Curiosity drives progress, and the journey of tributyl tetradecyl phosphonium chloride speaks to that spirit. Back in the 1990s, when the world ramped up research into ionic liquids and quaternary phosphonium salts, scientists looked beyond the traditional ammonium compounds for new industrial catalysts and solvents. Tributyl tetradecyl phosphonium chloride, with its distinctive structure, soon appeared on the radar as researchers explored alternatives that combined stability with tailored solubility. Its rise dovetailed with a growing push for safer, greener chemistry in labs and factories worldwide. Over the last three decades, this compound played a silent but steady role as both a research curiosity and a backbone of several industrial applications.
Tributyl tetradecyl phosphonium chloride forms a clear, nearly colorless to pale yellow liquid at room temperature. The appeal comes down to its combination of long-chain tetradecyl and tributyl groups attached to a central phosphonium cation, paired with a chloride anion. This structure gives it both hydrophobic and hydrophilic tendencies, which opens doors in areas from catalysis to surface chemistry. On shelves, it typically arrives in drums or smaller glass bottles, clearly labeled and often stored with strict moisture control due to its hygroscopic nature.
The liquid nature of tributyl tetradecyl phosphonium chloride allows it to mix well with many organic solvents and stay stable even under elevated temperatures. Weighing in at a molecular formula of C26H58ClP, it boasts a relatively high boiling point while maintaining a viscosity that plays nicely in complex mixtures. One standout property—the low volatility—makes it safer to handle, especially compared to some early-generation ionic liquids and salts that released irritating fumes or degraded quickly. Its ionic structure means it conducts electricity, though not as briskly as smaller ions, making it useful in specialized electrolytes. While the chloride counterion handles basic salt exchange reactions, the long alkyl chains fend off excessive water absorption and give an extra measure of thermal stability.
Manufacturers ship tributyl tetradecyl phosphonium chloride as a high-purity product, often exceeding 97% assay, with strict limits on moisture and color. Each container lists the chemical name, trade name, batch number, CAS registry number (81741-28-8), recommended storage conditions, and key safety warnings. The labeling outlines regulatory compliance, including internationally recognized hazard symbols and GHS/CLP statements. Workers in chemical plants, research institutions, and production facilities need clear specs not only for performance but for handling and disposal, ensuring all hands know the stakes before the first container gets unsealed.
Synthesis involves quaternization, where tributylphosphine reacts directly with tetradecyl chloride. The process usually runs under inert atmosphere—often nitrogen—to prevent unwanted oxidation. Reaction conditions call for careful temperature control, with moderate heating speeding the quaternization while keeping degradation at bay. After the initial reaction, thorough purification steps—repeated washing with nonpolar solvents, controlled crystallization, and vacuum drying—remove traces of unreacted starting materials and side-products. The resulting compound gets final checks against benchmark physical properties, including color, refractive index, and absence of residual halides.
Tributyl tetradecyl phosphonium chloride shows robust chemical resistance, especially to bases and moderate oxidants. That said, its chloride ion offers room for targeted modifications, especially via salt metathesis and ion exchange with other halides or functional anions. Swapping out the chloride can tailor the compound for niche applications, swapping in BF4-, PF6-, or even organic carboxylates, depending on what the process calls for. The phosphonium center stays relatively inert during these exchanges, providing a stable core for repeated cycles of regeneration or reuse.
Those working in industry and research might come across the compound under several aliases: Tributyl(tetradecyl)phosphonium chloride, Tetradecyltributylphosphonium chloride, and the shorthand abbreviations TBTP-Cl or C14-PBu3+Cl-. Depending on the supplier, names may emphasize the chain length, the activity, or the use—for instance, “Phoscat ionic phase transfer catalyst.” Product catalogs might link it to specific grades like “analytical pure” or “industrial grade,” though the underlying chemistry does not wander far from the standard molecular blueprint.
