A guide to AMP-95, the multifunctional amino alcohol used as a low-odor neutralizer and pH buffer, from a US-based distributor.
AMP-95 is 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (CAS 124-68-5) supplied at about 95% with 5% water. It is a hindered amino alcohol used as a low-odor neutralizer and pH buffer in waterborne coatings, inks, metalworking fluids and personal care, where it also aids pigment dispersion and corrosion inhibition. Stratus Chemical supplies it in drums and totes, with COA and SDS provided.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical name | 2-Amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP) |
| CAS number | 124-68-5 |
| Molecular formula | C4H11NO |
| Molecular weight | 89.14 g/mol |
| EC / EINECS | 204-709-8 |
| INCI name | Aminomethyl Propanol |
| Synonyms | AMP, isobutanolamine, 2-amino-2-methylpropan-1-ol |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid |
| Grade supplied | 95% active, balance water |
| Packaging | Drums and totes |
AMP-95 is 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol supplied at approximately 95% active with about 5% water, which is where the "95" comes from. The added water is functional rather than filler: pure AMP is a waxy solid at room temperature, and the small water content keeps it a pumpable liquid.
Chemically it is a hindered primary amino alcohol. The amine group sits on a quaternary carbon flanked by two methyl groups, and that steric hindrance is what gives AMP its useful profile. It is a strong enough base to neutralize acrylic and latex resins, but hindered enough to resist the side reactions, discoloration and odor associated with less hindered amines.
Formulators value it because one ingredient does several jobs: neutralize, buffer pH, assist pigment dispersion, and contribute to corrosion inhibition and wet adhesion.
The largest application. AMP-95 neutralizes acrylic and styrene-acrylic resins and latex binders, bringing them to working pH so they disperse and stabilize properly. Because it is less volatile than ammonia, pH holds steadier in the can over shelf life and doesn't drift as the coating is applied. It also improves pigment wetting and dispersion, which shows up as better gloss and color development, and contributes to wet adhesion and flash-rust inhibition on metal substrates.
Under the INCI name Aminomethyl Propanol, AMP is a standard neutralizer for carbomer and acrylate thickeners in gels and lotions, and for the acrylate copolymer resins in hair fixatives and hair sprays. In hair spray it does double duty: it neutralizes the resin for solubility, and its low volatility and low odor keep the finished product acceptable in an aerosol.
pH buffering and corrosion inhibition in soluble oils, semi-synthetics and synthetic coolants. Holding pH in the alkaline range keeps the fluid stable and resists microbial growth, while the amino alcohol contributes ferrous corrosion protection.
pH adjustment and buffering in water-based inks and adhesives, and as an alkalinity source in cleaning formulations where low odor matters.
| Factor | AMP-95 | DMEA | Triethanolamine | Ammonia | NaOH / KOH |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Odor | Faint | Strong, fishy | Low | Very strong | None |
| Volatility | Low | Moderate to high | Very low | Very high | Non-volatile |
| In-can pH stability | Good | Moderate | Good | Poor, drifts | Good |
| Pigment dispersion aid | Yes | Limited | Limited | No | No |
| Corrosion inhibition | Yes | Limited | Yes | No | No |
| Film water resistance | Good | Good | Can be reduced | Good | Reduced, alkali stays in film |
| Cost per unit alkalinity | Higher | Moderate | Moderate | Lowest | Lowest |
How to choose. Ammonia is cheapest but the odor is often unacceptable and in-can pH drifts as it escapes. Fixed alkali is cheaper still but stays in the dried film, which can hurt water resistance. DMEA performs well but its fishy amine odor is a persistent complaint in plant and end use. Triethanolamine is low-odor but heavier and can contribute to yellowing.
AMP-95 costs more per unit of alkalinity than ammonia or caustic. Its case is that it replaces more than one additive: neutralizer plus buffer plus dispersion aid plus corrosion inhibitor. Where that consolidation holds, total formulation cost usually favors it, and in low-odor and personal care applications it is often the only workable option. It is a premium neutralizer that earns its cost through multifunctionality, not a drop-in cheaper substitute.
Pure AMP is a solid at ordinary room temperature. The water in AMP-95 depresses that enough to keep the product liquid under normal warehouse conditions, but it will still thicken or solidify in cold weather. Winter shipments may arrive partly solidified; the product is recoverable by gentle, even warming and mixing, and northern sites may need heated storage through winter. Avoid localized overheating during thaw.
As an amine, AMP-95 is irritating to skin and eyes; follow the SDS for PPE and for the recommended reheating procedure. VOC treatment of amine neutralizers varies across jurisdictions and coating categories, so verify the current status for your end use rather than assuming. COA and SDS are provided with every shipment.
Plan winter deliveries with lead time. Tell us your delivery point and season and we'll flag whether protected transport is advisable.
AMP-95 is used as a neutralizer and pH buffer in waterborne coatings, paints and inks, where it also aids pigment dispersion and corrosion inhibition; as a neutralizer for carbomer and hair fixative resins in personal care; and for pH buffering and corrosion inhibition in metalworking fluids.
AMP-95 is 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol containing about 5% water, which is where the 95 comes from. It is a hindered primary amino alcohol, and that steric hindrance is what gives it low odor and resistance to side reactions.
AMP-95 is 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol, CAS number 124-68-5. Its molecular formula is C4H11NO and its molecular weight is 89.14 g/mol. In personal care it is listed under the INCI name Aminomethyl Propanol.
The INCI name is Aminomethyl Propanol. It appears under this name on personal care ingredient listings, where it is used to neutralize carbomer and acrylate thickeners and hair fixative resins.
AMP-95 is multifunctional and low-odor. It neutralizes, buffers pH, helps disperse pigments and aids corrosion inhibition, often at low use levels, which can simplify a formulation by replacing several single-purpose additives.
Both neutralize waterborne resins effectively. AMP-95 has substantially lower odor, lower volatility for steadier in-can pH, and contributes pigment dispersion and corrosion inhibition. DMEA is typically lower cost but carries a strong fishy amine odor that is often unacceptable in plant or end use.
Pure 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol is a solid at room temperature. Adding about 5% water depresses the freeze point enough to keep the product a pumpable liquid, which makes it practical to handle in drums and totes.
It can thicken or solidify in cold weather, so heated storage may be needed in northern locations in winter. Solidified product is generally recoverable by gentle, even warming and mixing; follow the supplier's technical guidance for the reheating procedure.
Stratus Chemical supplies AMP-95 in drums and totes, with COA and SDS provided. Share your application, volume and delivery point and we will respond with pricing and availability within one business day.
Looking for related products? See DETA / AEEA / TETA, propylene glycol, the full product range, or request a quote.
Tell us the grade, form, and volume. We'll respond with pricing and availability within one business day.
Request a Quote →