
- Follow the product-specific SDS for handling, storage, and disposal.
APTES is classified by commercial suppliers as a corrosive and skin-sensitizing material. Sigma-Aldrich lists H302, H314, and H317 hazard classifications for one 99% grade.
Research Areas
Researchers working in the following fields may benefit from 3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (CAS No. 919-30-2):
- Organosilicon chemistry
- Surface chemistry
- Nanotechnology
- Materials science
- Polymer chemistry
- Sol-gel chemistry
- Biosensors
- Biointerface engineering
- Microfluidics
- Biomaterials
- Composite materials
- Nanomaterials
FAQ
Q1: What is 3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane?
A: 3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane is an aminosilane and silane coupling agent with CAS No. 919-30-2, molecular formula C₉H₂₃NO₃Si, and molecular weight 221.37 g/mol.
Q2: What is the abbreviation for 3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane?
A: The commonly used abbreviation is APTES. APTS and AMEO are also used as alternative names.
Q3: Is APTES the same as 3-(Triethoxysilyl)propylamine?
A: Yes. 3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane and 3-(Triethoxysilyl)propylamine refer to the same compound, CAS 919-30-2.
Q4: What is 3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane used for?
A: APTES is mainly used for surface functionalization, silica modification, nanoparticle functionalization, biosensor fabrication, microfluidics, polymer composites, and organic-inorganic hybrid materials.
Q5: Is 3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane moisture sensitive?
A: Yes. The three ethoxy groups can undergo hydrolysis in the presence of moisture. TCI specifically identifies APTES as moisture sensitive.
Q6: What is the molecular weight of APTES?
A: The molecular weight of 3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane is 221.37 g/mol.
Q7: Can APTES functionalize silica surfaces?
A: Yes. APTES is widely used to introduce amino-functional groups onto silica and glass surfaces, providing reactive sites for subsequent chemical or biomolecular immobilization.
Q8: Can APTES be used for nanoparticle functionalization?
A: Yes. APTES is commonly used to introduce amino groups onto suitable nanoparticle surfaces, including silica and metal oxide nanoparticles.