Every person in a laboratory or on a plant floor learns quickly not to cut corners with safety around phosphonium salts. Tributyl tetradecyl phosphonium chloride carries typical hazards for organophosphorus compounds: moderate skin and eye irritation, and possible respiratory effects if misted or heated. Gloves, goggles, and chemical-resistant aprons are non-negotiable, with proper ventilation needed for transfers and sampling. Spill control procedures focus on absorption with inert materials, followed by careful disposal in line with local hazardous waste protocols. Material Safety Data Sheets remind users of the environmental persistence of quaternary phosphonium salts and set clear standards on permissible exposure limits and first-aid responses.
Its real-world uses span from the esoteric corners of advanced catalysis to recognizable areas like surfactant design and specialty lubricants. Researchers harness the unique combination of thermal stability and amphiphilic balance for phase transfer catalysis, often boosting the efficiency of organic transformations such as alkylations and substitutions. In the oil and gas sector, tributyl tetradecyl phosphonium chloride helps stabilize water-oil interfaces in drilling fluids. In electrochemistry, its conductive properties improve performance in ionic liquid-based batteries or capacitors. More recently, industries looking for new, less volatile anti-biofilm agents started testing it as a potential biocide under controlled conditions.
Science never stands still, and the story here is no different. Ongoing research investigates ways to tweak the phosphonium core or the alkyl side chains, aiming for greener synthesis routes and improved biodegradability. University research groups and commercial innovation labs run head-to-head tests against legacy quaternary ammonium salts, hunting for improved catalytic lifetimes or broader operational windows. The push for sustainable solvents now draws tributyl tetradecyl phosphonium chloride into projects on biomass conversion, enzyme stabilization, and new forms of hybrid materials. With the steady drop in the cost of high-purity phosphines and streamlined syntheses, experimental access broadens year by year.
Despite its utility, no one overlooks the health and environmental questions. Toxicity profiles for tributyl tetradecyl phosphonium chloride show moderate acute effects in mammalian systems, often through irritation on direct skin or mucous membrane contact. Chronic studies remain limited, but environmental studies point to persistence in the aquatic environment and probable accumulation in sediments. Regulatory bodies such as the EPA and REACH keep a close eye, with pushback against unchecked disposal. Toxicologists urge for more comprehensive metabolic and degradation profiles, and to track potential byproducts during incineration or wastewater treatment. Industry attempts to improve the situation often focus on closed-system applications and prompt recovery or neutralization of spent material.
Optimism, caution, and pragmatism all shape the future of tributyl tetradecyl phosphonium chloride. Researchers chase the holy grail of task-specific ionic liquids that balance performance with benign environmental signatures, often using phosphonium salts as model systems. Scale-up for industrial catalysts in greener chemical transformations looks promising, especially where traditional quaternary ammonium compounds fall short on thermal or oxidative stability. On the regulatory front, clearer guidelines and more robust screening continue, keeping both worker safety and environmental impact on the agenda as capacities grow. The next decade may see tributyl tetradecyl phosphonium chloride step further into mainstream production, provided research manages to tame its challenges while unlocking new uses across industry and technology.
Some chemicals show up everywhere, even if few recognize their tongue-twister names. Tributyl Tetradecyl Phosphonium Chloride belongs to that club. I remember reading a white paper about “designer solvents” in a chemical lab waiting room, and this compound popped up repeatedly. My curiosity led to learning how deep its reach actually goes.
Think of industrial solvents. Solvents shape how we process raw materials, clean products, recycle metals, and extract essential oils. Tributyl Tetradecyl Phosphonium Chloride stands out in the world of ionic liquids—a group of compounds that offer flexibility with melting points and chemical stability. Labs, big manufacturers, and green chemistry startups see value in swapping out harsh or volatile solvents. After all, ionic liquids like this phosphonium chloride don’t evaporate quickly, cutting down air pollution and fire risk. The safer handling atmosphere appeals to those who deal with tight regulations or don’t want a warehouse smelling like a paint factory.
