Tirethylammonium tetrafluoroborate grabs attention in the chemical world for its application flexibility and physical adaptability. The molecular formula is C6H15N.BF4, with a molecular weight usually close to 203.01 g/mol. Structurally, you find a tetrafluoroborate anion paired with a triethylammonium cation, making the compound organic-inorganic. Most people working with this material see it used in laboratory and industry environments that demand both ionic conductivity and solid state stability.
Typical samples appear as white to off-white crystalline solids, with some suppliers offering it as powder, flakes, or small pearls, depending on the processing needs. Tirethylammonium tetrafluoroborate holds a specific density in the range of 1.18–1.21 g/cm³ at room temperature, and its crystalline nature means it dissolves relatively easily in polar solvents like water or acetonitrile—a property important for those working with electrolyte solutions for electrochemistry. Stability at ambient temperature creates fewer headaches for storage, though keeping all chemical containers tightly sealed avoids moisture pickup that could compromise quality.
Most buyers look for purity levels greater than 98%, often hitting 99%. This high-grade threshold supports reliable test outcomes in laboratory and industrial setups, especially for battery research or organic synthesis. The HS Code that covers tirethylammonium tetrafluoroborate falls under 2921.19, which covers quaternary ammonium salts and their derivatives. Anyone importing or exporting should keep this code handy to speed up customs clearance and comply with international material handling standards.
Being part of the quaternary ammonium salts family, this compound lands firmly on lists of chemicals that require respect for safety protocols. It doesn’t carry acute toxicity at typical laboratory exposure levels, but dust inhalation or accidental ingestion doesn’t end well in terms of health. Direct skin or eye exposure gets uncomfortable, sometimes causing irritation. Long lab hours teach you to treat every powdered form with gloves and safety glasses. Storing in dry, cool areas and labeling containers prevents most mishaps. To avoid environmental contamination, never allow large spills into drains or public water supplies. Tirethylammonium tetrafluoroborate isn’t classified as an explosive, but strong oxidizers or bases react with it, so mixing needs careful handling.
Across battery research, tirethylammonium tetrafluoroborate sees frequent use as an electrolyte additive—its stable ionic structure helps improve conductivity and supports better cycling in lithium-based cells. In organic synthesis and electrochemistry, the compound acts as a phase transfer catalyst, or it’s used where low nucleophilicity suits delicate reactions. Experience in research teams shows that purity and moisture content impact catalytic efficiency and yield, and so experienced chemists never cut corners during raw material inspection.
Scientists and manufacturers often rely on reputable suppliers who confirm each lot’s purity with methods like NMR or elemental analysis. Receiving low-grade or poorly packaged product brings frustration and, sometimes, failed reactions. For those in procurement or lab management, establishing reliable supply chains trumps bargain-hunting. Bulk buyers examine origin documentation and chemical property sheets, confirming density, melting point, and moisture content against certification. Fluctuations in particle size can matter for those blending the compound into master batches for custom electrolyte solutions.
Handling chemical materials demands clear protocols—Tirethylammonium tetrafluoroborate is no exception. Proper ventilation, protective gear, and well-trained staff form the cornerstone of chemical safety. Spillage response kits and accessible MSDS sheets back up routine safety education. Disposal of tirethylammonium tetrafluoroborate aligns with regional rules on hazardous waste. Vendors and end-users have responsibilities to not only meet these legal standards but also pursue safer substitution strategies where possible, especially for high-volume or repeat-use processes.
Long-term reliance on tirethylammonium tetrafluoroborate keeps pushing the conversation toward sustainable sourcing, smarter recycling, and tightly controlled waste streams. Chemistry professionals working in energy storage, synthetic chemistry, or materials science already share best practices for reducing raw material losses, reclaiming used solution, and optimizing every gram that goes into a research or manufacturing process. Experiences from the field show that collaborating with environmental engineers to close the lifecycle loop for specialized salts like this creates results that benefit both industry and the planet, providing safer workspaces and cleaner supply chains.
