Tetrabutylammonium chloride is available in stock for immediate industrial and pharmaceutical use, supplied at high purity to support a wide range of demanding synthesis applications. Identified by CAS number 1112-67-0, this compound is offered to facilitate phase-transfer catalysis, halide exchange, and advanced organic transformations integral to industrial organic synthesis. Its availability ensures continuous manufacturing and process reliability for bulk chemical operations. For companies seeking consistent supply and technical documentation, bulk pricing inquiries are welcome.
Tetrabutylammonium chloride is a quaternary ammonium salt with the molecular formula C16H36ClN and a molecular weight of 277.92 g/mol. Featuring a hydrophobic tetrabutylammonium cation and a chloride anion, this compound acts as an effective phase-transfer agent due to its amphiphilic nature. The presence of four butyl groups attached to the nitrogen atom confers enhanced solubility in organic solvents while retaining ionic character, thereby improving the efficiency of heterogeneous reactions. In synthesis processes, tetrabutylammonium chloride is commonly utilized to transport inorganic anions from aqueous to organic phases, streamlining nucleophilic substitutions, condensation reactions, and catalyst regeneration steps in multi-stage manufacturing. Its stable crystalline form facilitates precise weighing and reproducibility, which are critical for scale-up and process consistency. Purity grades offered meet the requirements for advanced organic synthesis, making it an optimal choice when ligand and counterion purity directly impact reaction outcomes.
The key physicochemical properties of tetrabutylammonium chloride include a density of 0.89 g/cm³, a melting point of 36–38°C, and a boiling point of approximately 163°C at 12 mmHg. Its measured assay is not less than 99%, and water content routinely falls below 0.5% w/w, ensuring minimal interference in moisture-sensitive reactions. The flash point is established at over 110°C, and the compound exhibits a logP value near 2.9, indicative of its moderate lipophilicity and favorable phase-transfer capabilities. The product appears as a white to off-white crystalline powder, allowing for easy handling and minimal contamination. These attributes collectively make tetrabutylammonium chloride a reliable material for inclusion in regulated and critical-pathway syntheses.
In terms of industrial and technical applications, tetrabutylammonium chloride is primarily employed as a phase-transfer catalyst (PTC) to enable otherwise immiscible reactants—such as aqueous halides and organic substrates—to interact efficiently in one-pot reaction environments. Crucially, its use in nucleophilic aromatic substitutions and Williamson ether syntheses has streamlined processes requiring alkoxide or cyanide transfer from aqueous to organic phases. Beyond these core roles, tetrabutylammonium chloride serves as a supporting electrolyte in electrochemical synthesis, a tailoring agent for ion-exchange resins, and a solubilizer for high molecular weight salts and polymers. Its performance in flow chemistry and continuous manufacturing protocols further enhances process intensification by facilitating real-time phase-transfer under tightly controlled conditions, critical for pharmaceutical intermediate and active ingredient production. The versatility of this compound extends to being a reagent for halide exchange reactions and an efficient mediator in polysiloxane synthesis and modification pathways.
For safe and reliable supply chain management, tetrabutylammonium chloride is packaged in 25 kilogram high-density polyethylene (HDPE) drums with a nitrogen-purged headspace to minimize oxidative or moisture-induced degradation. The recommended storage conditions include keeping the material tightly sealed in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from sources of strong acids or oxidizing agents. When stored as specified, the product maintains a minimum shelf-life of 24 months, backed by comprehensive Certificate of Analysis documentation upon request. This makes it suitable for long-term inventory planning and just-in-time manufacturing strategies.
Related Articles