Tetrabutyl-Ammonium Bromide stands as a key quaternary ammonium salt, characterized by its chemical formula C16H36BrN and molecular weight around 322.37 g/mol. The molecule features a central nitrogen atom surrounded by four butyl groups, giving it a distinct bulky structure. In commercial supply, physical forms include solid flakes, crystalline powder, pearls, and occasionally as an aqueous or solvent-based solution. This substance emerges as colorless or white, sometimes giving a faint yellow tinge with age or extended exposure to air. Its structure brings strong solubility in solvents like water, alcohol, chloroform, and acetonitrile, broadening its utility across laboratories and manufacturing.
The density of solid Tetrabutyl-Ammonium Bromide registers around 1.039 g/cm3, subject to minor variation based on temperature and lot purity. This salt melts at about 103-107°C, forming a clear, viscous liquid past this point. The chemical stability stays reliable under dry, room-temperature storage, resisting significant decomposition unless heated vigorously or exposed to strong acids. In terms of reactivity, the compound dissolves rapidly in polar solvents, enabling precise, controlled reactions in phase-transfer catalysis. The crystalline form appears as short rods or irregular flakes, and, when ground, produces a fine-grained, flowable powder ideal for bulk transfer and storage. Its HS code is 29239000, fitting into the broader segment of quaternary ammonium compounds.
Many people in organic synthesis rely on Tetrabutyl-Ammonium Bromide as a phase-transfer catalyst. This role helps boost reaction rates when reagents sit in different solvent layers, saving both time and resources in scaling up reactions. Its performance in alkylation, nucleophilic substitution, and elimination reactions consistently ranks high, pushing chemists to favor it over less soluble alternatives. This component also serves in the preparation of ionic liquids, extraction of rare earth elements, and even in some cases as a supporting electrolyte in electrochemical research. Specific examples include improved yields in Wittig reactions and select halide-exchange processes, all owing to its ready solubility and non-reactive nature.
Depending on the application, users may choose Tetrabutyl-Ammonium Bromide as compact pearls, flakes, crystalline powder, or dissolved in solution. Bulk storage often means containment in moisture-proof drums or high-barrier polyethylene bags to avoid caking and clumping. Material flows smoothly through augers and hoppers when kept dry and at room temperature, but exposure to high humidity risks agglomeration and handling headaches. Weighing out by the gram or in batches of several kilograms requires common-sense safety measures since the powder can irritate skin, eyes, or airways. With high purity, its white solid form stands out easily against dark benchtops or in clear packaging, reducing cross-contamination during manufacturing.
Tetrabutyl-Ammonium Bromide, while not acutely toxic in low volumes, carries risks tied to its structure as a quaternary ammonium compound. Contact can cause irritation or allergic reactions, especially in sensitive individuals or when handled in confined spaces. The crystalline dust may trigger coughing or mild respiratory distress if inhaled. Gloves, goggles, and good ventilation take care of most routine exposures in lab and plant settings. Spills on skin or in the eye need thorough rinsing with water. Disposal regulations recommend handling residue and solutions as hazardous waste, especially since this chemical persists in the environment and disrupts aquatic ecosystems in concentrated forms. Local authorities cite its use in research and manufacturing as “restricted” or “controlled” under some jurisdictions, requiring clear tracking from raw material to finished product. Professional suppliers back up these requirements with detailed safety data sheets and labeling that helps users comply with OSHA, REACH, and comparable standards worldwide.
Raw materials for Tetrabutyl-Ammonium Bromide production start with butyl chloride or butyl bromide, blended and reacted with ammonia or other nitrogen sources under controlled conditions. The dependency on these petroleum-based feedstocks means price fluctuations ripple down the supply chain, reflected in cost changes to academic labs, fine chemical plants, or manufacturing sites. Purification steps—most often recrystallization or solvent washing—determine the final clarity and usable yield, impacting performance in exacting catalytic roles. Typical lot sizes range from laboratory vials to hundreds of kilograms per batch at industrial-scale facilities. Reliable sourcing demands transparency about origin, purity certifications, documented HS codes, and careful sampling to ensure consistent quality.
Reducing exposure risks calls for investment in better engineering controls—like sealed weigh booths, gloveboxes, or automated handling for large production lines. Training workers to recognize early signs of irritation or allergic response also limits incident rates, alongside strict adherence to standard PPE protocols. Waste reduction efforts focus on closed-loop recycling of process streams or finding greener phase-transfer agents for comparable chemistry tasks. At the research level, smart design of reaction schemes can pare down quantities necessary, limiting both chemical waste and direct contact. Regulatory agencies can support this by harmonizing classification and labeling rules, giving users clarity about acceptable uses and restrictions globally.
Tetrabutyl-Ammonium Bromide delivers unmatched value as a versatile, reliable tool in chemistry labs and industrial production. Balancing that benefit requires understanding the specific physical properties, supply chain realities, and safety demands that come with using robust chemicals. Every new innovation, from safer material handling to greener synthesis alternatives, builds on a foundation of transparency, education, and clear communication—ones that professional users and suppliers ignore at their own peril.
