tetraethylammonium

Tetraethylammonium refers to the quaternary ammonium cation with the formula [N(C2H5)4]+. It forms a variety of salts, including tetraethylammonium chloride (TEACl), tetraethylammonium bromide (TEABr), and tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate (TEABF4). The cation is bulky and permanently positively charged, which influences the physical properties of its salts, such as solubility and crystallinity, while the accompanying anion can vary.

The tetraethylammonium cation is typically prepared by exhaustive alkylation of ammonia or of a tertiary amine. One common route is the quaternization of triethylamine with an ethyl halide to give the tetraethylammonium salt. The resulting cation is stable under ordinary laboratory conditions and forms hygroscopic, water-soluble salts that are commonly used in chemical and biological experiments.

In biophysical and pharmacological contexts, tetraethylammonium salts are known as potassium channel blockers. TEA+ can inhibit certain voltage-gated potassium channels, especially delayed rectifier currents, and has been used to study K+ currents in neurons and muscle cells. Beyond electrophysiology, tetraethylammonium salts serve as reagents and counterions in organic synthesis, and as constituents in various ionic systems and electrolytes.

Safety considerations note that tetraethylammonium salts are chemical reagents that can be irritant and potentially harmful if mishandled. Appropriate laboratory safety practices should be followed, including avoidance of inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact. Users should consult product safety data sheets for specific precautions.