Tetrabutylammonium Acetate (CAS 10534-59-5)
Supplier Focus: LEAPChem
Chemical Family: Quaternary Ammonium Salt
1. Technical Profile and Chemical Characteristics
Product Identity:
Name: Tetrabutylammonium Acetate
CAS Number: 10534-59-5
Molecular Formula: C₁₆H₃₆N·C₂H₃O₂
Molecular Weight: ~301.5 g/mol
Appearance: White to off-white solid powder
Assay/Purity: ≥98 % typical for research and industrial use
Physicochemical Properties:
Tetrabutylammonium acetate is a quaternary ammonium salt composed of a tetrabutylammonium cation and an acetate anion. Its ionic nature confers:
High solubility in polar organic solvents (e.g., acetonitrile, methanol, dichloromethane) and partial solubility in water, which enhances its utility in biphasic systems.
Melting Range: ~95 – 101 °C.
Hygroscopicity: Tends to absorb moisture, requiring dry storage conditions.
Chemically, the acetate anion acts as a mild base or nucleophile, while the bulky tetrabutylammonium cation provides solubility in organic phases - a combination that underpins many of its functional advantages.
2. Core Advantages and Functional Roles
A. Effective Phase Transfer Catalysis
One of the most established uses of tetrabutylammonium acetate is as a phase-transfer catalyst (PTC). In reactions where reagents reside in immiscible phases (e.g., aqueous vs. organic), it enables transport of ionic species across the interface, thus increasing reaction rates, enhancing yields, and often allowing milder reaction conditions.
Key Advantages:
Helps facilitate nucleophilic substitutions and alkylations by making anions accessible to organic substrates.
Reduces reliance on harsh solvents or conditions, aligning with green chemistry practices.
B. Versatile Reaction and Solvent Roles
Beyond catalysis, this salt acts:
As a solubilizing agent in organic reaction media and studies of ionic liquids.
As a supporting electrolyte or additive in electrochemical systems where ionic conductivity is desirable (e.g., certain battery or fuel cell research).
As a mild base or nucleophile provider for organic transformations.
C. Specialty and Emerging Applications
Cellulose dissolution: TBAA, especially with co-solvents like DMSO, can dissolve cellulose efficiently, aiding in fiber processing and materials development.
Perovskite solar cells: Research indicates that TBAA can function in buffer layers improving grain size and charge transport in certain photovoltaic architectures.
These capabilities make the compound attractive not just for classic organic synthesis but also for advanced materials science and renewable energy applications.
3. LEAPChem's Positioning and Capabilities
LEAPChem (Hangzhou Leap Chem Co., Ltd.) is a fine chemicals supplier headquartered in China, with a broad portfolio of specialty reagents including catalysts, ionic liquids, and other performance chemicals. Established in 2006, the company serves R&D and industrial customers globally, especially in organic synthesis and material applications.
For Tetrabutylammonium Acetate specifically:
LEAPChem offers high-purity material (~98 %+) suitable for research and process applications.
Capability for custom manufacturing and competitive pricing based on production experience and capacity.
This positions the product as a reliable option for laboratories and manufacturing entities seeking robust quaternary ammonium reagents.
4. Market Landscape
A. Phase-Transfer Catalysts and Quaternary Ammonium Salts
Tetrabutylammonium acetate is part of a larger class of quaternary ammonium salts that are widely used in catalysis, fine chemicals, and specialty chemical synthesis.
The global Phase-Transfer Catalyst (PTC) market - where ammonium salts are a key segment - is significant and growing, with estimates placing it at over USD 1.2–1.4 billion in 2024 and projected to expand further through the 2020s at a mid-single-digit CAGR. Ammonium salt PTCs comprise nearly half of this market due to their versatility and cost profile.
More broadly, the Quaternary Ammonium Salts Market across multiple applications (including catalysis, consumer products, and specialty uses) is valued in the multi-billion-dollar range, with forecasts indicating continued expansion toward 2030 and beyond.
B. Drivers of Demand
Key factors fueling demand include:
Pharmaceutical synthesis: High reliance on PTCs for building complex molecules with higher yields and fewer steps.
Green chemistry trends: Movement toward less hazardous catalysts and solvent systems in fine chemicals.
Advanced materials: Use in emerging fields like sustainable materials and photovoltaics as research evolves.
C. Regional & Competitive Notes
Asia-Pacific is a fast-growing region for specialty reagents and phase-transfer catalyst consumption due to expanding chemical manufacturing infrastructure.
Traditional chemical hubs in North America and Europe maintain stable demand, driven largely by pharma and specialty chemical sectors.
5. Conclusion
Tetrabutylammonium acetate (CAS 10534-59-5) is a versatile quaternary ammonium reagent with robust utility as a phase transfer catalyst, solubilizing agent, and source of acetate anion in a range of chemical transformations. Offered by suppliers such as LEAPChem, it serves both research and industrial synthesis needs with high purity and adaptable supply options. Within a broader expanding market for phase transfer catalysts and quaternary ammonium chemicals, its performance attributes and applicability in emerging technologies support sustained and diversified demand over the coming years.
