In contemporary chemistry, tetrabutylammonium difluorotriphenylsilicate (TBAT) is an amazing compound. It facilitates reactions between substances in different immiscible phases by acting as a highly effective phase-transfer catalyst (CAS 163931-61-1). Many processes at the industrial and laboratory scale depend on this capability. The substance functions as a shuttle and is also referred to as a TBAT catalyst. It moves a reactant from one organic phase—usually an aqueous phase—to another, where the reaction takes place. The mutual insolubility of reactants is overcome by this process. It consequently greatly increases yields and speeds up reaction rates. This organic synthesis catalyst is an effective tool for chemists and engineers to improve process efficiency and create new synthetic pathways. One cannot overstate its importance as a reaction efficiency enhancer.
Phase-Transfer Catalyst CAS 163931-61-1 Chemical Properties
The special chemical characteristics of tetrabutylammonium difluorotriphenylsilicate make it an effective phase-transfer reagent. Its structure is specifically made to bridge the gap between two solvent environments. A lipophilic (loving oil) cation and a hydrophilic (loving water) anion make up the molecule’s two primary components. Tetrabutylammonium ((C4H9)4N+) is the cation. It has a notable nonpolar character due to its four butyl chains. As a result, it easily dissolves in organic solvents.
On the other hand, the difluorotriphenylsilicate ([(C6H5)3SiF2 ]-) is the anion. In the aqueous phase, this component may form associations with reactants. The anionic reactant from the aqueous phase pairs with the tetrabutylammonium cation during catalysis. Because the cation is lipophilic, the resultant ion pair is soluble in the organic phase. As a result, the reactant anion can enter the organic phase. Once there, it can interact with the substrate that is soluble in organic matter. The catalyst repeats the cycle in the aqueous phase after the reaction. This catalyst’s molecular weight is 539.86 g/mol, and its molecular formula is C34H51F2NSi. Its ability to act as a top-notch biphasic reaction catalyst is due to its dual-natured structure. It successfully combines reactants that would otherwise be incompatible.

Phase-Transfer Catalyst CAS 163931-61-1 Specifications and Purity
The catalyst’s purity and precise specifications are important in any catalytic process. Contaminants have the potential to poison the catalyst, cause unintended side effects, or lower process efficiency overall. Strict quality control guarantees consistent and repeatable outcomes for the phase-transfer catalyst CAS 163931-61-1. This is especially important in the production of fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals, where product purity is a given. A smooth and effective catalytic cycle is ensured by high-purity TBAT.
For this cas 163931-61-1 catalyst, manufacturers offer comprehensive specifications to guarantee that it satisfies the exacting standards of contemporary synthesis. Usually, sophisticated analytical techniques like quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (qNMR) are used to confirm the purity. The concentration of the active catalyst can be precisely measured using this method. Accurate measurement and simple handling are made possible by the physical form. The critical requirements for this potent heterogeneous system catalyst are listed in the table below.
| Specification | Value | Description |
| Product Name | Tetrabutylammonium Difluorotriphenylsilicate | The formal IUPAC-based name for the compound. |
| Synonym | TBAT, Phase-Transfer Catalyst | Common acronyms and functional names used in the industry. |
| CAS Number | 163931-61-1 | A unique registry number assigned to this specific chemical. |
| Molecular Formula | C34H51F2NSi | Represents the elemental composition of the molecule. |
| Molecular Weight | 539.86 g/mol | The mass of one mole of the substance, important for stoichiometric calculations. |
| Purity | ≥97% (qNMR) | Specifies the minimum percentage of the active compound. |
| Physical Form | Crystalline powder | The physical state of the compound at ambient temperature. |
| SMILES Code | CCCCN+(CCCC)CCCC.[F-]Si(c1ccccc1)(c2ccccc2)c3ccccc3 | A string representation of the molecule’s structure. |
Phase-Transfer Catalyst CAS 163931-61-1 Applications
Tetrabutylammonium difluorotriphenylsilicate is used in a variety of significant ways. It is necessary to organic synthesis due to its primary function as a phase-transfer catalyst. It makes a variety of reactions possible. These consist of polymerizations, oxidations, reductions, and nucleophilic substitutions. These reactions would often otherwise be sluggish or impossible. The TBAT catalyst enables milder conditions for reactions by facilitating the transport of anions such as hydroxide, cyanide, and halides into an organic phase. In addition to saving energy, this frequently increases selectivity.
Its use as a fluorination phase-transfer agent is one particularly notable application. “Naked” fluoride ions can be obtained from the difluorotriphenylsilicate anion itself. In this dual function, TBAT supplies the reactive nucleophile in addition to facilitating phase transfer. It is therefore a very effective reagent for nucleophilic fluorination reactions. The production of agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals depends on these reactions. A molecule’s metabolic stability and biological activity can be greatly increased by adding fluorine.
It is also useful in materials science. Here, it is employed in the synthesis of specialty polymers and in anion-exchange procedures. For the creation of materials with particular qualities, the capacity to regulate and mediate reactions in heterogeneous systems is useful. It can be used, for example, to polymerize monomers that are soluble in various phases. The catalyst facilitates the growth of the polymer chain by bringing the reactive species together at the interface. TBAT is a reaction efficiency enhancer that pushes the limits of chemical manufacturing as a versatile organic synthesis catalyst.
Guidelines for Phase-Transfer Catalyst Safety and Handling (CAS 163931-61-1)
Although the phase-transfer catalyst CAS 163931-61-1 is an effective tool. It has potential risks that need to be controlled with appropriate laboratory procedures and personal protective equipment (PPE), just like any other chemical reagent. Maintaining the integrity of the material and safeguarding personnel require adherence to established safety procedures.
First and foremost, the crystalline powder should always be handled in an area with adequate ventilation. The ideal environment is a chemical fume hood. Doing this reduces the chance of inhaling airborne particles. Always wear standard PPE, such as lab coats, safety glasses or goggles, and chemical-resistant gloves (like nitrile). This shields the eyes and skin from unintentional contact.
The TBAT catalyst should be stored in a dark, dry, and cool environment. To avoid exposure to moisture and air pollutants, it needs to be kept in a container that is tightly sealed. The substance is hygroscopic. This implies that it has the ability to take in moisture from the atmosphere. Experts frequently advise storing it in an inert atmosphere, such as nitrogen or argon, to preserve its efficacy and purity over time. Additionally, keep the storage area away from heat, ignition sources, and incompatible materials.
In the event of an unintentional spill, clear the area and allow only qualified individuals wearing the proper PPE to clean it up. Carefully sweep the spilled solid to prevent dust formation and collect it in a container designated for hazardous waste disposal. Then, clean the spill site thoroughly. Prior to use, always refer to the compound’s Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). Comprehensive information on risks, first aid protocols, spill response, and appropriate disposal techniques can be found in the MSDS.
Common Questions Regarding CAS 163931-61-1 Phase-Transfer Catalyst
What is this phase-transfer catalyst’s molecular formula?
C34H51F2NSi is the molecular formula.
What is this compound’s molecular weight?
539.86 g/mol is the molecular weight.
How pure is this phase-transfer catalyst?
The purity of this catalyst is usually ≥97%.
What are this compound’s main uses?
It is employed in materials science for anion-exchange processes, as a fluorination agent, and as a phase-transfer catalyst in organic synthesis.
What safety measures need to be followed when working with it?
Always handle it in a fume hood while wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and safety glasses, and keep it out of the moisture and in a cool, dry location.