2-Hydroxy-N,N,N-Trimethylethanaminium Tetrafluoroborate stands out among organic salts for its quaternary ammonium structure and unique set of physical and chemical traits. Chemists working with raw materials or specialty solvents will recognize its utility for both research and applied science. This compound features a molecular formula of C5H14BF4NO and a molecular weight close to 191.97 g/mol. Each molecule brings together a hydroxy group, a trimethylated nitrogen, and the tetrafluoroborate anion. Each of these pieces contributes to how the compound behaves, both in the lab and on the production line. Having handled such compounds, it’s clear this one balances some of the desirable attributes you see in ionic liquids—good solubility, stable structure, manageable volatility—with practical solid or semi-solid appearance under ambient conditions.
This salt forms as a crystalline solid, commonly found in powder or thin-flaked material, depending on storage or handling. Density sits around 1.33 g/cm³, a bit higher than mainstream organic powders, but typical among quaternary ammonium salts. Its structure comprises a cation featuring a trimethylammonium backbone paired with a hydroxyethyl side chain. The anion, tetrafluoroborate, delivers solid chemical stability and helps improve solubility in polar solvents. These traits influence handling: the substance dissolves easily in water and alcohols, disperses quickly, and can blend into solutions without stubborn residues. Under the microscope, the crystals appear clear or slightly white, often in irregular shards or fine grains.
Producers supply the product in several forms, from micro-pearls for accurate dosing to fine powder that meets bulk process needs. Sometimes, as a technical grade material, small amounts of moisture may be present, but drying under mild vacuum or gentle heating will draw that out. Laboratories like to use this substance as an electrolyte, a phase transfer catalyst, or a reagent in synthetic work. I've found the compound easy to measure thanks to its flake or granular structure, with a melting point in the 180–195°C range, resisting decomposition under the usual synthetic conditions. Bulk packaging typically comes in sealed foil or plastic drums, ensuring minimal exposure to air or humidity. The CAS number, placing it in regulatory and supply chain contexts, ties into key trade routes by its HS Code: 2923900090 (amines and their derivatives), making sure customs processes stay streamlined for import or export.
From firsthand experience in handling specialty chemicals, anyone working with 2-Hydroxy-N,N,N-Trimethylethanaminium Tetrafluoroborate should treat it as a chemical with both benefits and known risks. The material does not give off strong fumes, nor does it release hazardous gases under ordinary handling. Still, contact with skin or eyes, or inhalation of airborne dust, can lead to mild irritation. Spillage cleanup requires simple protection—lab coats, chemical-resistant gloves, and workplace ventilation. On the shelf, the substance holds up well under standard temperature, but damp conditions can lead to clumping or reduced flow, so sealed storage matters. Tetrafluoroborate anions raise regulatory interest due to their slow degradation and potential environmental persistence. Handling, storage, and transport call for respect—to protect staff and keep downstream finishes high-quality.
Industrial chemists choose this compound as a raw material for its combination of ionic and organic characteristics. The 2-hydroxyethyl group introduces some degree of hydrophilicity, which translates to faster dissolution in water and certain alcohols. The quaternary ammonium structure finds regular use as an ionic liquid precursor, electrolyte for batteries or capacitors, or stabilizer for electrochemical reactions. Many universities and private labs depend on such compounds for next-generation electrolytic cells or as functional intermediates in organofluorine chemistry. In my own experiments, reactions involving this salt often show cleaner product profiles, which cuts down on the need for time-consuming purification steps. Material safety data places the chemical among the moderately hazardous group, due to the potential for boron and fluorine-based decomposition products under high heat, so process engineers and lab staff use localized fume extraction and personal protection just as a baseline.
To keep workplace and environmental impact low, best practices start with controlling dust, maintaining sealed containers, and setting up catchment methods for any spillage. Chemical waste generated with borate and fluorinated content should enter specialized treatment streams to avoid groundwater or municipal waste transfer. Educating handlers about low acute toxicity but possible chronic environmental risk keeps misuse at bay. In some of my previous workplace pilot runs, switching to more defined dosing tools (micro-pumps or pre-weighed sachets) reduced airborne powder and exposure risk, while regular monitoring of local air quality safeguards the lab team's health. For companies shipping internationally, knowledge of the correct HS Code and up-to-date regulatory paperwork guarantees swift, legal transfer and reception in the target country. Those who develop new materials or processes will find that 2-Hydroxy-N,N,N-Trimethylethanaminium Tetrafluoroborate, with its specific combination of quaternary amine cation and stable tetrafluoroborate anion, delivers a rare blend of consistency, solubility, and reactivity—if used with clear sight on product stewardship and workplace safety.
