4-Methyl-N-Butylpyridinium Bromide stands out as a quaternary ammonium salt, often referenced in both academic and commercial chemical catalogs by its chemical formula C10H16BrN. As a compound sourced primarily from pyridine derivatives, it finds value as a raw material across laboratories and industries. Known for its structure containing a pyridinium ring substituted with a methyl group at the fourth carbon and an N-butyl substituent, this bromide salt brings certain distinguishing physical and chemical traits to the table. Many research projects explore ionic liquids and phase-transfer catalysts, regularly selecting this substance for its specific pairing of organic and ionic features.
Looking at its molecular makeup, 4-Methyl-N-Butylpyridinium Bromide bears the molecular formula C10H16BrN, often represented in chemical models as Br- ionically bonded to a pyridinium cation core. The compound itself appears solid at room temperature, built from stacked organic cations and bromide anions that give the substance stability. What makes it special in a research context is the flexibility achieved by altering its alkyl side chain, with the 'butyl' group offering a moderate balance of solubility and hydrophobic character.
This chemical usually presents as a white to off-white crystalline solid, though depending on the manufacturing process, it can show up in flakes, as a fine powder, as larger pearls, or even as a densely packed solid chunk. In crystal form, it catches light but won't commonly dissolve in classic organic solvents like hexane. Its measured density stands at around 1.2-1.3 g/cm³, making container selection important for both shipment and storage. The substance exists in solid form at room conditions but will go into solution when mixed with water, ethanol, or other polar media. Large labs and chemical suppliers commonly stock it in liter or kilogram lots, accounting for this density and appearance during fulfillment.
From a regulatory perspective, 4-Methyl-N-Butylpyridinium Bromide carries the HS Code 2921.42, which covers quaternary ammonium salts. Companies that trade or ship this material routinely check country-specific requirements under this code for customs, import, and export. Nobody likes handling chemicals with unknown hazard profiles, so clear information is a must. This compound, like most pyridinium salts, demands careful storage away from strong bases or oxidizers. Its toxicity profile isn't viral, but skin, eye, or respiratory contact should always be minimized. Many Material Safety Data Sheets make a point of emphasizing the need for gloves, goggles, and proper ventilation when working with concentrated or powdered forms. While not considered especially hazardous compared to other industrial chemicals, it brings mild irritant characteristics; direct ingestion or prolonged contact should be avoided. Storage in tightly sealed containers at ambient temperature, out of sunlight, helps prevent moisture uptake and possible degradation.
Real use cases often pop up in electrochemistry, where researchers employ this compound in developing ionic liquids, electrolytes for batteries, and as phase-transfer catalysts. Its tailored set of physical characteristics, solubility, and ionic nature prove useful in advancing materials science. Some teams also try it as a template agent during the synthesis of nanomaterials, noting its favorable inclusion-exclusion behavior. Although it doesn’t fit every profile as an industrial solvent or reactant, it serves a distinct group of users looking for precise ion pairing and tunable melting points.
Every person handling 4-Methyl-N-Butylpyridinium Bromide should weigh out solids carefully, aiming for clean working surfaces and measured transfer from flake or powder bottle to reaction vessel. Clean-up with dedicated chemical waste disposal practices keeps trace presence from building up on surfaces. Waste solutions can’t be dumped into regular drains; most users funnel spent product into designated hazardous waste streams, following guidelines shaped by its moderate environmental risk. On the synthesis side, companies sourcing pyridinium derivatives for scale-up watch for batch-to-batch purity and quality, since the properties can shift with minor changes in side chain distribution or impurity profile. In all contexts, labeling, documentation, and traceability help ensure safe development and downstream processing in products where this salt acts as a building block.
The push for greener chemistry puts pressure on all labs and plants using specialty organics, 4-Methyl-N-Butylpyridinium Bromide included. Anyone invested in future chemical production should stay informed about ongoing research into biodegradability and post-use environmental persistence. Solvent recycling, process reduction, and substituted raw materials sometimes come into play based on the scale of use and local environmental law. Industry groups encourage transparent data sharing about chemical impacts, which allows end users to weigh both scientific merit and real-world responsibility.
Labeling matters. Genuine product from established suppliers usually comes labeled with both IUPAC name, empirical and molecular formula (C10H16BrN), density noted in g/cm³, and batch-specific purity values. Bulk shipments list both flakes and powder availability based on buyer preference. Nobody wants an unlabeled bag of white crystals; proper identifiers, storage recommendations, and hazard markers must appear in every package, from kilo lots to drum-scale volumes. This culture of clear and honest product data supports safer facilities as demand for custom pyridinium salts tracks upwards in research and specialty industry markets.
