![[REFRESH] AMP-95: Complete Technical Guide](https://welltchemicals.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/0-2.webp)
If you googled AMP 95 (sometimes written AMP-95), you’re almost certainly looking for coatings chemical, not an amplifier for sound systems. AMP 95 is a 95% solution of 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol, a multi-tasking amino alcohol used by paint and adhesives formulators to neutralize acid functional resins, co-disperse pigments, and maintain steady pH levels. This is a quick guide that covers what it’s, its actual properties, what it’s used in, how much to use, and what it compares to ammonia and other AMPs.
Quick Specs: AMP-95 (2-Amino-2-Methyl-1-Propanol)
| Chemical name | 2-Amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP) |
| CAS / EINECS | 124-68-5 / 204-709-8 |
| Formula / Molar mass | C₄H₁₁NO / 89.14 g/mol |
| % active | 95% AMP + 5% water |
| Appearance | Colorless, low-viscosity liquid |
| pKa (25 °C) | ~9.8 |
| Typical dose | 0.1–0.3% on total formulation weight |
What Is AMP-95?
⚠️ Field note: grade mix-ups
A common problem is treating AMP-95, AMP-90 and anhydrous AMP as interchangeable, which risks a batch running short on amine or turning solid in a 15 °C store. That happens because the grades differ in water content; AMP-95 is engineered to stay liquid at about 95% active amine. Coating production lines tend to standardize on the 95% grade, and Wellt ships certified batches with a certificate of analysis so buyers confirm assay first.
Marketed as a 95% solution with about 5% added water, AMP-95 is the trade name for 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol. it’s a colorless liquid, and belongs to a chemical classification known as alkanolamines-which means a single molecule has an amine functional group (-NH2) and a hydroxyl functional group (-OH) attached to a carbon. This bifurcated molecule make for a weak base, ideal for maintaining stable pH levels, explaining its decades of use as a neutralizer for various water-based or aqueous systems.
Under CAS number 124-68-5, the molecule is listed at PubChem CID 11807, registered by the U.S. National Institutes of Health. In the paint and coatings industry, this product, originally developed by ANGUS Chemical and now marketed as AMP-95 by Advancion (equivalent products from multiple sources exist), has become a workhorse. In the personal care and cosmetic industries, the INCI name for this substance, found on product labels, is Aminomethyl Propanol. A single chemical under a unique CAS # for paint, ink, glue, and beauty products-hence the sometimes scattered search results for “AMP-95.”
When it’s in its neat, pure form, 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol is actually a solid at typical room temperatures, with melting points in the neighborhood of 30-31°C. Adding the 5% water in the commercial 95% version lowers the freezing point to around -2°C, ensuring it remains a easily handled liquid and prevents unwanted solidification when stored in cooler climates or environments.
AMP-95 Properties & Specifications
⚠️ Common pitfall: spec drift
Teams sometimes fail to check water content batch to batch, and a 1–2% gap shifts buffering capacity and viscosity in a finished latex. Because AMP-95 is a 95% solution rather than a fixed compound, the fix is to confirm assay against the certificate of analysis before each production run. In-house QC at a certified supplier close that gap and is worth requesting up front.
Take the following numerical properties as approximate, representative values-these are a good starting point for initial compatibility checks and dose estimation but should never be relied upon without a specific certificate of analysis for a given product batch.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molar mass | 89.14 g/mol |
| Density | 0.934 g/cm³ |
| Melting point (pure AMP) | 30–31 °C |
| Boiling point | 165.5 °C |
| pKa (25 °C) | ~9.8 |
| Flash point (Tag closed cup) | 81 °C |
| Solubility in water | Miscible |
| GHS / NFPA | Warning; H315/H319/H412; NFPA 2-2-0 |
Property data: PubChem CID 11807 and ECHA InfoCard 100.004.282.
What Is AMP-95 Used For? The 5-Function Value Map
![[REFRESH] Irgafos 168: Uses, Benefits & Specifications](https://welltchemicals.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/0-1.webp)
💡 Why one additive beats three
Buying a separate neutralizer, dispersant and flash-rust inhibitor raises cost and the risk of incompatibility between additives; that trade-off rarely pay off. It gets specified instead because one molecule is built around all three jobs at about 95% active amine, which is why formulators on industrial production lines use it to consolidate the bill of materials, and why Wellt’s AMP-95 coating additive is stocked as a single multifunctional buy. Confirm tolerance to your resin system before scaling. This combined neutralizer-and-dispersant role is documented in US Patent Application 20100041801A1.