I spent a summer researching alternative metal extraction at a university lab. Conventional methods use strong acids and hazardous organic solvents, burning tremendous energy and spewing toxins. Here, Tributyl Tetradecyl Phosphonium Chloride finds a new purpose. It acts as a gentle extraction agent, coaxing out metals—especially rare earths—without bringing along as much acidic waste. That means less sludge and a cleaner water discharge. As global electronics recycling ramps up, this compound can help recover precious metals efficiently, turning trash into treasure without poisoning the planet.
Modern energy storage depends on better batteries and fuel cells. Tributyl Tetradecyl Phosphonium Chloride serves as a supporting electrolyte in these devices, helping to transport ions without breaking down under high voltage or temperature swings. The compound’s resilience supports experiments far beyond what older materials could handle. Battery engineers know how a better electrolyte lifts both performance and lifespan, lowering the true cost of renewable energy. Green energy investors watch these trends closely: improved chemistry unlocks market growth and sustainability.
It’s not all headline-grabbing tech, either. Phosphonium salts like this go into antistatic agents for plastics in consumer goods and workspaces. Picture conveyor belts that no longer attract every speck of dust, or packaging films that resist cling. This chemical’s unique charge properties calm static buildup where ordinary additives just don’t cut it. The same qualities show value as a surfactant, helping oil and water mix in industrial cleaners and specialty coatings.
Emerging chemicals need strong safety records. People in labs may see the structure and think, “Looks similar to common quaternary ammonium salts, must be safe.” That’s a shortcut to trouble. Phosphonium-based compounds often behave differently, sometimes with more persistence in the environment. Industry leaders must stay on top of disposal protocols and establish clear workplace limits, following best practice and local regulations.
Tributyl Tetradecyl Phosphonium Chloride isn’t likely to show up on supermarket shelves. Its role sits mainly behind scenes, in greener solvents, advanced batteries, and cleaner recycling processes. Attention to responsible chemical management keeps progress from backfiring. Researchers and manufacturers who adopt this compound should commit to both innovation and oversight, carving out a meaningful path toward safer, smarter industry.
Tributyl tetradecyl phosphonium chloride doesn’t star in many headlines, yet it plays a role as a specialty chemical. Chemists and industrial workers often meet it in efforts to stabilize, catalyze, or dissolve. Many ionic liquids like this one handle extreme temperatures or heavy-duty reactions for industries chasing greener options.
The first thing that stood out in the safety data: this chemical can sting bare skin, eyes, and the respiratory system. Industrial workers wearing gloves and goggles have more than just paperwork behind those PPE rules. Even though it isn’t as acutely toxic as some of its chemical relatives, it can cause redness, burns, and blisters on contact. One co-worker got careless during a transfer and had to run to an eyewash station—a harsh reminder that things can quickly go wrong.
Breathing the vapors or fine dust turns noses red, sometimes inflames the throat or lungs. No one should work with this substance in an open-air room. Fume hoods and solid ventilation systems belong in facilities using or transferring it. Chronic exposure, even at low levels, sometimes leads to persistent skin irritation, headaches, or a sharp cough that takes too long to fade. Less often, symptoms include dizziness or nausea, especially in poorly ventilated labs.
Phosphonium compounds can look stable, but knocks or careless handling cause splashes, spills, or even small fires if they mix with strong oxidizers. Industrial data ties mishaps not to wild accidents, but to moments someone skipped PPE or underestimated a leak. Gloves made of nitrile, chemical splash goggles, and long sleeves block most exposure. Supervisors on chemical lines or in labs enforce the rules for a reason—it’s always the day you forget that offers the worst surprise.
This chemical rides to job sites in tightly sealed containers. Any spill must be cleaned with absorbents that don’t react, and waste routes straight into approved hazardous disposal, never the regular trash. Real safety means never guessing if the drain can handle it.
