Tetraethylammonium chloride stands as a significant nitrogen-based quaternary ammonium compound in countless laboratory and industrial settings. Chemically active, it carries the formula C8H20ClN and a molar mass of about 181.71 g/mol. Each molecule features a central nitrogen atom surrounded by four ethyl groups, partnering with a single chloride anion. The substance features an off-white, crystalline, or powder-like appearance, although its texture can shift to flakes or even pearls depending on its processing. In routine handling, one notices this compound absorbs moisture from air, signaling its hygroscopic nature. Often sold either as a solid or as a concentrated aqueous solution, it blends well with water but resists mixing with non-polar solvents.
On examining its physical traits, tetraethylammonium chloride demonstrates a melting point in the vicinity of 285°C, and it tends not to boil before decomposition sets in. The density in solid form sits at around 1.021 g/cm3. These values make it relatively low in weight for a salt, but heavy enough that a jar feels ‘full’ in one’s hands—no featherweight dust. As a crystalline solid, it radiates clarity and stability, often used in research and industrial labs for work involving ion channel blockers or conducting precise electrochemical studies. In water, the compound dissolves almost instantly, forming a clear, colorless liquid. For storage, glass containers with tight lids keep moisture out and preserve its free-flowing texture.
Quality standards for tetraethylammonium chloride usually cite a purity above 98%, essential for analytical applications. Impurities like moisture or organic residues can drastically impact its performance in scientific settings, especially in bioelectric experiments. As a raw material, the compound’s chemical structure leaves it inert regarding basic or acidic solutions under normal circumstances. Detailed technical data often lists attributes like solubility (very high in water), molecular configuration, and specific gravity. Sometimes, one receives the powder pre-weighed for lab use, although large-scale users in manufacturing or research set-ups order it by the liter or kilogram. On product documentation, buyers check the HS Code 2923.90.90, a standard classification for import, export, and regulatory purposes—this code follows customs standards worldwide.
Tetraethylammonium chloride requires careful respect. It comes with hazard warnings due to its irritant and potentially harmful nature when mishandled. Contact with skin, eyes, or inhalation of fine dust often provokes irritation, so gloves, goggles, and lab coats make up the minimum gear. Ingestion or inhalation in large quantities may cause toxic effects, from nausea to neurologic symptoms. Chemical datasheets detail the need for eye-wash stations and well-ventilated spaces in handling zones. Disposal follows hazardous waste guidelines—never down the drain or with regular trash. Regulations flag its use under monitoring especially in academic and research setups where large quantities pass through chemical stores.
Most users bump into tetraethylammonium chloride either during research into nerve impulses or in chemistry lessons about organic salts. In my experience, this molecule plays a stubborn but essential role as an ion channel blocker, often added to solutions bathing biological tissues. Scientists rely on its chemical stability and predictable response to electrical fields. Materials scientists use it as an ionic component in electrochemical devices, where any slip in purity or concentration skews whole datasets. The substance’s behavior as a solid also paves the way for cleaner, more reproducible coated surfaces, especially where uniform distribution at molecular level makes a difference. Researchers in the synthesis of polymers or specialty resins count on its reliable reaction profile and compatibility with water-based systems.
Sourcing high-purity tetraethylammonium chloride sometimes runs into trouble with small suppliers or inconsistent batches, and the chemical’s moisture-hungry nature shifts its flow over time. Making consistent research results means storing it correctly, checking purity before use, and choosing a trusted producer with transparent quality control. Labs benefit from specifying lot numbers, tracking newly opened containers, and training staff on hazard recognition and spill response. Regulatory compliance keeps everyone safe, especially as global supply chains move such chemicals across borders under strict customs codes. As green chemistry advances, scrutiny on safe, sustainable sourcing for even small-quantity raw materials has never been higher, making accountability from synthesis to shipment crucial for every user.
