Potassium tert-Butoxide (CAS 865-47-4) is a sterically hindered alkoxide base extensively utilized in organic synthesis for its strong basicity and low nucleophilicity. This Potassium t-butoxide serves as a critical reagent for deprotonation and elimination reactions, essential in the manufacturing of complex pharmaceutical intermediates and agrochemical actives where reaction selectivity is paramount. In industrial chemical processing, Potassium tertiary butoxide functions as a powerful catalyst for condensation reactions and etherifications, requiring controlled anhydrous environments to preserve its reactivity. To support these rigorous production demands, we provide consistent bulk supply of both solid and solution grades (such as in THF) tailored for immediate integration. Our global distribution network ensures competitive factory pricing for commercial volumes, accompanied by full regulatory documentation including MSDS, TDS, COA. Furthermore, we maintain the capability to develop customized specifications regarding solvent concentration and packaging to align with specific reactor requirements.
Potassium tert‑Butoxide CAS 865‑47‑4
- CAS: 865-47-4
- Synonyms: Potassium t-butoxide, KOtBu, Potassium tert-butylate, tert-Butyl potassium oxide
- Einecs: 212-740-3
- Molecular Formula: C₄H₉KO
- Grade: Industrial grade 99%
- Package: 25kg/cardboard drum
Product Description
Applications
Pharmaceutical Synthesis
- Strong Base: Used to facilitate acylation, alkylation, and ring-closure reactions in the synthesis of antibiotics, analgesics, and antiviral drugs.
- Dehydrohalogenation: Promotes the elimination of hydrogen halides to form double bonds in complex organic molecules.
Agrochemicals
- Pesticide Manufacturing: Vital for synthesizing pyrethroids and other insecticides requiring strong basic conditions for intermediate formation.
Polymer & Bio-Industry
- Initiator: Acts as an initiator for the anionic polymerization of epoxides and lactones.
- Biodiesel Catalyst: Used as a catalyst in transesterification reactions for high-yield biodiesel production.
Quality Assurance
Our Potassium tert-Butoxide is manufactured in a strictly controlled inert environment to prevent degradation.
- Inert Packaging: The product is packaged under a nitrogen blanket to ensure the “Free Alkali” content remains below 1.0% upon delivery.
- Purity Analysis: Every batch is titrated to verify the exact active base content ($\ge$ 99.0%), ensuring consistent stoichiometry in your reactions.
- Trace Metal Control: We monitor trace metals (Na, Fe) to prevent catalytic interference in sensitive pharmaceutical syntheses.
Storage & Safety
Storage Guidelines
- Moisture Sensitive: Reacts violently with water and moisture to form potassium hydroxide and tert-butanol. Always store under nitrogen or argon.
- Fire Hazard: Flammable solid. Store away from open flames, sparks, and heat sources.
- Shelf Life: 6 months when stored in original, unopened, nitrogen-sealed containers.
Safety & PPE Recommendations
- Hazard Class: Corrosive (Class 8) and Flammable Solid (Class 4.1).
- Health Hazard: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. Inhalation of dust can cause respiratory tract irritation.
- PPE: Wear a full chemical protective suit, face shield, and chemical-resistant gloves. Handle in a glove box or fume hood.
- Emergency: In case of skin contact, brush off loose particles immediately before flushing with water (exothermic reaction).
FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain
-
Q:
Is potassium tert‑butoxide mainly supplied for industrial synthesis use?
A: It is commonly supplied as a base reagent for industrial organic synthesis rather than as a finished end‑use product. -
Q:
Why is strict anhydrous handling required for bulk Potassium tert-Butoxide?
A: Potassium tert-Butoxide is extremely hygroscopic and reactive towards atmospheric moisture. Upon contact with water, it undergoes rapid hydrolysis to form potassium hydroxide (KOH) and tert-butyl alcohol, effectively neutralizing its specific basicity. Industrial handling protocols mandate the use of inert atmospheres (such as nitrogen or argon) and sealed systems to preserve the active alkoxide content required for precise stoichiometric dosing.
Documents and Product Support
For product review and sourcing evaluation, supporting documents can be coordinated according to the product type, inquiry stage, and order requirements.
- COA for batch-based quality reference
- TDS for key physical and chemical information
- SDS / MSDS for handling, storage, and safety reference
- Packing information for sample, trial, and bulk orders
- Technical communication based on application and specification requirements
Information to Confirm Before Quotation
Clear sourcing information helps reduce specification mismatch and allows a more accurate quotation before sample or bulk order discussion.
- Product name and CAS number
- Application or intended end use
- Required purity, grade, or specification
- Sample quantity, trial order, or bulk demand
- Preferred packing form or net weight
- Destination country or port
- Required documents or compliance expectations
Packaging, Storage, and Handling Notes
Packaging form, storage conditions, shelf life, and shipment arrangements should be confirmed according to the product characteristics, package size, and destination requirements.
Before order confirmation, buyers are advised to review the corresponding product documents and confirm whether any special storage, labeling, or handling requirements apply.
Sample, Bulk Order and Repeat Supply Support
Support can be arranged for sample discussion, bulk supply planning, packaging confirmation, and routine sourcing communication based on the actual product and order requirements.
For repeat-use formulations or long-term procurement plans, buyers may discuss specification consistency, packaging preferences, delivery expectations, and document coordination in advance.
