- ▸ Reactive (incorporable) imidazole catalyst for semi-rigid and flexible PU foam
- ▸ Primary-amine handle lets the catalyst bind into the polymer, lowering emissions
- ▸ Also used as an epoxy curing agent/accelerator
A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.
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1-(3-Aminopropyl)imidazole (API) is a reactive imidazole catalyst/curing agent — an imidazole bearing a primary amine that builds into the polymer, used in epoxy curing and as a reactive PU catalyst and building block. Identity: CAS 5036-48-6.
What it is
1-(3-Aminopropyl)imidazole (CAS 5036-48-6) is a liquid imidazole with a pendant aminopropyl group, so it carries both imidazole-catalytic and primary-amine-reactive functionality.
How it catalyzes
Its imidazole catalyzes cure while the primary amine reacts into the network (epoxy curing, urethane), giving reactive, low-migration catalysis; it is also a building block for functionalized imidazoles and ionic liquids.
Applications
API is used in epoxy curing/acceleration, reactive polyurethane catalysis, and as a synthesis building block. Compare 1-methylimidazole.
Forms, grades and handling
API is supplied as a clear liquid in drums and bulk. Properties are typical reference values; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot you buy governs. Amine catalysts are typically corrosive and have a strong odor — handle per the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS). Each lot ships with CoA, TDS and SDS.
Bulk supply and RFQ
RawSource sources 1- direct from producers in bulk, with CoA, TDS and SDS per lot. Tell us your system (flexible/rigid foam, CASE), the reaction balance you need (gel vs blow), and any low-emission requirement, and we will quote the right catalyst or blend. See the full range and gel/blow selection logic in the polyurethane catalysts guide.
Typical Properties
Typical reference values, not a specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot governs.
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical / class | Reactive imidazole catalyst / curing agent |
| Catalyst action | Reactive imidazole catalyst |
| CAS Number | 5036-48-6 |
| Molecular Formula | C6H11N3 |
| Molecular Weight | 125.17 g/mol |
| Handling | Refer to the current SDS |
Regulatory & registration requirements
- TSCA (US):
- REACH (EU):
- EC number: 225-730-9
TSCA Inventory flag PMN: a commenced PMN (premanufacture notice) substance (EPA flag legend).
Source: EPA TSCA Inventory (July 2025 release) · ECHA CHEM — retrieved 2026-07-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 1-(3-aminopropyl)imidazole used for?
1-(3-Aminopropyl)imidazole (API, CAS 5036-48-6) is a reactive imidazole catalyst/curing agent for epoxy and polyurethane that builds into the polymer via its primary amine; it is also a synthesis building block.
How is bulk 1-(3-aminopropyl)imidazole supplied and quoted?
RawSource supplies 1-(3-aminopropyl)imidazole in bulk with CoA, TDS and SDS per lot. Pricing is quote-based on grade and volume; submit an RFQ with your PU system and the gel/blow balance you need.
What is the REACH and TSCA regulatory status of 1-(3-Aminopropyl)imidazole?
1-(3-Aminopropyl)imidazole (CAS 5036-48-6) is subject to U.S. TSCA Inventory requirements; supplying it into the EU requires valid REACH registration ((EC) No 1907/2006). RawSource cannot verify a third-party supplier's registrations — buyers should require documented TSCA and REACH compliance for their jurisdiction and volume (EC 225-730-9).