Tributylmethylammonium Hexafluorophosphate, known by its chemical formula C13H30F6NP, steps into the picture as a versatile organic salt used across research, chemical processing, and battery electrolyte development. This compound brings together a quaternary ammonium cation, tributylmethylammonium, and the hexafluorophosphate anion, PF6−. According to its structure, you’ll find a large organic molecule linked to a robust inorganic counterion, which shapes everything from melting characteristics to how it interacts with solvents. The physical form you find out of the bottle can vary; sometimes it comes as white or off-white flakes, crystals, fine powders, or even in an occasional ‘pearl’ form. Its structural makeup matters when thinking about reactivity, mobility, and suitability for different chemical uses.
Looking closer, Tributylmethylammonium Hexafluorophosphate registers a molecular weight of around 345.36 g/mol. You don’t get the same product every time; sometimes the batch will turn up as loosely packed powder, sometimes as dense, compressed flakes with a distinct crystalline shine. The substance exists as a solid at room temperature, but can show some substance–moisture interactions, particularly if opened repeatedly in a humid lab environment. Chemists often report a typical density close to 1.20 g/cm³, which falls right in the middle for quaternary ammonium salts carrying heavier anions like PF6−. If you weigh it by the liter for scale-up, the bulk density shifts depending on granule size and moisture content—a practical fact to keep in mind for anyone who works with bulk materials. Transparency also sets apart good materials, and the color or opacity of this product gives away its impurity level or handling history. The line between ‘pure enough’ and ‘contaminated’ makes a difference in everything from battery performance to analytical chemistry controls.
The molecular structure revolves around a central nitrogen carrying three butyl groups and a methyl group. Surrounding this core lies the hexafluorophosphate, providing not just charge neutrality but also a hydrophobic effect, a tendency to keep out water that earns the material plenty of fans in fields like non-aqueous catalysis or organic synthesis. The substance itself holds up under moderate heat but can break down or release toxic byproducts if pushed beyond its safe limits, a key feature to remember in industrial synthesis and waste management. Mixing it into solvents such as acetonitrile, dimethylformamide, or propylene carbonate opens doors for specific applications in electrolyte chemistry or phase-transfer catalysis.
Manufacturers share specifications that cover everything from melting point (often a range between 55 and 80°C, depending on impurities) to purity levels that typically exceed 98% if made for research. Water content needs tight control to maintain performance, especially for applications in electronics or electrochemistry, where a stray water molecule might ruin hours of careful work. Chemists keep an eye out for chloride or other halide impurities, since these slip in during synthesis steps, affecting both safety and performance. Regulatory status falls under HS Code 29211990, identifying it for both import-export and customs tracking as a quaternary ammonium salt. Labeling matters for packing, storage, and transit laws, especially when exporting across borders with varying chemical safety oversight.
Tributylmethylammonium Hexafluorophosphate doesn't belong in the group of chemicals that wander around in the air. Mishandling, inhalation, or skin exposure can irritate and, if left unchecked, might develop into something worse in a confined workspace. Its hexafluorophosphate anion can produce hazardous hydrofluoric acid if mixed with strong mineral acids—a situation that calls for serious respect for PPE and ventilation. Anyone handling bulk raw material knows that tracking spills and disposal matters; this is not something to wash down the drain or dump with regular trash. Waste management teams need to treat residues and solutions as harmful, usually sending them for chemical neutralization or regulated waste destruction to prevent release into the environment. Anyone who works daily around this product can confirm the importance of keeping distinct storage and transport routes, sticking to secure packing, and avoiding unnecessary heat or mixing with incompatible substances such as strong oxidizers.
The raw material base for Tributylmethylammonium Hexafluorophosphate draws from both organic synthesis (butyl bromide or chloride, methylamine) and inorganic fluorination chemistry. On its surface, this compound might look like just another entry in a long line of electrolyte salts, but its low water affinity and wide electrochemical window set it apart for non-aqueous battery research, supporting stable operation in demanding settings. In industry, people rely on it as a phase transfer catalyst, helping move reactants between organic and water phases—serving a function that classic inorganic salts can’t touch. Its purification standards have kept rising due to its use in sensitive analytical techniques, pushing suppliers to keep impurities below strict thresholds. Sometimes, you’ll see it blended into electrochemical cells for advanced batteries or supercapacitors, where ion transport and resistance determine runtime and safety margins.
For sites where large-scale handling or repeat use are common, automation offers a way forward: closed-system weighing and transfer reduce spills and exposure, benefiting not just worker health but also cutting product waste. Regular training and updated material safety data sheets give teams confidence, especially for newcomers joining companies that handle specialized salts. Old lessons from chemical disasters warn against cutting corners on safe storage. Segregated, well-ventilated storage away from acids or materials that could trigger hydrolysis limits danger. Clear labeling and color coding on drums, containers, and smaller bottles helps users avoid mistakes around hazardous materials. Even with all these controls, the field could benefit from improved monitoring technologies, letting safety teams catch exposure or leakage as fast as possible to prevent serious incidents.
