Tetraethylammonium P-Toluenesulfonate belongs to a group of organic salts featuring both tetraethylammonium cations and toluenesulfonate anions. The chemical forms as a result of a reaction between tetraethylammonium hydroxide and p-toluenesulfonic acid. Known for its stability and capacity to act as a phase-transfer catalyst, it steps into many chemical applications where controlled reactivity and solubility balance matters. Products like this often show up in research labs focused on organic synthesis, electrochemistry, and specialized materials science, always demanding attention to performance as researchers use it in solution form or as a solid for direct handling.
The structure showcases a tetraethylammonium ion (C8H20N+) paired with a p-toluenesulfonate ion (C7H7SO3-), coming together to provide a molecular formula of C15H27NO3S. Each molecule displays a central nitrogen atom surrounded by four ethyl groups, delivering bulkiness and helping increase solubility in both polar and some non-polar solvents. The toluenesulfonate counterion helps regulate reactivity, so chemists appreciate the balance of ionic behavior and organic compatibility these molecules offer.
In practice, Tetraethylammonium P-Toluenesulfonate most often appears as a white to off-white crystalline solid. Handling it feels straightforward: low odor, not volatile, but should be kept sealed to protect its integrity and to avoid clumping due to moisture absorption. Based on my own experience working with similar organic salts, proper storage makes the difference between smooth measurement and time-consuming reworking. The bulk density comes in around 1.1 g/cm3, with fine, slightly chalky crystals that dissolve easily in water and some alcohols. It’s commonly sold in flakes, powders, or granules—lab preferences differ, but they all rely on the uniform, non-hygroscopic nature for clean, repeatable measurements. For solution work, a standard 1 M stock dissolves in deionized water without the need for heating, and the lack of visible residue signals high purity.
Quality and consistency anchor the value of this salt. Typical assay levels exceed 98%, which assures researchers that batch-to-batch variation stays low. Trace metals, residual solvents, and moisture content stay within defined limits; careful manufacturing and strict sourcing of raw materials help with this. Researchers who need to meet compliance standards look for certificates of analysis that confirm absence of heavy metals, and many labs pay attention to the granule size, which impacts weighing efficiency and solution preparation. HS Code 29239000 groups this compound with other quaternary ammonium salts, so international shipping and declarations avoid complications for importers. Packaging typically includes moisture-barrier containers rated for chemical compatibility and robust labeling with hazard and safety information.
Labs select tetraethylammonium p-toluenesulfonate as a phase-transfer catalyst, an electrolyte for nonaqueous electrochemical experiments, and as a supporting salt in organic synthesis routes. The balance of hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity opens routes for both aqueous and organic-phase reactions. Its solid form avoids the spills and dosing inconsistencies often frustrating with liquid reagents. I’ve seen it used in pilot-scale syntheses where batch purity makes or breaks a costly process. Researchers value the salt for its role in creating stable, non-reactive ionic backgrounds—essential in NMR, electrochemistry, and extraction work.
Safety matters, especially with organic salts that may enter large-scale setups. The compound shows low acute toxicity, though the irritant nature of sulfonates and quaternary ammonium groups means careful handling still comes into play. Gloves and eye protection stand as standard practice. The material avoids classification as a major environmental hazard, but good lab management limits its release to drains. Safe storage keeps the product dry and away from acids or incompatible oxidizers. Waste disposal follows local chemical waste protocols, and as always, safety data sheets (SDS) provide risk guidance. As modern lab safety culture focuses not just on the operator but on waste minimization, researchers frequently batch work to reduce leftover material and ensure full container use. Shipping regulations under the HS code simplify transport, since it avoids restrictions that can slow global movement of more reactive chemicals.
Beyond routine research work, this salt finds its way into specialty materials manufacture, battery research, and studies of ion-exchange processes. Startups working on next-generation capacitors seek out electrolytes with low viscosity and manageable ionic strength—tetraethylammonium p-toluenesulfonate delivers on both. Even as battery chemistry evolves and manufacturers search for less-reactive, more-stable electrolytes, this compound keeps a place thanks to its proven record in peer-reviewed literature. Custom synthesis firms use it as a supporting electrolyte because product recovery gets easier compared to alternatives, and process chemists rely on its robust physical stability during scale-up. The growth of advanced manufacturing processes keeps demand high for pure, high-performing raw materials like this one.
Compound Name: Tetraethylammonium P-Toluenesulfonate
Molecular Formula: C15H27NO3S
Density: Approx. 1.1 g/cm3
Appearance: White or off-white crystals, flakes, powder, pearls
Solubility: Readily in water and some organic solvents
HS Code: 29239000
Material State: Solid (can be supplied as flakes, powder, pearl, or in crystalline form)
Safe Use: Use with standard PPE, avoid inhalation and eye contact, store dry
Hazards: Irritant, not classified as highly hazardous or environmentally harmful in standard use
Common Applications: Research chemicals, electrolytes, phase-transfer catalysis, advanced materials, analytical chemistry, raw material in specialized synthesis
