Description
Specifications Table
Product Name – Tetrabutylammonium hydroxide, 0.1 N in methanol AR
Quantity/Pack Size – 500 ml
Form – Liquid (Methanolic Solution)
Grade – AR (Analytical Reagent)
Application – Non-aqueous titrations, phase-transfer catalysis, organic synthesis, ion-pair chromatography
Product Overview
Tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (TBAOH) in methanol is a 0.1N standardized solution designed for high-precision laboratory applications where aqueous solvents are incompatible. This AR-grade reagent offers exceptional purity, ensuring reliable results in non-aqueous titrations, particularly for determining acidic or basic compounds in organic solvents. The methanolic base provides a strong, soluble alkaline medium without introducing water, making it indispensable for reactions sensitive to hydrolysis or where proton exchange must be controlled. Its quaternary ammonium structure enhances solubility in organic phases, facilitating phase-transfer catalysis by shuttling anions between immiscible layers. The solution is stabilized to prevent degradation from CO₂ absorption, maintaining consistent normality over time. Its low nucleophilicity minimizes side reactions in delicate syntheses, while the methanol solvent ensures compatibility with a wide range of organic substrates. The 0.1N concentration balances reactivity with ease of handling, reducing the need for dilution while allowing precise stoichiometric control. This reagent is particularly valued in ion-pair chromatography for adjusting mobile phase pH in reverse-phase separations, where traditional buffers fail. The analytical reagent grade guarantees minimal impurities, with heavy metals, halides, and water content strictly controlled to meet stringent lab standards. Packaged in amber glass to prevent photodegradation, the solution remains stable under recommended storage conditions, ensuring long shelf life without potency loss.
FAQs
1. What is the exact normality of this tetrabutylammonium hydroxide solution?
The solution is standardized to 0.100 ± 0.002 N, with the precise value provided on the certificate of analysis for each batch. The normality is verified via potentiometric titration against a primary standard.
2. Can this methanolic TBAOH solution be used directly for Karl Fischer titrations?
No, this solution is not suitable for Karl Fischer titrations as it contains water as an inherent impurity (typically <0.5%). For Karl Fischer applications, anhydrous methanol and specialized reagents are required to avoid interference.
3. How does this compare to potassium hydroxide in methanol for non-aqueous titrations?
TBAOH offers superior solubility in organic solvents compared to KOH, reducing precipitation risks. It also provides a more lipophilic counterion, which improves phase transfer in biphasic systems and minimizes ion-pairing effects that can skew titration endpoints.
4. What precautions should be taken when handling this solution?
Handle in a fume hood due to methanol’s volatility and toxicity. Use nitrile gloves and safety goggles, as the solution is corrosive and can cause severe skin burns. Avoid inhalation of vapors, and store away from ignition sources due to methanol’s flammability.
5. Why is the solution packaged in amber glass bottles?
The amber glass protects the solution from photodegradation, particularly of the methoxide anion formed in equilibrium. Light exposure can accelerate side reactions like aldehyde formation, compromising the reagent’s normality and introducing impurities.
