Ethyltributylphosphonium bromide stands as a quaternary phosphonium salt bearing the molecular formula C14H32BrP. The structure centers around a phosphonium ion tightly bonded with three n-butyl groups and one ethyl group, balanced with a bromide anion. Professional chemists recognize its role across various industrial and research applications, finding it particularly useful in phase-transfer catalysis and as an ionic liquid precursor. For those navigating chemical supply chains, two basic forms regularly appear: fine crystalline powder and coarse flakes, both with a pale white or off-white shade. Whether packed in polyethylene-lined bags or handled in laboratory vials, the solid remains free-flowing at standard ambient conditions, with a density in the range of 1.1 – 1.2 g/cm³.
Ethyltributylphosphonium bromide’s reputation comes from high stability and manageable solubility profiles. In laboratories, the compound demonstrates moderate solubility in polar solvents such as water, ethanol, and acetonitrile, while remaining nearly insoluble in most non-polar hydrocarbons. The melting point typically falls between 50°C and 60°C, providing enough leeway for easy transfer and controlled heating without premature melting. Chemists often work with the compound in its powder, flakes, or pearls form, but specialty applications see it used in a liquid solution, especially when low ionic strength or viscosity is needed.
Standard shipments of ethyltributylphosphonium bromide list the HS Code as 29239000—a code grouping quaternary ammonium and phosphonium salts for international trade. Purity ratings on most commercial lots fall between 98 to 99 percent, with moisture content generally maintained below 0.5 percent to avoid clumping and inadvertent reactions. From personal experience handling bulk shipments, ensuring tightly sealed packaging makes a substantial difference in keeping the powder free from contamination. Bulk purchasers tend to order quantities by kilogram or liter, depending on the application, since weight-to-volume ratios slightly shift with each form—crystals, flakes, or powder.
The molecule’s phosphonium core grants it distinct ionic character and ensures high electrostatic interactions both in solid and dissolved states. Under a microscope, crystalline ethyltributylphosphonium bromide shows well-formed angular particles or elongated crystals, which provide reliable packing density for both analytical and industrial batching. The product’s density hovers near 1.15 g/cm³ in most commercial samples, reflecting minor differences in crystalline agglomeration or moisture absorption. Over years of lab work, visual cues—powder flowability, crystal brightness, and absence of needle-like impurities—signal proper storage and adherence to manufacturer guidelines.
Direct contact with ethyltributylphosphonium bromide seldom causes acute reactions, though inhalation of fine dust or skin contact can trigger mild irritation. Material Safety Data Sheets spell out the need for gloves, splash goggles, and dust masks, especially when working with quantities greater than a few grams in an open-air environment. Even though the compound generally fits within non-flammable, low-toxicity criteria, chronic exposure or improper disposal heightens risks, including chemical burns or environmental buildup. Disposal practices call for transfer to secure, industry-approved chemical waste channels. Keeping emergency eyewash stations in reach and following standard chemical hygiene routines prevents most workplace mishaps.
Chemical manufacturers turn to ethyltributylphosphonium bromide in the raw materials stage for processes involving ion exchange, catalyst preparation, and synthesis of specialty ionic liquids. In my practical work with organic laboratories, it played a role in facilitating nucleophilic substitutions that speed up reaction times and boost yield without heavy-metal contaminants. Cutting-edge material science efforts like fuel cell electrolyte exploration and advanced polymer stabilization have also found a place for the compound.
Harm from ethyltributylphosphonium bromide rarely becomes catastrophic, but routine vigilance matters. Chronic or cumulative exposure—often through improper ventilation, lab accidents, or poor training—can put workers at risk for respiratory discomfort or mild dermatitis. Improving air filtration, updating chemical storage training, and switching to pre-dissolved solutions in automated systems prevents most adverse outcomes. Spill protocols, regular inventory checks, and precise container labeling shore up weak points that, based on real-world chemist feedback, account for most mistakes seen in industrial environments. Early warning on expiration or degradation, plus tighter oversight during packaging, would benefit both vendors and users by limiting exposure to degraded material.
Ethyltributylphosphonium bromide, C14H32BrP, shows up as a white crystalline solid, powder, or flakes. The density sits around 1.15 g/cm³, with melting points between 50°C and 60°C and a purity range of 98–99 percent. Shipments fall under HS Code 29239000. The compound’s stability, ionic character, and manageable hazards make it attractive for catalytic and material-science uses. Proper training, handling, and disposal remain central in ensuring workplace safety and environmental protection. Field experience and well-documented material properties support continued trust in ethyltributylphosphonium bromide as both a reliable raw material and a critical ingredient in chemical manufacturing.
