Tetrabutyl-ammonium methylsulfonate takes shape as a quaternary ammonium salt built from a central nitrogen atom attached to four butyl groups and bonded to the methylsulfonate anion. Its formula reads C17H39NO3S. You can find it in research labs and production environments where ionic compounds are necessary for phase transfer reactions or as part of specialty materials. Deriving from tertiary synthetic chemistry routes, this substance plays a crucial role in supporting organic and inorganic transformations. It features as a building block or facilitator across a variety of sectors, including pharmaceuticals, batteries, and advanced electrolyte systems.
The presence of long butyl chains on the ammonium cation gives this compound an oily, sometimes slightly sticky texture when isolated as a solid or semi-solid. Purified samples look like white or off-white flakes, powder, or small crystalline pearls. Density can hover around 1.05–1.10 g/cm³, depending on hydration or moisture uptake. At room temperature, Tetrabutyl-ammonium methylsulfonate can appear as a low-melting solid or a highly viscous liquid, making it easy to handle with a spatula but requiring careful storage to avoid clumping. Commercial sources deliver it as bulk powder, fine flakes, or larger granules, all designed for maximum shelf life under dry and cool conditions.
The molecular backbone features a central tetrabutylammonium moiety, which is a four-branched aliphatic group that strongly influences solubility and compatibility in hydrophobic and hydrophilic systems. Attached to this core, the methylsulfonate group (-SO₃CH₃) acts as a robust counterion, providing reliable anionic character. Under the microscope, crystalline samples show a tightly packed structure, but in solution they readily dissolve in polar and non-polar solvents alike, an unusual combination that opens the door for their application in non-aqueous electrochemistry or separations.
Most suppliers guarantee high purity (at least 98%) to minimize contamination that could affect downstream applications. Lot analyses typically list water content, chloride content (as an impurity marker), and melting point — normally below 100°C, often around 70-85°C. The harmonized system (HS) code for customs classification generally falls under 29239000 (quaternary ammonium salts and hydroxides), which speeds up cross-border transport for research or manufacturing needs. Specialist customers sometimes request tighter control on trace solvents or metal contamination, especially when using it for high-sensitivity analytical procedures.
Like most quaternary ammonium chemicals, this substance should not come in contact with skin or eyes, and inhalation of its dust or powder creates health problems, especially in enclosed places without good airflow. The methylsulfonate part can lead to irritation upon exposure, so gloves, safety goggles, and masks form necessary parts of any good laboratory setup. In case of accidental spillage, using dry clean-up methods keeps workers safe and avoids unwanted spreading. Chemists value information about environmental hazards, and Tetrabutyl-ammonium methylsulfonate often receives a “harmful” classification for aquatic life. Proper waste disposal matters; local regulations may require specific procedures for quaternary ammonium salts. Storage should use sealable containers made of glass or robust plastics and should avoid mixing with strong oxidizers, acids, or bases that accelerate decomposition or present fire risks.
Producing Tetrabutyl-ammonium methylsulfonate relies on the availability of high-purity tetrabutylamine and methylsulfonic acid or one of its salts. Manufacturing means combining these ingredients under tightly managed conditions to encourage complete salt formation, followed by repeated purification and drying cycles. Reliable quality depends on the starting material purity and the process environment’s ability to minimize unwanted side reactions. Trace amounts of starting amines or sulfonates lower performance, especially for critical chemical processes or analytical uses, so experienced chemists monitor every step with advanced spectroscopic tools.
Strict protocols for storage, inventory rotation, and environmental controls maintain quality. Labeling every container with batch number, purity, and supplier information helps downstream users keep accurate records. In university and industry settings, sharing best handling practices, training new staff, and providing spill response kits form a comprehensive system to lower health risks. Cleanliness standards support both human safety and material integrity, showing attention to both technical performance and regulatory compliance. For companies scaling up from research to production, automating portions of the weighing and transfer process can limit direct human contact, reducing exposure and boosting efficiency.