What is AMP-95 used for?
AMP-95 works as a multifunctional ingredient across water-based systems, serving as a pH neutralizer, a co-dispersing agent for pigments, a corrosion inhibitor, a pH buffer, and a compatibility enhancer. It’s favored over simpler neutralizing agents for its multi-talented approach: a single additive deliver multiple benefits, often eliminating the need for two or three distinct, single-use materials. Mapped below is the value proposition that product pages rarely explicitly state.
| Function | Mechanism | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| pH neutralizer | Reacts with –COOH groups on acrylic/alkyd resins | Water-solubilizes the binder |
| Co-dispersant | Adsorbs on pigment (TiO₂, iron oxides), adds repulsion | Better color, less re-agglomeration |
| Corrosion / flash-rust inhibitor | Complexes metal ions; raises in-can pH reserve | Protects metal substrates and packaging |
| pH buffer | pKa ~9.8 resists drift in the 8–9.5 window | Stable viscosity and shelf life |
| Compatibilizer | Stabilizes emulsions and thickener systems | Fewer additives, lower cost |
AMP-95 in Waterborne Coatings & Paints
📐 The neutralization trade-off
In practice, paint formulators struggle with a narrow window: too little amine and the latex can fail and coagulate below pH 8 within 24 hours; too much and you risk foam and a water-sensitive film. It holds that line because of its pKa near 9.8, so it’s engineered to buffer in the 8–9.5 band. On automotive and architectural production lines, 0.1–0.3% is the working dose, added after letdown.
What is AMP-95 used for in paint?
In paint, AMP-95 neutralizes the carboxylic-acid groups built into acrylic and alkyd resins, which makes the binder water-dilutable and keeps the latex colloidally stable. Latex needs a pH near 8.0-9.5 to avoid coagulation, and a pKa near 9.8 holds that window better than ammonia. Because the same molecule also adsorbs onto pigment and colorant, one addition lifts hiding, gloss, and color while resisting yellowing — one reason AMP-95 sits in most waterborne coating additive line-ups.
Patent literature supports this function: applications such as US Patent 20100041801A1 listing amine neutralizing agents for low-VOC paints names 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol among the prominent alkanolamine neutralizers for waterborne coatings. Another published patent application notes AMP as “one of the most effective neutralizers in water borne acrylic formulations.”
Beyond Coatings: Metalworking Fluids, Personal Care & Cleaners
The same chemistry is useful, which is why “aminomethyl propanol” finds much more online tidbits that apply to the interests of personal care, and “AMP 95” is a stronger search term than just “AMP” because it’s also a common cosmetic science ingredient. As an organic compound it’s a buffer and dispersant but not a surfactant, so the chemistry application matrix map is below.
| Industry category | Primary role | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural coatings | Neutralizer + co-dispersant | Latex/acrylic interior & exterior paint |
| Industrial & automotive coatings | Corrosion inhibitor | Metal substrates, salt-spray resistance |
| Adhesives & sealants | Neutralizer | Water-based systems |
| Pigment dispersions & colorants | Co-dispersant | TiO₂, iron-oxide slurries |
| Inks & overprint varnish | pH buffer | Aqueous solution stability |
| Metalworking fluids | Alkalinity reserve | Corrosion control in coolants |
| Household & industrial cleaning | pH control | Hard-surface cleaners |
| Personal care | pH-adjusting ingredient | INCI Aminomethyl Propanol |
| Water treatment | pH / alkalinity | Aqueous dosing |
| Pharmaceutical / chemical synthesis | Building block | Buffer; precursor via chemical synthesis |
- Metalworking Fluids:alkalinity reserve and corrosion control in water-miscible coolants.
- Adhesives and Sealants:neutralization and stability in water-based adhesives and sealants.
- Personal Care:a pH-modifying additive in shampoos, conditioners, and hair sprays listing as Aminomethyl Propanol in the INCI.
- Household and industrial cleaning:pH control and soil suspension in hard-surface cleaners.
- Synthesis and Pharma:an industrial building block and pH-buffer; the molecule is prepared by hydrogenating 2-aminoisobutyric acid and it appears in the drug pamabrom (see PubChem CID 11807).
