Potassium tert-butoxide

Potassium tert-butoxide (CAS 865-47-4), commonly abbreviated as KOtBu, is a strong, non-nucleophilic base for demanding synthetic chemistry.

Where is Potassium tert-butoxide used?

• Pharmaceutical manufacturing: synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients requiring stereoselective deprotonation or Wittig-type condensation steps
• Polymer chemistry: initiation of anionic polymerization and catalysis of cyclization reactions
• Biotechnology: synthesis of chiral intermediates and nucleoside analogs
• Fine chemical and agrochemical synthesis: catalyst or base for reactions demanding anhydrous, aprotic conditions
• It drives deprotonation, elimination, and isomerization reactions where conventional bases lack sufficient strength or selectivity.

Good to know: Handled under inert gas to maintain reactivity and prevent degradation; moisture-sensitive handling requirements apply across all supply formats.

Commercial specifications

• Purity specifications typically range from 95% to 98%+
• Packaging options range from laboratory-scale quantities to bulk drums