Methoxyethyldiethylmethylammonium tetrafluoroborate has become a point of interest in the chemical industry, and for good reason: this organic salt holds promise in many electrochemical and industrial settings. Its molecular formula, C10H23BF4NO, marks the combination of boron, nitrogen, oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, and fluorine. Engineers and laboratory technicians recognize its structure—it features a tetrafluoroborate anion, coupled with an ionic liquid cation based on alkylammonium threads, which drastically impacts its physical and chemical behavior.
Looking at this compound on a molecular level, the chemical's backbone forms from a methoxyethyl group bonded together with diethyl and methyl chains, connected to an ammonium head, balancing the negative charge from the tetrafluoroborate anion. This configuration shapes how it interacts with solvents, how stable it remains during reactions, and its overall compatibility with various industrial protocols. The HS Code for this substance, designed for customs and regulatory tracking, is most often referenced under 2921.19 or similar categories, classified with organic nitrogen compounds for international trade.
Methoxyethyldiethylmethylammonium tetrafluoroborate does not stick to one appearance. Lab catalogs often describe it as a solid, coming in the form of powder, flakes, pearl-like granules, or sometimes crystals. Its color can range from transparent to off-white, with some batches showing a faint yellow tint—this is typical for compounds with high purity and distinct molecular structure. When left in ambient air, it tends to absorb moisture due to hygroscopic tendencies. The density rests typically between 1.20–1.30 g/cm3, which sets it apart from lighter organic salts, making handling and measurement somewhat easier in a busy research or production space.
Dissolving in polar solvents like water, methanol, or acetonitrile, this chemical works well as a support for electrolytic solutions. In battery and capacitor research, it brings steady ionic conductivity due to the movement of its charged components. The melting point generally stands above room temperature, giving some latitude for shipping and storage. Experiments regularly point out its chemical stability and resistance to decomposition below 150°C, making it a candidate for long-term applications under controlled conditions. Measuring the exact solution concentration or preparing proprietary mixtures seems straightforward with its predictable solubility curve. Because the molecule includes both alkyl groups and a borate core, it often demonstrates a reasonable balance between hydrophilic and lipophilic traits.
Like most quaternary ammonium compounds and tetrafluoroborate salts, methoxyethyldiethylmethylammonium tetrafluoroborate asks for careful handling. It does not qualify as especially hazardous in small laboratory amounts, but the presence of fluorine calls for caution; fluorinated salts can release fumes if mishandled or overheated. Inhalation of dust or contact with wet skin could cause irritation, which is something I always remember from regular chemical safety training. Proper gloves, protective eyewear, and fume hood use take priority in any chemical processing task. The chemical shows low volatility, but long-term exposure hasn’t been studied as closely as with common household solvents. It should not be ingested, and care must be taken to avoid contact with acids or bases, as this may cause hydrolysis or decomposition, releasing boron or fluoride-containing byproducts.
This compound often shows up in electrolyte formulations, especially in research around lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, and other energy storage applications. Its ionic liquid characteristics improve performance, supporting high operating voltages while staying chemically inert with most electrode materials. The molecule’s flexibility allows blending into materials for electronic devices, industrial extraction, or as a medium for phase-transfer catalysis. In chemical synthesis, researchers sometimes use it to improve reaction yields or stabilize charged intermediates. Because its raw materials rely on specialty alkylamines and boron compounds, the cost can rise, especially for ultra-pure or anhydrous forms.
Sourcing starts with the right feedstocks: high-purity diethylmethylamine and methoxyethyl chloride react to produce the precursor ammonium salt. Bore on borates, typically handled in secure, climate-controlled storage, give the tetrafluoroborate component through an exchange reaction. Handling boron and fluorine reagents always raises issues of worker safety and waste disposal. Manufacturing facilities contend with strict regulatory oversight, and disposal protocols follow legal mandates to prevent environmental contamination. I’ve seen quality control professionals rely on infrared spectroscopy, NMR, and elemental analysis to confirm batch purity, particularly since impurities can drastically affect electrochemical application results.
Improvements in safe handling continue to show up in the workplace. Using sealed packaging and automatic dispensing systems can keep airborne particles to a minimum, which limits exposure and product loss. Training on chemical stewardship and regular updates to Material Safety Data Sheets shape safer environments for operators. Adopting green chemistry principles may also lead to new synthesis pathways or recycling methods, reducing waste from these boron-fluoride systems. During end-of-life disposal, neutralization and capture technologies now exist for fluorinated and ammonium waste, offering safer alternatives over old landfill or incineration practices.
Chemical Name: Methoxyethyldiethylmethylammonium tetrafluoroborate
Formula: C10H23BF4NO
HS Code: 2921.19 (may vary regionally)
Molecular Weight: 261–265 g/mol (batch dependent)
Density: 1.20–1.30 g/cm3
Physical State: Solid (flakes, powder, pearls, crystal)
Melting Point: Above room temperature
Hazard Class: Low to moderate
Key Properties: Ionic conductivity, high solubility, chemical stability
Common Use: Electrolytes, phase-transfer catalysis, chemical synthesis
