Tetrabutyl-Ammonium Tetrafluoroborate—often shortened to TBABF4—shows up in labs and production sites where advanced chemistry work happens. Chefs have their own pantry staples, and chemists use TBABF4 as a reliable “ingredient” for a variety of chemical reactions and processes. The compound shows up as a solid, sometimes crystalline, sometimes as a fine powder or a collection of irregular flakes. Its particular blend of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, boron, and fluorine makes it useful for both academic research and industrial-scale synthesis.
Researchers working in electrochemistry and organic synthesis keep TBABF4 stocked on their shelves because it dissolves well in solvents and stays stable in a wide range of conditions. This salt finds its way into the core of battery development, especially in crafting lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries, acting as an electrolyte. Its broad solubility and ionic nature help push chemical reactions that wouldn’t normally run in water or other common solutions. TBABF4 isn’t limited to batteries, either—it’s a key enabler for phase-transfer catalysis, moving ions between layers that usually resist mixing, helping certain tricky chemical transformations actually proceed.
The carbon backbone of the tetrabutyl-ammonium cation (C16H36N+) stacks up next to the BF4– anion, forming a structure that balances size, charge, and solubility. The salt’s formula comes out as C16H36N·BF4, giving a molecular weight around 322.38 g/mol. The N atom at the center links to four butyl groups, while the tetrafluoroborate part forms a compact, nearly perfect tetrahedron. These features set it apart from similar salts, giving it a specific profile that many chemists look for when other salts fall short.
Granules vary, but you’ll often scoop TBABF4 out of a container as white or colorless flakes, or sometimes a crystalline powder. It feels a bit slippery between the fingers, almost like a very fine salt, and clumps together in high humidity. Density clocks in around 1.1 g/cm³, which means a small scoop holds quite a bit of chemical. The salt holds its own up to 300°C or so before starting to break down—you won’t get odd smells unless real heat hits the sample, and under normal storage TBABF4 stays consistent year after year. As a solid, it dissolves smoothly into organic solvents like acetonitrile and dimethylformamide, and even forms clear, concentrated solutions.
The Harmonized System (HS) Code for Tetrabutyl-Ammonium Tetrafluoroborate lands at 2921.19, standard for most quaternary ammonium compounds. Pure, well-handled samples run at 98% or higher purity, often above 99%, based on manufacturing controls. Pearl-like crystals or dense powder forms show up in packaging from 25 g sample bottles to multi-kilogram drums, shipped with clear labeling and safety documents. The availability of flakes, powder, pearls, or solid chunks makes it straightforward for users to match amounts and handling conditions to their equipment—a few grams for a research project, or a bucket for an industrial production run.
TBABF4 isn’t the most dangerous material in the lab, but it’s not table salt either. Inhalation of dust can irritate the nose and throat, and it can sting if it gets in the eyes. Taking cues from years of safe chemical use, gloves, goggles, and dust masks turn risky handling into routine business. TBABF4 holds no special fire risks but decomposes if heated too strongly or mixed with certain strong acids or oxidizers. Most disposal procedures, from decades of lab work, direct users to collect waste in sealed containers for proper chemical incineration—not dumping it down the drain. Studies so far suggest it doesn’t break down easily, so keeping track of all chemical waste matters for a safe workplace and surrounding environment.
Many companies look to TBABF4 as a foundation for new materials, better batteries, and more effective synthesis routes. Its reliable production, high purity, and solid chemical backbone help projects get off the ground. Demand for new batteries and specialized organic molecules keeps rising, making quality chemical supply chains—TBABF4 included—a major industry focus. If regulations shift or if sustainable chemistry becomes standard, production methods will need strong oversight and newer, greener routes. Open communication about risks, responsible sourcing, and constant sharing between scientists, suppliers, and regulators keeps this compound helpful in the toolbox and out of trouble. Real solutions mean training, clear information, and smart design—values anyone, from a new lab assistant to a seasoned industrial chemist, can get behind.