A common error is to consider AMP-95 as generic amine in these chemistries. It’s a buffer first: in cosmetics it’s dosed to reach a target pH rather than in fixed percentages, and concentration remains minimal to prevent irritation of the scalp and skin.
AMP-95 vs Ammonia & Other Neutralizing Amines
It’s tempting to see the molecule as just a more costly replacement for ammonia. That’s a misconception: ammonia only enables pH adjustment, whereas AMP-95 also disperses colorant and pigment particles and inhibits corrosion, so they aren’t a like comparison.
- Low odor (sterically hindered amine, low volatility)
- Resists yellowing vs ammonia/ethanolamines
- Adds dispersancy + corrosion control
- VOC-exempt by U.S. EPA
- Corrosive to copper, brass, aluminum (use 316 stainless or lined tanks)
- Weak base – not suitable for strong, permanent neutralization( NaOH outperforms here)
- Higher unit cost than ammonia
“AMP belongs to the family of sterically hindered amines, the hindered structure is what gives it low volatility compared with simple alkanolamines.”
F. Bougie & M. C. Iliuta, Université Laval, Journal of Chemical & Engineering Data (2012)
AMP-95 vs AMP-90 and Other AMP Grades
📝 Names, grades & sourcing note
You’ll see this additive written as AMP-95®, AMP-95™ or simply AMP-95; the lower-water grades carry names such as AMP-90™ and AMP-75™. All are the same colorless liquid of relatively low viscosity, valued for coating performance, UV and yellowing resistance, and regulatory compliance. When you compare suppliers, choose a partner whose documentation reflects real research and whose catalog lists related products. Wellt supplies AMP-95 and related coating additives for industrial buyers. Grade and VOC status are reflected in the U.S. EPA VOC-exemption list.
⚠️ Pick the grade, not the habit
A frequent mistake is defaulting to whatever grade is in stock; that risks a 5–10% amine gap that quietly shifts your dose and pH. Because grades differ only in water content, the fix is to match active amine to your neutralization target rather than the label. Wellt supplies AMP-95, AMP-90 and anhydrous grades from certified production for industrial buyers who need consistent assay.
What is the difference between AMP-90 and AMP-95?
What separates AMP-90 from AMP-95 is the volume of water, not the chemistry. Both compounds are identical (2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol) both can be purchased as a wet (about 90% active, with 10% water) or dry (about 95% active, 5% water) form. That added water, which lowers the melting point and makes it easier to handle in a hot liquid, translates into the fact that there’s slightly less amine per unit weight, and dose accordingly. Use the selector given.
| Grade | % active AMP | ~ Water | Pick it when |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMP-95 | ~95% | 5% | Default for coatings; most amine per kg, still pourable |
| AMP-90 | ~90% | 10% | Slightly easier cold handling; minor dose bump |
| AMP-75 | ~75% | 25% | Pre-diluted dosing convenience |
| AMP (anhydrous) | ~100% | 0% | Synthesis / gas treatment where water is unwanted (solid below ~31 °C) |
How to Use AMP-95: Dosing & Neutralization
📐 Where dosing goes wrong
Two failures dominate: under-dosing lets pH drift acidic on storage, while over-dosing past 0.5% risks foam and amine bloom. Because AMP-95 buffers rather than acting as a strong base, titrate to an 8.5–9.5 target with a calibrated meter, add it diluted after letdown at 0.1–0.3%, and allow for amine loss in the film.
Neutralizer selection for low-VOC paints is discussed in US Patent Application 20100041801A1.
Most latex paint formulas hit 0.1-0.3% AMP-95 on total formulation weight for pH control and co-dispersancy. But if you’re neutralizing a specific acid-functional resin, size the dose from its acid value rather than guessing.
AMP-95 (g) = (AV × resin g × N × 89.14) ÷ (56100 × 0.95)
AV = resin acid value (mg KOH/g); N = fraction of acid groups you want neutralized; 89.14 = AMP molar mass; 56100 = mg KOH per mole; 0.95 = AMP-95 active fraction.
Worked example: a resin with AV = 50 mg KOH/g, 100 g of resin, neutralizing 80% (N = 0.8):
(50 × 100 × 0.8 × 89.14) ÷ (56100 × 0.95) = 356,560 ÷ 53,295 ≈ 6.7 g AMP-95. Re-run it with your own acid value and batch size.
