Description
Specifications Table
Product Name – Tetrabutylammoniumhydroxide, 0.1 N AVS TITRINORM® volumetric solution
Quantity/Pack Size – 500 ml
Form – Liquid (volumetric solution)
Grade – AVS TITRINORM® (Analytical Volumetric Standard)
Application – Non-aqueous titrations, potentiometric titrations, acid-base titrations in organic solvents
Concentration – 0.1 N (0.1 mol/L)
Solvent Base – Methanol/Isopropanol mixture
Shelf Life – 24 months from date of manufacture (unopened)
Storage Condition – 15-25°C, tightly sealed in original container
Density – ~0.79 g/cm³ at 20°C
pH Range – Highly alkaline (pH >13 in aqueous solution)
Certification – ISO 17025 accredited, traceable to NIST standards
Hazard Class – Corrosive (Class 8), Flammable (Class 3)
CAS Number – 2052-49-5 (TBAH)
Molecular Formula – C16H37N (as TBA+)
Molecular Weight – 242.49 g/mol (TBA+ ion)
Purity – ≥99.5% (titrimetric)
Color – Colorless to slightly yellowish
Odor – Characteristic alcoholic odor
Vapor Pressure – ~44 hPa at 20°C
Boiling Point – ~82°C (solvent dependent)
Flash Point – 12°C (closed cup)
Product Overview
This 0.1N tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (TBAH) volumetric solution represents the gold standard for non-aqueous titrations in analytical chemistry, formulated as an AVS TITRINORM® grade reagent to ensure unparalleled accuracy and reproducibility. The solution employs a carefully optimized methanol/isopropanol solvent system that maintains the tetrabutylammonium cation in a stable, homogeneous state while providing the necessary basicity for titrating weak acids in organic media. Unlike conventional aqueous bases, this organic-soluble titrant enables precise endpoint detection in systems where water would interfere with the reaction or solubility. The 0.1N concentration offers an ideal balance between titration resolution and practical volume requirements, allowing for both micro and macro-scale analyses without excessive dilution. Each batch undergoes rigorous potentiometric standardization against certified primary standards, with the normality value printed on the certificate of analysis to four significant figures. The solution’s exceptional stability stems from its anhydrous preparation and oxygen-free packaging, minimizing carbonate formation that could compromise titration accuracy. The low water content (<0.05%) ensures consistent performance in moisture-sensitive applications, while the proprietary stabilizer system prevents degradation from atmospheric CO₂ absorption. Packaged in amber glass bottles with PTFE-lined caps, the solution maintains its specified concentration throughout its 24-month shelf life when stored under recommended conditions. The high purity grade (≥99.5% titrimetric) guarantees minimal interference from ionic impurities, making it particularly suitable for electrochemical detection methods where background conductivity must remain low. The solution's physical properties—including its controlled viscosity and surface tension—have been optimized to ensure smooth delivery from burettes and automated titration systems, reducing meniscus reading errors and improving precision in manual operations.
FAQs
1. What makes AVS TITRINORM® grade TBAH different from standard laboratory-grade solutions?
The AVS TITRINORM® certification indicates this solution has undergone additional quality control measures including multi-point standardization, extended stability testing, and documentation of uncertainty values. Each batch comes with a certificate showing the exact normality determined through primary standard titration, not just the nominal value. The solvent system is also specially purified to remove protic impurities that could affect titration endpoints.
2. Can this TBAH solution be used with Karl Fischer titration for water content analysis?
No, this solution is not suitable for Karl Fischer titrations. The methanol/isopropanol solvent base contains residual water that would interfere with water determination. For Karl Fischer applications, you would need a specialized anhydrous TBAH solution prepared in absolutely water-free solvents, typically packaged under inert atmosphere.
3. What safety precautions are essential when handling this 0.1N TBAH solution?
As a corrosive and flammable liquid, this solution requires handling in a well-ventilated fume hood with appropriate PPE including nitrile gloves, safety goggles, and a lab coat. The low flash point (12°C) means it must be kept away from ignition sources. In case of skin contact, immediately rinse with copious water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention. The alkaline nature can cause severe burns, particularly to eyes. Always use in small quantities and never return unused solution to the original bottle to prevent contamination.
4. How does the solvent composition affect the titration results compared to aqueous KOH solutions?
The methanol/isopropanol mixture provides several advantages over aqueous KOH: it dissolves organic analytes that are insoluble in water, eliminates water-related side reactions, and allows titrations at lower temperatures. However, the solvent system also affects the dissociation equilibrium of weak acids and the electrode response in potentiometric titrations. You may observe shifted equivalence points and different slope values in titration curves compared to aqueous systems, requiring specific standardization procedures for your particular application.
5. What’s the recommended procedure for standardizing this TBAH solution before use?
For highest accuracy, standardize against potassium hydrogen phthalate (KHP) in a methanol medium using phenolphthalein or thymol blue as indicator, or preferably by potentiometric endpoint detection. Weigh approximately 0.2-0.3g of dried KHP (primary standard grade) into a titration vessel, dissolve in 50mL of methanol, and titrate with the TBAH solution. Perform at least three concordant titrations and calculate the exact normality. The solution should be restandardized every 3 months after opening or if stored under non-ideal conditions.
