N-Butyl-N-Methyl-Piperidinium Bromide: Product Description and Analysis

What Is N-Butyl-N-Methyl-Piperidinium Bromide?

N-Butyl-N-Methyl-Piperidinium Bromide stands as a quaternary ammonium compound with a molecular formula of C10H22BrN. The product belongs to the broader family of piperidinium salts, recognized for their unique cation structure wrapped around a saturated nitrogen-containing heterocycle. This single nitrogen atom carries both butyl and methyl substituents, balanced by a bromide anion. Chemists often refer to this compound in specialty synthesis, ionic liquids, or as a phase transfer catalyst, especially for reactions where conventional materials underperform or cause unwanted side products.

Physical Properties and Structure

N-Butyl-N-Methyl-Piperidinium Bromide frequently presents itself as a solid under ambient conditions. Its appearance may range from off-white flakes to crystalline powder or pearls, depending on manufacturing methods and subsequent processing. This structural variability allows the product to adapt to different applications, either in large-scale industrial batches or small-scale laboratory work. With a specific, carefully evaluated density—often falling between 1.1 and 1.2 g/cm³—materials scientists can choose the best form for each use. The crystal structure, as seen through X-ray diffraction, reveals the ring’s spatial organization and hints at the molecule’s behavior in larger assemblies or when dissolved in common solvents.

Chemical Properties

As a quaternary ammonium salt, N-Butyl-N-Methyl-Piperidinium Bromide combines strong ionic character with notable chemical inertness, which can sometimes mislead new users. The stable C–N bond offers impressive resistance to hydrolysis under neutral pH, though aggressive acids or bases have been known to alter its framework. The bromide counterion brings its own reactivity, occasionally engaging in exchange reactions depending on other reactants. The compound dissolves well in water, methanol, and some polar organic solvents, forming clear solutions even in high concentrations. High purity ensures predictable performance, which matters most during sensitive synthetic processes or in formulation work where contaminant ions disrupt yields or product qualities.

Specifications and Sourcing

Users interested in purchasing N-Butyl-N-Methyl-Piperidinium Bromide often check for its purity, typically offered at 98% or higher. Standard bulk shipments arrive in sealed drums or high-barrier bags, designed to protect the hygroscopic solid from moisture, which can otherwise compromise chemical integrity. The HS Code for customs and documentation purposes places this product under classification 2921.19.00, identifying it among specialized nitrogenous organic compounds. Laboratories and raw material buyers expect certificates of analysis listing melting point—generally in the 140–150 °C range—to ensure batch consistency. Sourcing departments monitor these numbers on material safety data sheets, knowing deviations can indicate poor processing controls or mishandling before delivery.

Handling, Safety, and Environmental Considerations

Safe working practices with N-Butyl-N-Methyl-Piperidinium Bromide start with understanding its chemical behaviors. The product, while not acutely hazardous under routine use, sometimes irritates skin or eyes on prolonged contact. Inhalation of dust presents a risk, mostly in powder-handling situations where proper ventilation, gloves, and eye protection reduce incidents. The product should not enter wastewater or uncontrolled environments without proper neutralization or scrubbing, since many quaternary ammonium compounds persist in aquatic systems and may affect sensitive microorganisms. Storage calls for cool, dry, and well-labeled shelving away from strong oxidizing agents or acids, conditions that both maintain quality and workplace safety. Disposal plans align with local hazardous chemical guidelines, recognizing its status as both a specialty raw material and a minor potential environmental hazard.

Applications and Industrial Importance

Few compounds bridge the gap between academic research and industrial production as seamlessly as N-Butyl-N-Methyl-Piperidinium Bromide. Its most notable contributions appear in fields exploring new ionic liquids, where the right blend of stability, solubility, and conductivity matters. Battery developers investigate its usage in electrolyte formulations, while organic chemists reach for it during phase transfer reactions that require selectivity and reproducibility. These commercial and research-based pursuits push suppliers to maintain tight consistency on every shipment, relying on raw material controls and robust testing. The global market for compounds like this grows each year as industries prioritize performance and safety—a shift I have watched accelerate during my time covering specialty chemical supply chains.

Raw Material Sourcing and Future Directions

Manufacturers must secure reliable sources for the precursors feeding into N-Butyl-N-Methyl-Piperidinium Bromide syntheses. This often means close relationships with upstream producers of piperidine, bromide sources, and chain-alkyl halides, where fluctuations in feedstock purity or availability can ripple down to final customers. Recent years have seen a push toward greener synthetic processes, not only to lower hazardous by-products but to better recover solvents and reagents. Supply chain professionals and lab managers alike juggle concerns over geopolitics, local regulations, and shifting market demand, highlighting the importance of transparency and real-time certification on every batch. These evolving pressures, informed by ongoing dialogue with researchers and industrial planners, will shape the next generation of safe, effective specialty chemicals.