Sodium tert-butoxide

Sodium tert-butoxide (CAS 865-48-5, EC 212-741-9), commonly abbreviated as STB or NatB and also referred to as sodium t-butoxide or tert-butoxysodium, is a strong alkali metal alkoxide with the formula C4H10O.Na. It carries no assigned E-code and is classified under HS code 29051900.

In pharmaceutical synthesis, STB acts as a non-nucleophilic base that deprotonates acidic intermediates to drive condensation and coupling reactions, including Buchwald-Hartwig aminations. In agrochemical and polymer manufacturing, it functions as a catalyst initiating anionic polymerisation and facilitating transesterification, enabling precise molecular weight control in the final product.

STB is supplied as a white to light tan crystalline powder meeting REACH registration requirements for the European market. It falls under standard industrial and pharmaceutical-grade specifications and is handled under inert atmosphere protocols due to its moisture sensitivity. Packaging options typically include sealed metal containers sized for laboratory and bulk procurement.