Tetraethylammonium hexafluorophosphate, known by its molecular formula C8H20F6NP, brings together the tetraethylammonium cation with the hexafluorophosphate anion. As a stand-alone chemical, this compound grabs attention through distinct physical and chemical traits. Chemists often spot it by its white, crystalline solid appearance, though it may sometimes arrive as powder or flakes depending on the manufacturing process and handling.
This chemical stands out because of its high purity and sharp melting point, typically around 190°C, which matters a lot for consistency in sensitive laboratory work or in the production of functional materials. Its density sits in the ballpark of 1.31 g/cm³ at room temperature, which becomes important in scaling reactions where precise molarity can affect yield or the efficiency of ion exchange. Its solubility covers a wide range of organic solvents such as acetonitrile, dimethylformamide, and other polar aprotic liquids, but it resists dissolving in nonpolar solvents and water, a critical fact when crafting electrolyte solutions for batteries or in studies aiming to control ion transport. The crystal structure—monoclinic in form—presents a framework that supports both ionic conductivity and stability, providing a clean launching pad for designing electrolytes or ionic liquids sought in energy research or analytical chemistry.
On the shelf or in the warehouse, Tetraethylammonium hexafluorophosphate appears as a solid, usually packed in small flakes, pearl-like granules, or a fine powder for easy measurement and quick dissolution. Many suppliers opt for double-sealed, moisture-proof packaging since the compound can pick up water from humid air, which affects performance in experiments requiring anhydrous conditions. As a raw material, it comes in various purity grades; common specs reach up to 99% or higher, and manufacturers often supply a complete certificate of analysis showing exact impurity profiles. Density, particle size, and residual moisture all get measured routinely, usually as part of incoming QA for labs or battery workshops, because even minor variation ripples down the process line.
The tetraethylammonium moiety gives this salt its bulk, with four ethyl groups dangling around a central nitrogen. The hexafluorophosphate counterion—seen as PF6−—is stable under a range of temperatures and resists breaking down. This unusual pairing leads to low nucleophilicity, high ionic mobility, and thermal stability, which speaks directly to why so many researchers reach for it in applications spanning organic synthesis, electrochemistry, or even advanced separation science.
Talking from hands-on experience in electrochemistry labs, Tetraethylammonium hexafluorophosphate serves as a top-tier supporting electrolyte for non-aqueous solvents. Anyone running voltammetric or battery experiments cares about stability and inertness, both of which this compound delivers. Research in batteries—especially lithium-ion and next-generation sodium-ion designs—often lists this salt in the supporting cast for high-conductivity electrolyte blends. With the explosive rise in interest around supercapacitors, the role of this salt has only grown. Beyond energy research, folks in pharmaceuticals and bio-analytical chemistry like to use it as a phase-transfer catalyst or ion-pairing agent, extracting maximum performance in purification or compound separation. Instrument makers rely on its features to push performance for HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) and related lab tech.
International trade for Tetraethylammonium hexafluorophosphate commonly uses the HS Code 28269090, which relates to “other fluorides” not specified elsewhere. Shipments face extra scrutiny at border points, mostly thanks to concerns around hazardous materials. In Europe and several Asian markets, importers must check compliance with REACH, as product registration and safety datasheets sit at the center of customs procedures. Laboratory buyers should always work with verified suppliers who provide traceability back to manufacturing source—doing so avoids regulatory headaches and the risk of contamination.
Tetraethylammonium hexafluorophosphate, though stable under standard storage conditions, demands care in use. If left exposed on a benchtop, it absorbs moisture fast, which can change its chemical behavior and sometimes accelerate hydrolysis. Inhalation hazard sits low, but skin and eye contact bring irritation or even mild chemical burns if proper PPE goes unused. Many labs enforce storage under dry nitrogen or argon and always suggest double-gloving when measuring out the compound. There’s real risk under certain circumstances—say, heating strongly or mixing with acids—where toxic byproducts like hydrofluoric acid could form, so chemical fume hoods remain part of the protocol. No one wants an emergency eye-wash session after a routine electrolyte prep. Waste from this chemical joins the universe of regulated disposal: residues and rinses go into halogenated solvent bins, routed for expert handling by chemical waste companies. Anyone treating this casually runs up against both lab safety rules and environmental responsibility.
Cost and reliability weigh heavily for both research and industrial buyers given that prices can swing due to raw material volatility or global logistics. The source of hexafluorophosphate, as well as the quality of precursor tetraethylammonium bromide, impact final batch purity and residual levels of unwanted ions. One practical way forward is closer collaboration between end-users and trusted chemical manufacturers—establishing open feedback on product consistency, sharing data on impurity trends, and scheduling joint pilot runs for scale-up. Labs can invest in advanced moisture analysis tools, such as Karl Fischer titration, to rapidly check for purity at the bench level rather than waiting for outside labs. Those developing electrolytes might also explore blended salts or additives that buffer against accidental moisture uptake, so even in imperfect environments, the finished solution keeps efficiency.
Every high-precision lab, battery developer, or specialty chemical producer knows that molecular stability and predictable handling matter more than marketing trends. Tetraethylammonium hexafluorophosphate brings a reliable backbone to electrochemistry and organic synthesis. Its unique mix of safety requirements, material handling, and critical use case as a raw material means no one cuts corners with it. Those pushing forward on greener energy, efficient separation science, or next-gen pharma chemistry continue to rely on both the chemical and robust knowledge sharing from manufacturers and experienced lab pros. Safety practices, documentation, and readiness to adapt to new purity requirements all tie back to this: the true value comes not just from molecular properties, but from how people handle, share, and improve these raw materials over time.
