6(or 8)-(sec-Butyl)quinoline (also known as 6-(2-methylpropyl)quinoline, 6(or 8)-isobutylquinoline, CAS: 68198-80-1) is an alkyl-substituted quinoline derivative with the molecular formula C₁₃H₁₅N and a molecular weight of 185.26 g/mol. The compound features a quinoline bicyclic core — a benzene ring fused to a pyridine ring — with a branched alkyl substituent (specifically a 2-methylpropyl group) at the 6- or 8-position of the quinoline ring. It appears as a colorless liquid with a characteristic earthy odor, with a calculated LogP of approximately 3.81, indicating moderate lipophilicity.
The quinoline scaffold is a privileged structure in medicinal chemistry, and the introduction of alkyl substituents such as the sec-butyl group enhances lipophilicity, modulates electronic properties, and influences the compound‘s reactivity and biological activity. The compound‘s branched alkyl chain improves solubility in organic solvents and biological systems, making it a valuable building block for the synthesis of diverse functional molecules. Its production typically involves Grignard reactions or iron-catalyzed alkylation of quinoline precursors. Market demand is closely linked to the global pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and specialty chemical industries, driven by the increasing importance of functionalized quinoline derivatives in drug discovery, crop protection, and advanced materials. Based on its chemical characteristics and industrial chain position, this article systematically analyzes international market dynamics of 6(or 8)-(sec-butyl)quinoline, focusing on core application scenarios, competitive landscape, regional differences, regulatory trends, and future outlook, providing strategic references for industry participants.
Core Application Fields and Demand
Market demand for 6(or 8)-(sec-butyl)quinoline is concentrated in four major sectors: pharmaceutical synthesis and drug discovery (≈40-45% of global consumption), agrochemical production (≈25-30%), polymer additives and materials science (≈15-20%), and organic synthesis and specialty chemicals (≈10-15%).
In the pharmaceutical synthesis and drug discovery sector, 6(or 8)-(sec-butyl)quinoline serves as a valuable building block for the development of various bioactive molecules. Quinoline derivatives are noted for their aromaticity, which contributes to their stability and potential reactivity, and may exhibit interesting biological activities, including antimicrobial or antitumor properties. The compound is commonly used as an intermediate in organic synthesis for the preparation of pharmaceuticals, including kinase inhibitors, antimicrobial agents, and anticancer drug candidates. The alkyl substituent enhances lipophilicity, which can improve membrane permeability and bioavailability of drug candidates. Quinoline-8-carboxamide derivatives have been investigated as inhibitors of PARP-1 and the NAD-hydrolyzing enzyme CD38, while related structures have shown activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The global pharmaceutical intermediate market, valued at approximately USD 45-47 billion in 2025, continues to sustain demand for functionalized quinoline building blocks.
In the agrochemical production sector, 6(or 8)-(sec-butyl)quinoline is utilized as a key intermediate for the synthesis of pesticides, herbicides, and other crop protection agents. The quinoline core is a common pharmacophore in agrochemicals, and the introduction of alkyl substituents can enhance biological activity, metabolic stability, and environmental profile. The growing global population and the resulting need to increase agricultural productivity continue to drive demand for high-performance agrochemical intermediates.
In the polymer additives and materials science sector, 6(or 8)-(sec-butyl)quinoline is used as an additive in coatings, adhesives, plastics, and rubber. The compound‘s rigid, aromatic quinoline core with an alkyl substituent provides desirable properties such as thermal stability, chemical resistance, and improved adhesion, making it valuable for the development of advanced polymer formulations and specialty materials. The structural characteristics of the compound may allow for various synthetic modifications, enabling the exploration of its derivatives for diverse applications in materials science.
In organic synthesis and specialty chemicals, 6(or 8)-(sec-butyl)quinoline serves as a versatile intermediate for constructing complex molecular architectures. The quinoline core can undergo various transformations, including oxidation to form tetrahydroquinoline derivatives, electrophilic substitution, and functionalization at the nitrogen atom. This makes it a valuable building block for synthesizing libraries of quinoline derivatives for high-throughput screening and for producing specialty chemicals with tailored properties.
