Hofmanntermék

Hofmanntermék, also known as Hofmann's salt or Hofmann's base, is an organic compound with the chemical formula [N(CH3)4][OH]. It is a white crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water and polar solvents. Hofmanntermék is named after the German chemist August Wilhelm von Hofmann, who first synthesized it in 1855.

The compound is composed of a tetrahedral ammonium cation, [N(CH3)4]+, and a hydroxide anion, OH-. It is a strong base and can react with acids to form salts. Hofmanntermék is commonly used in chemical research and as a standard in analytical chemistry due to its well-defined structure and properties.

The synthesis of Hofmanntermék typically involves the reaction of methylamine with sodium hydroxide in an aqueous solution. The resulting solution is then evaporated to obtain the crystalline product. The compound can also be prepared by the reaction of trimethylamine with sodium hydroxide.

Hofmanntermék is not typically used in industrial applications due to its high cost and the availability of more cost-effective bases. However, it remains an important compound in the field of organic chemistry and is often used in educational settings to demonstrate basic chemical principles.