Tetrabutylammonium Hydrogen Sulfate: A Versatile Compound With Diverse Applications

Tetrabutylammonium hydrogen sulfate, CH3(CH2)3N+(CH2)4N(CH3)3HS−, has a molecular weight of 289.86 g/mol. It is a colorless, crystalline powder with a density of 1.10 g/cm3. It melts at 148-150°C, boils at 355°C, and is soluble in water but insoluble in nonpolar solvents. Its pKa is 0.95, indicating its dissociation in water to form tetrabutylammonium and hydrogen sulfate ions. It has various applications as a phase-transfer catalyst, surfactant, corrosion inhibitor, and solvent extraction agent in laboratory research, industrial processes, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Deciphering the Chemical Makeup of Tetrabutylammonium Hydrogen Sulfate

Embark on a captivating journey into the realm of chemistry as we unravel the secrets of Tetrabutylammonium Hydrogen Sulfate. This intriguing compound holds a unique place in the scientific world, thanks to its diverse applications and fascinating properties. In this blog post, we’ll delve into its chemical formula and composition, providing a comprehensive understanding of its molecular structure.

The Chemical Formula: Unlocking the Building Blocks

At the heart of Tetrabutylammonium Hydrogen Sulfate lies its chemical formula, a roadmap to its atomic makeup. This formula, (C₄H₉)₄N⁺HSO₄⁻, reveals the essential elements that constitute this compound.

• Carbon (C): The backbone of organic molecules, forming the framework of Tetrabutylammonium Hydrogen Sulfate.
• Hydrogen (H): Tiny yet crucial, Hydrogen atoms connect the carbon atoms, giving the compound its distinct structure.
• Nitrogen (N): A vital component of the tetrabutylammonium cation, responsible for its positive charge.
• Sulfur (S): A key element in the hydrogen sulfate anion, contributing to its acidity.
• Oxygen (O): An abundant element in Tetrabutylammonium Hydrogen Sulfate, forming bonds with carbon, sulfur, and nitrogen.

Atomic Numbers: Unveiling the Identity of Atoms

Each element in Tetrabutylammonium Hydrogen Sulfate is assigned an atomic number, a unique identifier that reveals its position on the Periodic Table.

• Carbon: 6
• Hydrogen: 1
• Nitrogen: 7
• Sulfur: 16
• Oxygen: 8

These atomic numbers provide a deeper understanding of the compound’s composition, allowing us to visualize the arrangement of atoms within its molecular structure.

With a newfound understanding of Tetrabutylammonium Hydrogen Sulfate’s chemical formula and composition, we’ve laid the foundation for exploring its physical properties, temperature characteristics, and wide-ranging applications. Join us in the next installment of this captivating journey as we delve further into the fascinating world of this versatile compound.

Understanding the Molecular Weight and Mass of Tetrabutylammonium Hydrogen Sulfate

In the realm of chemistry, understanding the molecular weight and mass of a compound is crucial for comprehending its properties and behavior. For Tetrabutylammonium Hydrogen Sulfate, these aspects play a pivotal role in determining its applications and functions.

Molecular Weight: A Measure of Size

Every molecule consists of atoms that combine in specific proportions. The molecular weight of a compound is the sum of the atomic weights of all the atoms present in its molecule. For Tetrabutylammonium Hydrogen Sulfate, its formula is C₁₆H₃₆NOS. Calculating the molecular weight involves adding the atomic weights of 16 carbon atoms, 36 hydrogen atoms, 1 nitrogen atom, 1 oxygen atom, and 1 sulfur atom. This gives us a molecular weight of 309.55 g/mol.

Molar Mass: Measuring the Amount

Closely related to molecular weight is molar mass. This term refers to the mass of one mole of a substance. One mole is defined as the amount of substance that contains Avogadro’s number of particles (6.022 x 10²³). Therefore, the molar mass of Tetrabutylammonium Hydrogen Sulfate is also 309.55 g/mol.

Significance of Molecular Weight and Mass

Knowing the molecular weight and mass of Tetrabutylammonium Hydrogen Sulfate enables researchers and scientists to determine its physical and chemical properties. These values help predict the compound’s solubility, volatility, and reactivity. Furthermore, they are essential for calculating the stoichiometry of reactions involving this compound, ensuring accurate ratios of reactants and products.

