Tetrabutyl titanate

Chemical properties

colourless to light yellow viscous liquid

The Uses of Tetrabutyl titanate

Titanium(IV) butoxide is a sourcing material for the preparation of titanium oxide (TiO₂) which can further be used in a variety of applications such as dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), photo-catalytic and self-cleaning based coatings.

The Uses of Tetrabutyl titanate

Ester exchange reactions; heat-resistant paints (up to 500C); improving adhesion of paints, rubber, and plastics to metal surfaces; cross-linking agent; condensation catalyst.

The Uses of Tetrabutyl titanate

Titanium(IV) n-butoxide is used in the preparation of nanosized titania powders in the anatase form and ferroelectric bismuth titanate thin films. It is also used as intermediates, paint additives, coating additives, processing aids and as process regulators. It is involved in the preparation of nanocrystalline titanium dioxide powders at room temperature.

What are the applications of Application

Titanium(IV) butoxide is used in the synthesis of nanocrystalline TiO2 powders

General Description

A water-white to pale-yellow liquid with an alcohol-like odor. About the same density as water. Flash point 170°F. Contact may irritate or cause burns.

Air & Water Reactions

Soluble in water. Reacts with water to form butanol and titanium dioxide, the reaction is not generally thought to be hazardous.

Reactivity Profile

Organometallics are strongly reactive with many other groups. Incompatible with acids and bases. Organometallics are good reducing agents and therefore incompatible with oxidizing agents. Often reactive with water to generate toxic or flammable gases. Generally highly toxic. Often react on contact with tissues to give toxic products.

Health Hazard

LIQUID: Irritating to skin and eyes. If swallowed will cause nausea and vomiting.

Fire Hazard

Combustible. Containers may explode in fire. May give off dense white smoke. Containers may explode.

Flammability and Explosibility

Flammable

Safety Profile

Suspected carcinogen. A poison by intravenous route. Moderately toxic by ingestion. See n-BUTYL ALCOHOL and TITANIUM COMPOUNDS. Flammable when exposed to heat or flame. To fight fire, use water, spray, foam, dry chemical. Incompatible with oxidizing materials. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid and irritating fumes.

Purification Methods

Dissolve it in *C6H6, filter if solid is present, evaporate and vacuum fractionate through a Widmer 24inch column (p 11). The ester hydrolyses when exposed to air to give hydrated ortho-titanic acid. The titanium content can be determined thus: weigh a sample (ca 0.25g) into a weighed crucible and cover it with 10mL of H2O and a few drops of conc HNO3. Heat (hot plate) carefully till most of the H2O has evaporated. Cool and add more H2O (10mL) and conc HNO3 (2mL), and evaporate carefully (no spillage) to dryness and ignite the residue at 600-650o/1hour. Weigh the residual TiO2. [Bradley et al. J Chem Soc 2773 1952, Speer J Org Chem 14 655 1949, Beilstein 1 II 398, 1 III 1515, 1 IV 1415.]