Potassium tert-butoxide

Potassium tert-butoxide (CAS 865-47-4), commonly abbreviated as KOtBu, is a strong, non-nucleophilic base supplied for demanding synthetic chemistry applications. It drives deprotonation, elimination, and isomerization reactions where conventional bases lack sufficient strength or selectivity. In pharmaceutical manufacturing, KOtBu is used in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients requiring stereoselective deprotonation or Wittig-type condensation steps. Polymer chemists rely on it to initiate anionic polymerization and to catalyze cyclization reactions.

Biotechnology processes use KOtBu to facilitate the synthesis of chiral intermediates and nucleoside analogs. It also functions as a catalyst or base in fine chemical and agrochemical synthesis, particularly in reactions demanding anhydrous, aprotic conditions. Potassium tert-butoxide is supplied as a free-flowing white to off-white powder and as solutions in solvents such as THF or tert-butanol. Standard commercial grades include high-purity reagent and synthesis grades for industrial use.

Purity specifications typically range from 95% to 98%+ to meet pharmaceutical and fine chemical requirements. Packaging options range from laboratory-scale quantities to bulk drums, with moisture-sensitive handling requirements reflected across all supply formats. The material is handled under inert gas to maintain its reactivity and prevent degradation. This ensures that the product meets the rigorous demands of modern chemical synthesis and large-scale manufacturing environments globally.