Tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate
[CAS# 429-42-5]

Identification

• Classification: Chemical reagent >> Organic reagent >> Amine salt (ammonium salt)
• Name: Tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate
• Molecular Formula: C₁₆H₃₆N.BF₄
• Molecular Weight: 329.27
• CAS Registry Number: 429-42-5
• EC Number: 207-058-8
• SMILES: [B-](F)(F)(F)F.CCCC[N+](CCCC)(CCCC)CCCC

Properties

• Melting point: 156-163 °C
• Water solubility: Slightly soluble

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS05;GHS07 Danger
• Risk Statements: H302-H315-H318-H319-H335
• Safety Statements: P261-P264-P264+P265-P270-P271-P280-P301+P317-P302+P352-P304+P340-P305+P351+P338-P305+P354+P338-P317-P319-P321-P330-P332+P317-P337+P317-P362+P364-P403+P233-P405-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Serious eye damage	Eye Dam.	1	H318
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	3	H331
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	1	H410
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	3	H311
Skin corrosion	Skin Corr.	1C	H314
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	3	H301
Skin corrosion	Skin Corr.	1B	H314

Discovery and Applications

Tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate is an ionic liquid that has gained recognition for its unique properties and wide range of applications in chemical and industrial processes. This compound belongs to a class of ionic liquids known for their low volatility and high stability.

Tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate (often abbreviated as [N4444][BF4]) was first synthesized in the mid-20th century as part of research to develop ionic liquids with desirable chemicophysical properties. The synthesis involves the reaction of tetrabutylammonium hydroxide with tetrafluoroboric acid, which produces a stable ionic liquid with tetrafluoroborate anions, which gives the compound its unique properties.

Tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate is often used as an electrolyte in energy storage systems such as batteries and supercapacitors. Its high ionic conductivity and chemical stability make it an excellent choice to improve the performance and lifetime of these devices.

In organic synthesis, [N4444][BF4] is a versatile solvent. It is able to dissolve a wide range of organic and inorganic substances, thereby facilitating a variety of chemical reactions. This property is particularly useful in catalysis and extraction processes.

The compound is used in separation and extraction techniques in analytical chemistry. It helps to separate and purify target substances from complex mixtures, improving the accuracy and efficiency of analytical procedures.

Tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate is used in the synthesis of advanced materials. Its role as a solvent or medium helps to form nanomaterials and other functional materials with specific properties. This application is important for the development of new materials with customized properties.

As a green solvent, [N4444][BF4] supports environmentally friendly chemical processes. Its low vapor pressure and reusability help reduce the environmental impact of industrial and research activities in line with sustainable practices.

Tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate is known for its high stability and low volatility. These properties make it a safer and more reliable alternative to traditional solvents, minimizing the risks associated with volatile organic compounds. The ability of ionic liquids to dissolve a wide range of substances increases their usefulness in a variety of chemical processes. This versatility enhances its use in organic synthesis, separations, and materials science. The low toxicity and reusability of this compound make it a green choice for industrial and research applications. Its use helps reduce the environmental impact of chemical processes.

References

2010 Highly efficient macrolactonization of ω-hydroxy acids using benzotriazole esters: synthesis of Sansalvamide A. Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry, 8, 4940. DOI: 10.1039/c0ob00161a

2009 A new class of non-conjugated bipolar hybrid hosts for phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes. Journal of Materials Chemistry, 19, 8772.
DOI: 10.1039/b909787b

2009 Electrochemical reduction of oxygen on nanoparticulate gold electrodeposited on a molecular template. Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, 11, 3463. DOI: 10.1039/b818439a