Potassium tert-butoxide

Potassium tert-butoxide (CAS 865-47-4, EC 212-740-3), also known as KTB, potassium t-butoxide, or potassium tert-butylate, is a strong, non-nucleophilic alkoxide base with the molecular formula C4H10O.K. It carries no assigned E-code and is classified under HS code 29051900 within the alkalis and bases category.

In pharmaceutical synthesis, KTB acts as a catalyst and deprotonating agent, driving condensation and isomerisation reactions where milder bases fail to achieve sufficient conversion. In plastics and polymer processing, it initiates anionic polymerisation by generating reactive carbanion intermediates. Its high basicity also supports pH regulation in biotechnology buffers and functions as a biocide in select preservation systems.

Potassium tert-butoxide is supplied as a white crystalline powder and in solution form, with grades available to meet pharmaceutical manufacturing requirements under REACH compliance. Procurement teams should confirm grade specification, concentration, and packaging format directly with our technical sales team prior to ordering.