Pushing these compounds down the sink leads to trouble for wastewater treatment plants. Studies warn about long-term aquatic toxicity. Fish and invertebrates exposed to even small amounts sometimes die or fail to hatch healthy offspring. Once it hits the local stream, there's little hope to recover it. Companies treating it with casual disposal face fines and cleanup costs that outstrip any short-term savings.
Workers who speak up about subtle rashes or recurring headaches sometimes get brushed off. Layers of bureaucracy can hide the health toll behind logs and spreadsheets. Honest reporting, plus open conversations between team leaders and workers, help. I’ve seen better outcomes in shops where management actually walks the floor and checks that PPE is new and fits, not just that it’s “issued.”
OSHA and the European Chemicals Agency list tributyl tetradecyl phosphonium chloride with restricted use, insisting on real hazard communication and proper labeling. Good companies keep training fresh, update SDS sheets, and run drills for spill response. Practical routines—like hand-washing stations near exits, clearly labeled storage, and zero shortcuts—inoculate against most disasters.
Stepping back, every chemical can offer benefits and hazards, but few people want to risk burns, coughs, or environmental damage for convenience. I keep seeing the same lesson repeat: people stay safer when they know the risks before they open the bottle.
Tributyl Tetradecyl Phosphonium Chloride doesn’t make headlines, but its role in industrial chemistry puts it under the microscope. It’s a specialty chemical, a key player in catalysis and ionic liquid applications. Before getting into how it should be stowed or shipped, it’s worth acknowledging just how much rides on handling it correctly. Mishandling isn’t just about losing an expensive product—it’s about potential harm to people who live and work nearby, as well as workers along transport routes.
Looking back on years of experience walking through industrial warehouses, the difference between a well-run chemical depot and one playing with fire stands out immediately. For a compound like this, the place you store it matters as much as the drum it comes in. Moisture and high temperatures spell trouble, leading to unwanted reactions or degradation. Most facilities store such chemicals in tightly sealed containers in cool, dry areas—well away from sunlight and sources of ignition. A few degrees too warm, and shelf life shrinks; a missed gasket and you’re flirting with leaks.
Security counts. Unassuming buildings without tight access controls or inventories open the door to risk. Phosphonium salts often have low volatility, but the idea isn’t to relax—spill containment and good ventilation reduce risk, especially during repackaging or inventory counting. There’s no shortcut for training, either. Every worker handling storage tasks must know exactly what’s inside each drum, what personal protective equipment belongs between them and the product, and what actions keep accidents from spreading.
Over the years, I’ve seen chemicals take detours halfway across countries or roll onto remote sites by flatbed. Tributyl Tetradecyl Phosphonium Chloride doesn’t like bouncing around, especially if exposed to drastic weather swings. Rigid drums—metal or high-grade plastic—travel best strapped down in sealed truck containers or specialized chemical transporters. It takes only one improperly fastened lid to see an entire load written off at a highway checkpoint, or worse, to face emergencies on the road.
Labeling keeps shipments out of trouble. Hazmat placards, detailed shipping manifests, and up-to-date Safety Data Sheets (SDS) ride with every delivery. These papers aren’t just regulatory hurdles—they’re vital when a driver, fire crew, or dock worker faces a spill. Response speed and accuracy rely on knowing what’s inside that barrel or tote, down to the chemical name.
Storing and hauling any substance draws scrutiny, but specialty compounds attract regulators’ attention even faster. Rules set by agencies like OSHA and the Department of Transportation form the baseline. Extra steps, like periodic safety audits and third-party inspections, can uncover gaps before disaster strikes. During shipment, real-time GPS tracking and temperature monitoring give distributors early warnings of delays or exposure that could trigger a quality problem.
Nothing replaces a robust safety culture. Teams that review their practices regularly, invest in employee training, and encourage clear communication catch small mistakes before they snowball. Industry reputations and worker safety hinge on more than routine paperwork. They grow from people who take storage and transport as seriously as the product’s end use, keeping risk low and trust high along every mile.
