Sodium tert-butoxide

Sodium tert-butoxide (CAS 865-48-5), abbreviated NaOtBu and also known as sodium tert-butylate, is a strong, non-nucleophilic base used in pharmaceutical synthesis.

Where is Sodium tert-butoxide used?

• Pharmaceutical API synthesis: drives deprotonation, condensation and cyclization where milder bases fail
• Agrochemical manufacturing: catalyst or base in herbicide and pesticide active ingredients
• Polymer and specialty materials: initiates anionic polymerization and functional monomer production
• Biotechnology and fine chemical workflows generate reactive intermediates under controlled anhydrous conditions.

Good to know: Its high basicity and steric bulk suit reactions where competing nucleophilic attack must be suppressed; reaction selectivity affects final yield and purity.

Commercial specifications

• White to off-white free-flowing powder or solutions in THF or toluene, typically 1 M to 2 M
• Technical and synthesis grades standard; high-purity grades for pharmaceutical manufacturing
• Packaging from laboratory-scale quantities to bulk drums
• Moisture-sensitive handling requirements factored into standard supply formats