Tetrapropylammonium hydrogen carbonate
[CAS# 112306-93-1]

Identification

• Classification: Surfactant >> Cationic surfactant >> Quaternary ammonium salt type
• Name: Tetrapropylammonium hydrogen carbonate
• Synonyms: hydrogen carbonate tetrapropylazanium
• Molecular Formula: C₁₃H₂₉NO₃
• Molecular Weight: 247.37
• CAS Registry Number: 112306-93-1
• SMILES: CCC[N+](CCC)(CCC)CCC.C(=O)(O)[O-]

Discovory and Applicatios

Tetrapropylammonium hydrogen carbonate is a quaternary ammonium salt composed of a tetrapropylammonium cation (C12H28N+) and a hydrogen carbonate anion (HCO3−). It is typically prepared through the reaction of tetrapropylammonium hydroxide with carbonic acid or its salts, such as sodium bicarbonate. This compound is commonly used in various industrial and laboratory applications, especially in the fields of catalysis and synthesis.

Tetrapropylammonium hydrogen carbonate serves as a phase transfer catalyst, facilitating reactions that involve reactants in different phases, usually between an aqueous phase and an organic phase. As a phase transfer catalyst, it aids in the transfer of ions or molecules from one phase to another, improving the efficiency of reactions that would otherwise be slow or ineffective. This property is particularly useful in organic synthesis, where phase transfer catalysis is often employed to carry out reactions that require reactants to be in different phases. Tetrapropylammonium hydrogen carbonate is a relatively common reagent in the production of fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals.

One of its most notable applications is in the synthesis of various organic compounds, including esters, ethers, and other derivatives. It is often used in reactions involving alkylation, acylation, and condensation, where it enhances the reactivity of the reactants. The compound is also employed in the preparation of quaternary ammonium salts, which are important in surfactant chemistry and as disinfectants in industrial and household cleaning products.

Tetrapropylammonium hydrogen carbonate is also significant in the field of catalysis. Quaternary ammonium salts, including this compound, can act as catalysts in a variety of organic reactions, including those used in the production of petrochemicals, plastics, and other polymeric materials. The compound's ability to promote reactions in different media makes it valuable for a variety of processes, from small-scale laboratory syntheses to large-scale industrial manufacturing.

Additionally, Tetrapropylammonium hydrogen carbonate has been investigated for its role in improving the solubility of certain compounds and facilitating reactions that require the participation of multiple phases. It is sometimes used in the preparation of buffer solutions for specific chemical analyses or as an additive to enhance the solubility and stability of reactants in non-aqueous solvents.

In conclusion, Tetrapropylammonium hydrogen carbonate is a useful compound in organic synthesis, catalysis, and industrial processes, especially for its role in phase transfer catalysis. Its ability to facilitate reactions between different phases and its utility in the synthesis of organic compounds make it a valuable tool in both laboratory and industrial settings.