Tetramethylammonium chloride

Tetramethylammonium chloride (CAS 75-57-0), commonly abbreviated as TMAC, is a quaternary ammonium salt used as a phase-transfer catalyst and reagent across pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and polymer manufacturing sectors. It enables reactions between compounds in incompatible phases, improving yields and reducing processing complexity in synthetic workflows. In pharmaceutical synthesis, TMAC acts as a phase-transfer catalyst to facilitate alkylation.

It supports nucleophilic substitution reactions and the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients. Biotechnology applications include its use in DNA hybridization assays, where it equalizes melting temperatures. This process stabilizes AT- and GC-rich sequences to improve probe specificity. In polymer and plastics manufacturing, TMAC functions as a catalyst or catalyst precursor in polymerization processes.

Common industrial uses include the production of epoxy resins and specialty polymers. It also serves as a nitrogen source and templating agent in the synthesis of zeolites and other porous materials. These materials are essential for various catalytic applications. Tetramethylammonium chloride is supplied as a white crystalline powder or granules, available in technical grade for industrial catalysis.

High-purity grades are also available, meeting reagent or analytical specifications for pharmaceutical and life sciences use. Packaging ranges from laboratory-scale quantities to bulk industrial supply.