Comprehending the molecular weight and mass of Tetrabutylammonium Hydrogen Sulfate is a cornerstone of understanding its behavior in various applications. These aspects provide insights into its functions as a phase-transfer catalyst, surfactant, and solvent extraction agent.

Physical Properties of Tetrabutylammonium Hydrogen Sulfate:

Tetrabutylammonium Hydrogen Sulfate (TBHS) exhibits a unique set of physical properties that govern its behavior and applications. Understanding these properties is crucial for harnessing its potential in various fields.

Density and Specific Gravity

TBHS possesses a relatively low density, making it less dense than water. Its specific gravity is approximately 1.08 g/mL, indicating that it is slightly heavier than water. This property influences its solubility and behavior in different solvents.

Relative Density

TBHS exhibits a low relative density, which reflects its molecular structure and composition. Compared to other compounds, it occupies a larger volume relative to its mass. This low relative density has implications for its buoyancy and floating characteristics.

Temperature Properties of Tetrabutylammonium Hydrogen Sulfate

Tetrabutylammonium Hydrogen Sulfate, an intriguing chemical compound, exhibits a unique set of temperature properties that play a crucial role in its various applications.

• Melting Point: At a temperature of -10.5 degrees Celsius, this compound melts into a liquid state. This property is essential for Tetrabutylammonium Hydrogen Sulfate’s use in liquid-liquid extractions, where it helps to separate organic and aqueous phases.

• Freezing Point: When the temperature drops to -35 degrees Celsius, Tetrabutylammonium Hydrogen Sulfate freezes into a solid state. This property is important for storing and transporting the compound, as it allows for easy handling and maintenance of its chemical integrity.

• Boiling Point: The boiling point of Tetrabutylammonium Hydrogen Sulfate is 228-231 degrees Celsius. At this temperature, it vaporizes into a gaseous state. This property is crucial for distillation processes, where the compound can be purified and separated from other substances.

• Condensation Point: As the temperature of Tetrabutylammonium Hydrogen Sulfate’s vapor decreases, it condenses back into a liquid state at 217-220 degrees Celsius. This property is important for controlling the compound’s evaporation and condensation rates in various industrial processes.

• Vaporization Point: Tetrabutylammonium Hydrogen Sulfate vaporizes even at room temperature, although at a lower rate. This property contributes to the compound’s effectiveness as a phase-transfer catalyst, where it helps to facilitate chemical reactions between immiscible liquids.

Solubility and Dissolution of Tetrabutylammonium Hydrogen Sulfate

Diving into the chemical realm of Tetrabutylammonium Hydrogen Sulfate, we encounter its solubility and dissolution characteristics. This compound exhibits a fascinating relationship with various solvents, revealing its unique solubility behavior.

Solubility in Water: A Tale of Dissolution

Tetrabutylammonium Hydrogen Sulfate embraces water as a congenial companion, dissolving readily in this polar solvent. Its hydrophilic nature allows it to disperse and form homogeneous solutions. The compound’s ionic structure, with its positively charged tetrabutylammonium group and negatively charged hydrogen sulfate ion, promotes its solubility in water.

Insolubility in Nonpolar Solvents: A Matter of Dislike

In contrast to its affinity for water, Tetrabutylammonium Hydrogen Sulfate shuns nonpolar solvents. These solvents, devoid of polarity, fail to provide the electrostatic environment necessary for dissolution. The compound’s hydrophobic nature prevails, preventing it from dissolving in nonpolar solvents.

pH and Dissociation Constant

Tetrabutylammonium Hydrogen Sulfate exhibits unique properties when dissolved in water, influencing its acidity and solubility. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of pH and dissociation constants.

Understanding pKa

pKa is a critical measure used to understand the acidity or basicity of a chemical compound. It is a numerical value that indicates the tendency of a molecule to lose or gain a proton (H+).

Importance of pKa for Tetrabutylammonium Hydrogen Sulfate

The pKa of Tetrabutylammonium Hydrogen Sulfate is approximately 5.0. This value reflects the compound’s weakly acidic nature. In other words, it has a slight tendency to release a proton when dissolved in water.

pH and Dissociation Constant

The pH of a solution measures its acidity or alkalinity. It is calculated based on the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in the solution. The dissociation constant, Ka, represents the equilibrium constant for the dissociation of a weak acid in water. It describes the extent to which the acid dissociates into ions.

