Tetrapropylammonium hydrosulfate is a specialty quaternary ammonium salt used in various research and manufacturing applications. Anyone who has worked in a chemicals lab recognizes it by its strong ionic character and distinctive physical properties. Its chemical formula, C12H29NO4S, tells a story about the balance of organic and inorganic constituents—the propyl chains give it hydrophobic traits while the hydrosulfate ion delivers solubility in water and reactivity. The HS Code for Tetrapropylammonium hydrosulfate sits under 29239000, covering quaternary ammonium salts and hydroxides. This classification affects not just inventory management, but global trade compliance, pricing, and logistics.
This compound appears in several product forms depending on the manufacturing process and end-user requirements. Most labs encounter it as a white or off-white crystalline solid, though it also exists as a powder, flakes, or even in a pearl-like granular texture. Its structure features a central nitrogen atom surrounded by four propyl (C3H7) groups, paired with a hydrosulfate anion. This arrangement makes Tetrapropylammonium hydrosulfate a strong dissociable salt with robust ionic strength in aqueous solutions. Its density falls in the range of 1.05–1.15 g/cm3, and it typically dissolves well in polar solvents such as water and ethanol, enabling precise dosing and minimal product loss. The crystalline or solid nature aids in accurate weighing and safe storage, avoiding unnecessary exposure or dust generation that often comes with ultra-fine powders.
Lab suppliers offer different grades of this hydrosulfate, including high-purity options for analytical and synthetic use, with typical assay specifications above 98%. Moisture content, melting point (usually between 90-110°C), and particulate size all feature prominently on most product datasheets. These specifications matter because they impact both reactivity and safety in applications like phase-transfer catalysis, electrochemistry, and organic synthesis. Some producers also ship it as an aqueous solution, allowing for direct integration into industrial reaction setups. Each packaging type—be it solid, flakes, pearls, or liquid—comes with clear labeling for net mass or volume in liters, crystalline state, and purity, supporting proper traceability in regulated environments.
Tetrapropylammonium hydrosulfate enters the scene during research involving ion-pairing agents or catalytic phase transfer. Sourcing raw materials relies on access to propylamine, sulfuric acid, and related intermediates. Anyone handling it will soon notice how well it resists decomposition; the propyl chains lend stability, but its hydrosulfate component reacts with strong bases and oxidizers. In storage, solid forms require cool, dry conditions. Direct contact with eyes, skin, or mucous membranes can irritate, so gloves and goggles count as standard protection. Spills in the lab call for gentle sweeping—no sense in releasing dust—while solutions demand quick neutralization and dilution before safe disposal. Anyone working with quaternary ammonium salts grows to respect the persistent, subtle odors and the need for proper fume extraction.
Classified as hazardous based on both acute toxicity data and skin irritation potential, Tetrapropylammonium hydrosulfate appears on chemical inventory lists that demand controlled access. Handling the solid or dust can irritate the respiratory tract, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. Accidental ingestion or direct exposure to open wounds triggers a trip to the on-site eyewash station or safety shower. Incompatibility with strong oxidizing agents brings risk of dangerous reactions, so chemical segregation in storage matters. Environmental harm follows improper disposal; this compound exerts toxicity in aquatic systems, so following established waste protocols and spill response matters, both for safety and regulatory compliance. Labeling every container with the correct molecular formula and safety instructions isn’t just bureaucratic—it protects anyone who comes in contact with the substance down the line.
Tetrapropylammonium hydrosulfate fills roles across industries: catalysis in organic synthesis, aqueous-phase industrial processes, even niche use in electroplating. The blend of hydrophobic and ionic features means chemists rely on it as a phase-transfer catalyst or to improve selectivity and solubility in tricky syntheses. These uses underline the need for strict process controls and personal protection; a single slip-up with chemical waste or uncontrolled exposure in a large-volume industrial setup can pose health, fire, or contamination risks. Many businesses have invested in automated weighing, sealed transfer systems, and scheduled equipment cleaning to cut down on human contact. Staff training—often using real scenarios—fosters a safety-focused culture, while regular audits keep procedures sharp. Effective solutions depend not just on written plans, but on a shared respect for proper storage, correct labeling, and respect for the compound’s dual benefits and dangers.
Tetrapropylammonium hydrosulfate represents a chemical blend of utility and challenge. Its molecular structure brings value to many synthetic routes, while its physical characteristics allow for flexible delivery. Living with it in the lab or on the production line means keeping an eye on safety, respecting proper use of gloves and eye protection, and double-checking disposal protocols. Regulatory compliance isn’t just a paper exercise—it saves money, time, and health outcomes. Companies and researchers gain most by treating this substance with respect, learning from incidents, and maintaining high standards for handling, documentation, and emergency readiness.
