Fatty amine

They are typically prepared from the more abundant fatty acids, with vegetable or seed-oils being the ultimate starting material.

These compounds and their derivatives are used as fabric softeners, froth flotation agents (purification of ores), corrosion inhibitors, lubricants and friction modifiers.

The overall reaction is sometimes referred to as the Nitrile Process[3] and begins with a reaction between the fatty acid and ammonia at high temperature (>250 °C) and in the presence of a metal oxide catalyst (e.g., alumina or zinc oxide) to give the fatty nitrile.

When conducted in the presence of excess ammonia the hydrogenation affords the primary amines.

The main application of fatty amines is for the production of the corresponding quaternary ammonium salts, which are used as fabric softeners and hair conditioners (e.g. Behentrimonium chloride).