Tetrabutylammonium nitrate

CAS NO.：1941-27-1
Empirical Formula: C16H36N2O3
Molecular Weight: 304.48
MDL number: MFCD00043202
EINECS: 217-726-0
SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS)
Update Date: 2025-07-04 15:31:55

What is Tetrabutylammonium nitrate?

Chemical properties

white powder

The Uses of Tetrabutylammonium nitrate

Tetra-n-butylammonium nitrate is used in coatings, printing ink, rubber, glass, leather and cosmetics. It serves as a supporting electrolyte in liquid ammonia. It is also used in the preparation of nitrates from triflates. It is employed in the inversion of configuration of alcohols through tosylates. It is also a source of NO3- used in nucleophilic substitution reactions. Further, it is used in the conversion of halides into ketones. In addition to this, it is used as a source of nitronium ions for the nitration of olefins, amides, ribonucleosides, glycols and aromatic compounds.

Preparation

Tetrabutylammonium nitrate (TBAN) is prepared from tetrabutylammonium bromide by passing through Amberlite anionic exchange resin with potassium nitrate. The filtrate is evaporated to dryness and recrystallized from benzene to give pure TBAN as a white crystalline solid.

Purification Methods

Crystallise it from *benzene (7mL/g), EtOH or EtOAc (m 121-122o); dry it in a vacuum over P2O5 at 60o for 2 days. [Beilstein 4 IV 558.]

Properties of Tetrabutylammonium nitrate

Melting point:	116-118 °C (lit.)
Boiling point:	445.28°C (rough estimate)
Density	0.9580 (rough estimate)
refractive index	1.5500 (estimate)
solubility	acetonitrile: 0.1 g/mL, clear, colorless
form	Fine Crystalline Powder
color	White
Water Solubility	<2 g/100 mL
Sensitive	Hygroscopic
BRN	3921016
Stability:	Stable. Combustible. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. Hygroscopic - protect from moisture.
CAS DataBase Reference	1941-27-1(CAS DataBase Reference)
EPA Substance Registry System	1-Butanaminium, N,N,N-tributyl-, nitrate (1941-27-1)

Safety information for Tetrabutylammonium nitrate

Signal word	Danger
Pictogram(s)	Flame Over Circle Oxidizers GHS03 Exclamation Mark Irritant GHS07
GHS Hazard Statements	H272:Oxidising liquids;Oxidising solids H315:Skin corrosion/irritation H319:Serious eye damage/eye irritation H335:Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure;Respiratory tract irritation
Precautionary Statement Codes	P210:Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces. — No smoking. P302+P352:IF ON SKIN: wash with plenty of soap and water. P305+P351+P338:IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continuerinsing.