Tributyl tetradecyl phosphonium chloride stands out among ionic liquids, mostly because of its strong chemical profile. Plenty of folks in the chemical industry look at it as a versatile tool, especially when traditional solvents fall short. This compound doesn’t fall apart easily under normal conditions. Its robust phosphonium backbone holds together against heat, pressure changes, and even some mild oxidizers without flinching. Folks who have worked with it in labs appreciate its low flammability and solid shelf life.
Bringing this substance into routine processes rarely scares technicians. Ordinary glassware doesn’t react. Most plastics stay safe. If there’s any trouble, it pops up near strong acids or bases, which can poke holes in its stability. From past experience, skipping on clean handling or storing it in open air just invites moisture. Even though hydrolysis goes slow, humidity always nudges trouble closer. Once in a while, you’ll see folks misjudge its resilience. They push the substance into high concentrations of chlorides or nitrates and end up cleaning sticky surprises after unexpected reactions. Chemists working with catalysts or electrochemical cells value stability more than convenience. For these folks, avoiding strong alkalis and keeping temperatures in check tends to pay off.
Mixing tributyl tetradecyl phosphonium chloride with common laboratory solvents like acetonitrile, toluene, or alcohols rarely lights up any red flags on compatibility charts. Still, not every substance plays nice. In personal experience, pairing with strong oxidizers like peroxides or certain halogens walks a risky line. The phosphonium core can handle a fair bit, but throw in enough heat and any persistent oxidative attack can start unwinding carbon-phosphorus bonds. For research teams trying out new formulations, scanning current literature for possible pitfalls helps to avoid repeating old mistakes. People often forget that even stable chemicals have limits. Rolling out a new process or mixing partners that haven’t been tried before always asks for small batch trials and checks for unexpected heat or gas.
Most uses for this phosphonium salt revolve around demanding conditions—chemical synthesis, green solvents, and even some roles in energy storage. Its biggest appeal comes from its low volatility and resistance to regular breakdown. As electric vehicle research picks up steam, new electrolytes are always in demand. Here, chemical stability sits front and center. Several journal articles point to long test cycles in lithium-ion environments where this chemical held strong, outperforming classic options under real stress. Still, the push to scale up always brings new faces to the table, and not every manufacturing facility reads safety sheets as closely as research labs. A plant manager who lets solvent waste build up too long or stores incompatible materials together risks both the company’s investment and crew safety.
Training staff and double-checking compatibility keeps the margin for error slim. Storage away from reactive partners pays off, especially with regular checks for leaks or contamination in supply lines. In places where temperature swings can’t be avoided, tight controls and clear documentation never go out of style. The chemical industry has plenty of stories about “almost harmless” materials taking a wrong turn after careless mixing. Being proactive about monitoring, documenting every blending trial, and investing in basic safety pays back in time and money. Chemists who stick to these principles tap into the full value of tributyl tetradecyl phosphonium chloride—keeping both people and equipment a step ahead of trouble.
Tributyl Tetradecyl Phosphonium Chloride lands itself in a class known as ionic liquids. These chemicals often carry an eco-friendly reputation because they rarely evaporate, sometimes replace more volatile solvents, and help reduce workplace exposure to fumes. On paper, these properties may sound like a simple win. Peeling back the label, some environmental groups and regulators remain cautious and for good reason.
Some folks assume every ionic liquid checks all the safety boxes. Digging into real-world testing, the picture changes. Tributyl Tetradecyl Phosphonium Chloride, for example, has been linked to aquatic toxicity by preliminary research. I noticed researchers at places like the Environmental Protection Agency found evidence of harm to fish and tiny aquatic life, especially at higher concentrations. Many ionic liquids resist breaking down naturally, so trace levels can accumulate. That means runoff from manufacturing or disposal sometimes builds up in rivers or lakes. Over time, these low levels pose a risk to sensitive creatures.