Major Market Participants
The global supply system for 6(or 8)-(sec-butyl)quinoline follows a pattern of specialized fine chemical and pharmaceutical intermediate manufacturers, with production concentrated in China, Europe, and North America. The compound is generally supplied as a colorless liquid with purity ranging from 95% to ≥98% (verified by GC analysis). Major international suppliers include Alfa Chemistry (offering sec-butylquinoline under catalog FFC-AR-68198801), CymitQuimica, and various Chinese manufacturers. Chinese manufacturers dominate global supply, with key producers including specialized chemical companies that offer competitive pricing at scales ranging from research quantities to industrial batches. The compound is listed on the TSCA inventory and is available in research quantities (1g, 5g, 10g, 25g, 100g) and industrial bulk scales (1kg, 5kg, 25kg, and larger).
Shanghai XinChem Co., Ltd. (XinChem) has established a reliable, quality-controlled supply chain for high-purity 6(or 8)-(sec-Butyl)quinoline (CAS 68198-80-1). Our product is manufactured under strict quality management, achieving consistent purity (≥98%) with low impurity profiles, fully complying with global pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and industrial standards. It is available in research grade (for laboratory and R&D applications), industrial grade (for agrochemical and polymer synthesis), and high-purity grade (for pharmaceutical and advanced applications).
Regional Market Dynamics
Global demand for 6(or 8)-(sec-butyl)quinoline shows regional differentiation: “Asia-Pacific dominates production, North America and Europe lead in high-purity pharmaceutical and research applications, and Latin America and Middle East & Africa are emerging growth regions.”
Asia-Pacific, particularly China, is the world‘s largest producer and fastest-growing region for quinoline intermediates. Chinese manufacturers, including XinChem, offer competitive pricing at scales ranging from research quantities to industrial batches, serving both domestic demand for pharmaceutical and agrochemical intermediates and exports to global markets. The region‘s expanding pharmaceutical manufacturing base, coupled with growing investment in agrochemical research and development, continues to drive demand for high-purity quinoline building blocks.
North America (United States and Canada) and Europe (Germany, Switzerland, United Kingdom, France) together account for the largest share of high-purity pharmaceutical and research consumption (≥99%), driven by the highest concentration of pharmaceutical R&D, agrochemical innovation, and academic research. Customer requirements in these regions are stringent: purity ≥98%, full traceability, compliance with REACH and TSCA regulations, and comprehensive impurity documentation. The compound is listed on the TSCA inventory and is subject to standard chemical control regulations.
Japan and South Korea demand ultra-high-purity grades for advanced pharmaceutical development and high-performance material applications.
Regulatory and Environmental Considerations
6(or 8)-(sec-Butyl)quinoline (CAS 68198-80-1) is subject to regulatory oversight in major economies, particularly when intended for pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and industrial applications. The compound has an EINECS number of 269-204-7 and is listed on the TSCA inventory. The compound exhibits a characteristic earthy odor at 1.00% in dipropylene glycol solution, and has a calculated LogP of approximately 3.81, indicating moderate lipophilicity and potential for bioaccumulation.
Recommended storage conditions: keep at room temperature, preferably in a cool, dark location below 15°C, in a tightly sealed container, protected from light and incompatible materials. The compound is stable to air at room temperature, but prolonged exposure to sunlight, high temperatures, and fire sources should be avoided. The compound may cause irritation and corrosion to the skin and eyes; appropriate protective equipment (chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses) should be worn when handling. Standard laboratory safety practices should be followed, and inhalation, swallowing, or skin contact should be avoided.
In the European Union, 6(or 8)-(sec-butyl)quinoline is subject to REACH regulations; importers and manufacturers must provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS). In the United States, the compound is regulated under TSCA as an existing chemical substance; for pharmaceutical API use, adherence to cGMP guidelines (21 CFR Parts 210/211) is required. In China, the compound is listed in the Inventory of Existing Chemical Substances (IECSC) and requires safety production licenses for manufacturing facilities.
Environmentally, the compound has a calculated LogP of 3.81, suggesting moderate potential for bioaccumulation. Manufacturing processes generate solvent-containing waste streams requiring proper treatment and disposal in accordance with environmental regulations.
Future Outlook
The market outlook for 6(or 8)-(sec-butyl)quinoline is tied to three core drivers: (1) sustained growth in global demand for functionalized quinoline pharmaceutical intermediates, driven by the increasing role of quinoline derivatives in drug discovery (particularly in kinase inhibitors, antimicrobial agents, and anticancer drug candidates); (2) rising demand for high-performance agrochemicals to ensure food security, where alkylquinolines serve as key building blocks for next-generation crop protection agents; and (3) expanding applications in polymer additives and materials science, where the compound‘s rigid aromatic core and alkyl substituent provide desirable properties for advanced coatings, adhesives, plastics, and rubber formulations.
