N-Butylsulfonate Pyridinium Tosylate: Material Characteristics and Considerations

What is N-Butylsulfonate Pyridinium Tosylate?

N-Butylsulfonate Pyridinium Tosylate represents a class of ionic compounds, where the molecular structure brings together the pyridinium ring with both butylsulfonate and tosylate groups. This unique composition shapes its broad chemical properties. In my own work with specialty solvents, I see this kind of structure break from standard patterns in physical chemistry, leading to reliability in processes demanding both ionic stability and targeted solubility. These raw materials push results where traditional organics never quite meet the mark. Looking at industrial research, the pairing gives chemists tools for ion exchange, catalysis, and advanced materials development. The structure highlights a nitrogen-centered heterocycle bonded through straightforward, saturated alkyl sulfonate links, all counterbalanced by a para-toluenesulfonate ion that stabilizes the entire salt.

Product Forms and Appearance

In the lab, N-Butylsulfonate Pyridinium Tosylate shows up in several forms, and the texture links to how the company crystallizes or dries it. I’ve seen it as a loose, translucent flake, sometimes shifting to crystalline powder or dense pearl-like granules. Manufacturing process and purity level influence this, with finer powders lending themselves to precise analytical work, while larger crystals appear where bulk handling wins out. Density shifts slightly between forms, but hovers near 1.2 to 1.4 g/cm3—a feature worth noting for those batching blends or scaling up from lab to pilot quantities. The product resists lumping, staying free-flowing and stable, helping downstream application engineers rely on its performance.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Chemists value this compound for what it does under ordinary and extraordinary conditions. That pyridinium core, modified with sulfonate and tosylate, holds firm over a respectable temperature range, keeping the solid phase up around 120°C before melting. It doesn’t ignite easily and stands up to simple oxidizing agents without quick decomposition, which brings peace of mind when storing larger quantities. Water solubility ranks as moderate to high, which I’ve found helpful in quick dissolutions for titrations or extraction. The material’s ionic nature means it moves charge efficiently, yet its structure limits volatility and odor—a sharp contrast to smaller amines or sulfonates used in the past. With a molecular formula of C16H22NO5S2 and a molecular weight of about 387.5 g/mol, analysts working on quality control get straightforward reference numbers for their chromatograms or mass spectrometry checks.

Material Grades and Specifications

Every end-user, from chemical R&D labs to manufacturing outfits, watches for grade—not just purity but also moisture level, residual solvents, and trace metals. My work required specifying water content below 0.5% to ensure consistency in ionic studies; others may target high-purity forms above 98% for electronic applications. Packing density and flow rate get measured on each batch, especially for tablet production or high-throughput synthesis lines. Material Safety Data Sheets, and the European Reach registration, provide clarity about safe transport and use, while the HS Code, often 2933.39 or similar for aromatic heterocyclics, controls cross-border shipments and customs tracking. NSN and CAS numbers further distinguish each product run for traceability.

Applications and Handling

Industrial chemists push this compound into electrolytes for batteries, phase transfer catalysts, and even in pharmaceuticals where precise ionic character is necessary. It fits into resin modification, where charge density and solubility steer material properties, or steps in organic synthesis that benefit from a steadily non-volatile ionic background. Some research looks at these salts for ionic liquid precursors or custom solvents—niches where viscosity and ionic conductivity matter a lot. My experience with scale-up underscored the need for reliable bulk packaging, using fiber drums with sealed liners to prevent moisture uptake. Handling gets simple, reflecting its solid, non-dusting status; still, gloves and goggles remain must-haves because ionic salts can be skin or eye irritants, and there’s always a possibility of sensitization or unknown chronic effect.

Safety and Environmental Considerations

While the hazard profile reads mild compared to caustic alkyls or volatile aromatics, it demands respect. The solid can dry skin or cause mild irritation on direct, repeated contact—a real pain during extended bench work. Inhalation risk drops thanks to its low volatility, yet fine powders can still enter the air if mishandled. Disposal ties to local chemical waste regulations; in my facility, all sulfonate derivatives went through licensed disposal to avoid groundwater contamination or reaction with incompatible materials. The compound doesn’t qualify as acutely toxic nor does it show up in major lists of persistent organic pollutants, yet chemical stewardship says never to flush measurable quantities down standard drains. Spill cleanup means sweeping, not hosing, and containment in sealed bags or jars prevents contamination or accidental loss. Batch tests for aquatic impact run low, but long-term effects call for more research, especially as ionic liquids slowly make their mark on the industry.

Meeting Industry Challenges and Moving Forward

Relying on specialty chemicals in modern manufacturing involves a constant focus on safety, quality, and sustainability. N-Butylsulfonate Pyridinium Tosylate offers performance without sacrificing many physical or environmental guidelines, as long as users respect the principles of proper storage and handling. Reliable supply chains, strict adherence to specifications, and open communication with producers eliminate most of the hiccups, while sustainable waste handling protects community health and the facility’s reputation. In my own career, the best results followed strict recordkeeping on lot numbers, densities, and handling incidents—not only to maintain compliance but to share real-world data with suppliers and regulators. The material sits at the intersection of innovation and responsibility, connecting advanced chemistry with a practical approach to safety, transparency, and shared learning.