Tetrabutylammonium bromide
CAS Number
1643-19-2
EC Number
216-699-2
Abbreviation
TBAB
What is Tetrabutylammonium bromide?
Tetrabutylammonium bromide (CAS 1643-19-2), commonly sourced under the abbreviation TBAB, is a quaternary ammonium salt used primarily as a phase-transfer catalyst and reagent in chemical synthesis.
Where is Tetrabutylammonium bromide used?
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing: accelerates nucleophilic substitution and alkylation reactions, reducing processing time and solvent consumption in active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) synthesis
- Polymer and specialty chemical production: catalyst precursor for controlled ionic transfer between organic and aqueous phases
- Research and fine chemical synthesis: supports preparation of ionic liquids and serves as a co-catalyst in carbon dioxide fixation reactions
- Personal care: conditioning and antimicrobial agent in rinse-off and leave-on products
- It shuttles anions between immiscible phases to improve reaction efficiency and yield in multi-step manufacturing.
Commercial specifications
- Technical and high-purity reagent grades
- Packaging from kilogram-scale laboratory quantities to bulk industrial lots
Other Names (Synonyms)
tetra-N-butylammonium bromide|TBAB|N,N,N-tributyl-1-butanaminium bromide|1-Butanaminium, N,N,N-tributyl-, bromide (1:1)|N,N,N-tributylbutan-1-aminium bromide|VJZ168I98R|1-Butanaminium, N,N,N-tributyl-, bromide|TBAB SUMQUAT 6065
What are the physical properties of Tetrabutylammonium bromide?
Melting Point 100-102 °C
Boiling Point 102 °C
Density 1.039 g/mL at 25 °C
Flash Point 100°C
Appearance white crystals or powder
Color White to slightly cream
Odor Amine like
Form Crystalline Powder
Water Solubility 600 g/L (20 ºC)
Vapor Pressure 0Pa at 25℃
Refractive Index n20/D 1.422
pH 3.5 to 7.0 (50 g/L, 25 ℃)
Log P 0.839 at 25℃
How is Tetrabutylammonium bromide classified and handled safely? Learn More
Warning
GHS07· Irritant GHS08· Health Hazard GHS09· Environmental Hazard
Hazard Statements
H302 Harmful if swallowed
H315 Causes skin irritation
H319 Causes serious eye irritation
H320 Causes eye irritation
Precautionary Statements
P203 Obtain, consult and follow expert instructions for use.
P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling.
P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
Which trade and regulatory codes apply to Tetrabutylammonium bromide?
HS Code 29239000
Storage Class 11 - Combustible Solids
WGK (Germany) 3