Regulatory bodies in the United States, Canada, and the European Union look closely at how new chemicals get used, how much might get released, and whether they stick around or break down. Tributyl Tetradecyl Phosphonium Chloride still flies under the radar in major chemical inventories like TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act) in the U.S. or REACH in Europe. That means it doesn’t enjoy the same level of oversight as familiar hazardous substances, like benzene or lead compounds. In some regions, a chemical can go from the lab into products without in-depth toxicity reviews. Most folks outside the regulatory world don’t realize how quickly new substances enter commerce. The oversight gap turns into a blind spot, especially for chemicals seen as safer alternatives.
I’ve talked to lab workers and plant operators. Most share concerns about skin contact and spills. Like many industrial chemicals, Tributyl Tetradecyl Phosphonium Chloride can irritate skin or eyes and may trigger allergic reactions in some people. Standard industrial hygiene practices — gloves, goggles, ventilation — become especially important, but small shops with tight budgets don’t always keep up. Even a newer “green” chemical, if handled carelessly, can cause problems you won’t read about in marketing brochures.
Change happens faster when real data drives decision-making. Clear labeling, reliable toxicity testing, and open publication of environmental fate studies help regulators and buyers pick safer chemicals for new factories and processes. Businesses and governments should share data so third-party scientists can check claims about environmental safety. On a practical level, companies ought to install containment systems and ensure wastewater treatment catches any leaks before they reach community waterways.
The shift to greener chemistry shouldn’t mean shortcuts on research or workplace safety. Regulators must update rules, insist on more data, and close loopholes so the next “safer substitute” doesn't trade one set of problems for another hiding just below the surface.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | tributyl(tetradecyl)phosphanium chloride |
| Other names |
TBP-TDCl
Tri-n-butyl(tetradecyl)phosphonium chloride Phosphonium, tributyl(tetradecyl)-, chloride |
| Pronunciation | /traɪˈbjuː.tɪl ˌtɛtrəˈdeɪsɪl fɒsˈfəʊniəm ˈklɔːraɪd/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 210233-65-5 |
| Beilstein Reference | 3538676 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:72828 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL4294647 |
| ChemSpider | 22116242 |
| DrugBank | DB11287 |
| ECHA InfoCard | ECHA InfoCard: 100.232.624 |
| EC Number | 68202-80-0 |
| Gmelin Reference | 108129 |
| KEGG | C14292 |
| MeSH | D017909 |
| PubChem CID | 10413977 |
| RTECS number | WN0130000 |
| UNII | 8K8VZ4U20F |
| UN number | UN3439 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | [C22H48P]Cl |
| Molar mass | 484.16 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 0.87 g/cm3 |
| Solubility in water | soluble |
| log P | 2.67 |
| Vapor pressure | Negligible |
| Basicity (pKb) | 13.1 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -73.0e-6 cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.455 |
| Viscosity | 88 cP (25 °C) |
| Dipole moment | 8.7404 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 785.5 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Harmful if swallowed. Causes skin irritation. Causes serious eye irritation. Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
| GHS labelling | GHS07, GHS05, GHS09 |
| Pictograms | GHS05,GHS07 |
| Signal word | Danger |
| Hazard statements | H302, H315, H318, H411 |
| Precautionary statements | P261, P264, P271, P272, P273, P280, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P312, P321, P362+P364, P332+P313, P337+P313, P391, P501 |
| Flash point | > 193 °C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | Lethal dose (oral, rat): LD50 = 413 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (oral, rat): 344 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | URK24750 |
| PEL (Permissible) | Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 0.23 mg/m3 |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | Not established |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Tributyl Octyl Phosphonium Chloride
Tributyl Hexadecyl Phosphonium Chloride Tetra-n-butylphosphonium Chloride Tetradecyltrimethylammonium Chloride Tributylmethylphosphonium Chloride |