Challenges include: raw material cost volatility for quinoline precursors and alkylating agents, competition from alternative alkylquinoline isomers and functionalized quinoline building blocks, and potential regulatory restrictions on certain alkylquinoline derivatives. Enterprises should focus on securing high-purity (≥99%) production capabilities, maintaining rigorous impurity documentation for global regulatory filings, ensuring compliance with REACH and TSCA requirements, and building long-term supply partnerships with pharmaceutical manufacturers, agrochemical companies, and specialty chemical formulators.
Shanghai XinChem Co., Ltd. (XinChem)
As a world-leading supplier of quinoline intermediates, pharmaceutical building blocks, and specialty chemicals, Shanghai XinChem Co., Ltd. (XinChem) has always focused on the innovative needs of the pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and material science industries. Relying on core advantages in organic synthesis, alkylation chemistry, quality control, and global logistics, we provide high-quality 6(or 8)-(sec-Butyl)quinoline (CAS 68198-80-1) to global customers. Our product is manufactured under strict quality management, achieving consistent specifications for pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and research grades. Fully compliant with international quality standards, it is an ideal alkylquinoline building block for pharmaceutical API synthesis, agrochemical development, polymer additive formulations, and advanced material applications.
1. Technical Advantages
High Purity & Consistency: Our 6(or 8)-(sec-butyl)quinoline achieves purity levels of ≥98% (verified by GC analysis), supplied as a colorless liquid, molecular weight 185.26 g/mol, molecular formula C₁₃H₁₅N, LogP 3.81, EINECS 269-204-7.
Low Impurity Profile: Strict control of residual solvents, heavy metals, and related substances ensures high performance for pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and material applications.
Multiple Grades Available: We offer research grade (for laboratory and R&D applications), industrial grade (for agrochemical and polymer synthesis), and high-purity grade (for pharmaceutical and advanced applications).
Batch-to-Batch Uniformity: Rigorous analytical testing (GC, GC-MS, density, refractive index) guarantees consistent quality and reproducible performance across all production lots.
2. Product Advantages
Versatile Alkylquinoline Building Block: Directly used in pharmaceutical synthesis (kinase inhibitors, antimicrobial agents, anticancer drug candidates, PARP-1 inhibitors), agrochemical production (pesticides, herbicides), polymer additives (coatings, adhesives, plastics, rubber), and organic synthesis (functionalized quinoline derivatives, tetrahydroquinoline intermediates).
Enhanced Lipophilicity: The sec-butyl substituent improves solubility in organic solvents and biological systems, enhancing membrane permeability and bioavailability of target molecules.
Privileged Quinoline Core: The quinoline scaffold is a well-established pharmacophore in medicinal chemistry and agrochemicals, with demonstrated antimicrobial, antitumor, and biological activities.
TSCA Listed: Compliant with US TSCA regulations.
Flexible Packaging: 1g, 5g, 10g, 25g, 100g, 500g (R&D); 1kg, 5kg, 10kg, 25kg, 50kg HDPE drums/steel drums (industrial); full custom packaging available.
Reliable Supply Chain: Annual capacity in the multi-ton range, with dedicated warehousing (cool, dark, <15°C, sealed containers) and just-in-time delivery capabilities.
3. Application Fields
- Pharmaceutical Synthesis: Kinase inhibitors, antimicrobial agents, anticancer drug candidates, PARP-1 inhibitors, CD38 inhibitors, and other quinoline-based APIs.
- Agrochemical Production: Pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and crop protection agents.
- Polymer Additives & Materials Science: Additives for coatings, adhesives, plastics, and rubber formulations.
- Organic Synthesis: Building block for functionalized quinoline derivatives, tetrahydroquinoline intermediates, and specialty chemicals.
- Drug Discovery: Fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD), SAR campaigns, and high-throughput screening library production.
4. Service Support
Our technical team provides application guidance, impurity profiling, formulation recommendations, and regulatory documentation (Certificate of Analysis, Technical Data Sheet, Safety Data Sheet, REACH compliance, TSCA certification). We offer custom packaging and just-in-time delivery.
5. Why Choose XinChem
- Professionalism: 20+ years in the pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and specialty chemical industries.
- Flexibility: Tailored to customer purity specifications, grade requirements, packaging sizes, and regulatory documentation needs.
- Cost-effectiveness: High quality at competitive industrial pricing.
Contact us now to start cooperation!
Website: www.xinchem.com
Email: sales1@xinchem.com
WhatsApp: +86 18049800532
Post time: Jul-26-2026