Add AMP-95 diluted and late (post-letdown) while stirring, and titrate to a target pH of 8.5-9.5 with a calibrated meter rather than test strips. Over-dosing past ~0.5% invites foam and amine bloom; under-dosing lets pH drift acidic on storage. Build in a small excess to cover amine loss during film formation.
Safety, Handling & Regulatory Status
⚠️ Handling mistakes that cost batches
A costly mistake is pumping AMP-95 through copper or aluminum: it corrodes those metals above 40 °C or pH 10 and risks contaminating the batch. Root cause: its alkalinity, so the fix is 316 stainless or lined production equipment plus splash goggles and nitrile gloves. Because the amino alcohol is FDA-referenced for several food-contact uses and REACH-registered, documentation matters to industrial buyers.
It is alkaline and an irritant, not a high-acute-hazard chemical. Its GHS classification is Warning, with hazard statements H315 (skin irritation), H319 (eye irritation), and H412 (harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects); NFPA 704 rating is 2-2-0.
- Wear chemical splash goggles and nitrile gloves; the liquid irritates skin and eyes.
- Store sealed and away from strong acids and copper/aluminum equipment.
- For personal care, dose to a low target concentration to stay within cosmetic-use limits.
On the regulatory side, the U.S. EPA granted AMP a VOC exemption on March 27, 2014. One caveat worth knowing: VOC-exempt is not the same as zero-VOC. AMP still has a small inherent VOC; it is exempt by regulation, and a 2025 Federal Register amendment to aerosol-coating VOC standards still references it explicitly. It is REACH-registered (ECHA InfoCard 100.004.282). Always confirm the current SDS for your region before use.
Industry Outlook: Low-VOC Coatings Keep AMP-95 Relevant
💡 What buyers should plan for
Buyers face a single-source supply gap risk when VOC rules tighten and demand for compliant amines climbs, the 2025 Federal Register aerosol amendment is one example. Because the driver is regulatory, not cyclical, the sensible move is to qualify a second AMP-95 source. Production planners in the architectural and industrial coatings segments should treat multifunctional amines as strategic and lock in certified supply early.
Regulation, not hype, is the load-bearing trend for AMP-95: tightening VOC limits in the U.S. and EU keep pushing architectural and industrial coatings from solvent-borne toward waterborne, and water-based systems need efficient, low-odor neutralizing amines. The 2025 Federal Register aerosol-coatings amendment is one more turn of that ratchet. For a buyer, the practical implication through 2026 is to treat multifunctionality as a selection criterion – an additive that neutralizes, disperses, and inhibits corrosion can consolidate a bill of materials – and to qualify a second AMP-95 source so a single supplier outage doesn’t stall production. Market trackers put waterborne coatings in the mid-tens of billions of dollars with low-to-mid single-digit annual growth, but treat those figures as directional background; the durable signal is the regulation driving the switch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is AMP-95 used for?
View Answer
Q: What is AMP-95 used for in paint?
View Answer
Q: What is the difference between AMP-90 and AMP-95?
View Answer
Q: What is the CAS number of AMP-95?
View Answer
Q: Is AMP-95 corrosive?
View Answer
Q: Where can I buy AMP-95?
View Answer
About This AMP-95 Guide
We’ve pulled information for this primer from public technical and regulatory resources – PubChem, ECHA, U.S. EPA VOC rules, patent applications, peer-reviewed amine chemistry literature, and cross-checked it with amp-95 product information – because of all the repetitive questions we were getting from formulators regarding dosage, as well as the AMP-90 and AMP-95 difference. Technically Reviewed by the Nanjing Wellt Chemicals Team.
Wellt Chemicals:AMP-95 from China with Samples, TDS/SDS, drum or IBC quantities.
Related Articles
References & Sources
- 2-Amino-2-methyl-1-propanol, CID 11807PubChem, U.S. National Institutes of Health
- Complete List of VOC Exemption RulesU.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- National VOC Emission Standards for Aerosol Coatings, 2025 AmendmentsU.S. Federal Register
- Substance InfoCard 100.004.282European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
- Aminomethyl propanolWikipedia
- Amine neutralizing agents for low-VOC organic paints (US20100041801A1)Google Patents
- Sterically Hindered Amine-Based Absorbents (J. Chem. Eng. Data, 2012)Bougie & Iliuta