Relationship between pKa, pH, and Ka

The pKa and Ka values for Tetrabutylammonium Hydrogen Sulfate are related by the following equation:

pKa = -log(Ka)

In essence, a lower pKa value corresponds to a higher Ka value, indicating a stronger acid. Conversely, a higher pKa value corresponds to a weaker acid.

Implications for Applications

The pH and dissociation constant of Tetrabutylammonium Hydrogen Sulfate play a crucial role in its various applications. In phase-transfer catalysis, for example, the compound’s weak acidity facilitates the transfer of ions between immiscible phases, enhancing the efficiency of chemical reactions.

Applications and Uses of Tetrabutylammonium Hydrogen Sulfate

Phase-Transfer Catalysis

Tetrabutylammonium Hydrogen Sulfate plays a crucial role as a phase-transfer catalyst. It helps facilitate reactions between water-soluble and organic-soluble compounds that would otherwise not react effectively. This unique property finds applications in various chemical processes, including the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, dyes, and polymers.

Surfactant

Tetrabutylammonium Hydrogen Sulfate acts as an emulsifying and wetting agent, making it a valuable surfactant. It helps stabilize emulsions and improve the wetting of surfaces, leading to its use in detergents, fabric softeners, and personal care products.

Corrosion Inhibitor

Corrision can be a major problem affecting metal surfaces. Tetrabutylammonium Hydrogen Sulfate comes to the rescue as a corrosion inhibitor, protecting metals from corrosion by forming a protective layer on their surfaces. This property makes it a valuable additive in paints, coatings, and industrial lubricants.

Solvent Extraction Agent

Tetrabutylammonium Hydrogen Sulfate is used as a solvent extraction agent. It selectively extracts specific compounds from complex mixtures, allowing for the isolation and purification of desired materials. This property has applications in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and food processing.

Laboratory Research

Tetrabutylammonium Hydrogen Sulfate is a versatile compound used in various laboratory research applications. It is employed as a catalyst, surfactant, and solvent extraction agent in organic synthesis, analytical chemistry, and biochemistry.

Industrial Processes

Tetrabutylammonium Hydrogen Sulfate finds applications in various industrial processes, including:

• Chemical synthesis: As a phase-transfer catalyst in the production of fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals
• Oil and gas industry: As a surfactant and corrosion inhibitor in oil and gas extraction and refining
• Pharmaceutical industry: As a solvent extraction agent in the purification of drugs and active pharmaceutical ingredients

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Tetrabutylammonium Hydrogen Sulfate is utilized in pharmaceutical manufacturing for various purposes:

• Phase-transfer catalysis: Facilitating the synthesis of complex drug molecules
• Solvent extraction: Purifying active pharmaceutical ingredients
• Surfactancy: Improving the wetting and absorption of drugs in formulations

Functions and End Uses of Tetrabutylammonium Hydrogen Sulfate

Facilitating Chemical Reactions

• Tetrabutylammonium Hydrogen Sulfate acts as a phase-transfer catalyst, enabling reactions between water-soluble and oil-soluble reagents. This unique property allows for the efficient synthesis of complex organic molecules and pharmaceuticals.

Modifying Surface Properties

• Tetrabutylammonium Hydrogen Sulfate can modify the surface tension of liquids, enabling the creation of stable emulsions and dispersions. Its surfactant properties find applications in detergents, paints, and cosmetics.

Separating Organic and Aqueous Phases

• As a solvent extraction agent, Tetrabutylammonium Hydrogen Sulfate selectively extracts organic compounds from aqueous solutions. This technique is crucial in pharmaceutical manufacturing and environmental remediation.

End Uses in Various Industries

Pharmaceuticals

• Synthesis of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs): Tetrabutylammonium Hydrogen Sulfate facilitates the transfer of APIs between organic and aqueous phases, enabling efficient drug production.

Chemicals

• Corrosion Inhibition: The surfactant properties of Tetrabutylammonium Hydrogen Sulfate form protective layers on metal surfaces, preventing corrosion in industrial processes.

Electronics

• Circuit Board Cleaning: Tetrabutylammonium Hydrogen Sulfate is used in cleaning solutions to remove flux residues from circuit boards, ensuring optimal performance.

Cosmetics

• Emulsion Stabilizer: Its surfactant properties stabilize emulsions in cosmetics, creating smooth and spreadable products like lotions and creams.

Food Additives

• Emulsifier in Food Products: Tetrabutylammonium Hydrogen Sulfate enhances food texture, mouthfeel, and appearance by creating stable emulsions in dressings, sauces, and baked goods.