Tertbutylammonium

Tertbutylammonium refers to a quaternary ammonium cation with the chemical formula (CH3)3CNH3+. It is the protonated form of tert-butylamine. In chemical contexts, tertbutylammonium is often encountered as a counterion in various salts. For example, tertbutylammonium bromide and tertbutylammonium hexafluorophosphate are common reagents used in organic synthesis and electrochemistry. These salts typically exhibit good solubility in polar organic solvents.

The tertbutylammonium cation is a bulky, sterically hindered species due to the presence of the tert-butyl group. This bulkiness can influence the reactivity and physical properties of compounds in which it is incorporated. In some applications, the lipophilic nature of the tert-butyl group can enhance solubility in less polar media compared to ammonium salts with smaller alkyl groups. Tertbutylammonium salts are generally stable under typical laboratory conditions. Their applications span a range of chemical disciplines, including catalysis, phase transfer catalysis, and as supporting electrolytes.