Tetrabutylammonium Hydrogen Sulfate from TCI is a quaternary ammonium salt known as an ion-pair reagent for liquid chromatography. It consists of a large, lipophilic tetrabutylammonium cation paired with a hydrogen sulfate anion. In analytical laboratories, the reagent is added to the HPLC mobile phase to separate negatively charged compounds that are poorly retained on reversed-phase columns. It is also widely used as a phase-transfer catalyst in organic synthesis, which makes it useful for both analytical and preparative chemists.
Its value in chromatography comes from how the tetrabutylammonium cation interacts with anionic analytes such as carboxylic acids, sulfonates, nucleotides and phosphorylated compounds. The cation forms a neutral ion pair with each of these analytes. Because the ion pair is more hydrophobic than the free anion, it stays longer on a C18 stationary phase, which improves resolution and peak shape. The hydrogen sulfate anion is relatively inert and dissolves readily in water, so the reagent works well in aqueous mobile phases. In synthesis, the lipophilic cation carries anions from the aqueous phase into the organic phase, so two-phase reactions run more efficiently.
In Indonesia, this reagent is relevant to pharmaceutical, food and environmental testing laboratories. These labs often need to analyze ionic or highly polar compounds that are hard to retain with standard reversed-phase methods. Quality control teams can use it to develop and run ion-pair HPLC methods for routine analysis. Research and university laboratories can use the same product for method development and for phase-transfer reactions in organic synthesis. Because it comes from TCI, an established reagent brand, laboratories can expect consistent quality from batch to batch.
TCI brochures (PDF)
- Quaternary Ammonium Salts 2025-11-10 · p. 9
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- Ion-pair HPLC of acidic analytes: when added to the mobile phase, the tetrabutylammonium cation pairs with carboxylic acids and sulfonates, increasing their retention on reversed-phase C18 columns.
- Analysis of nucleotides and phosphorylated compounds: the reagent forms neutral, more hydrophobic ion pairs with these strongly charged molecules, which improves resolution and peak shape in liquid chromatography.
- Pharmaceutical quality control: it helps analysts separate ionic drug substances and related anionic impurities that would otherwise elute too early or show poor peak shape on standard reversed-phase columns.
- Food and environmental testing: its good water solubility and compatibility with aqueous mobile phases make it practical for methods that target polar anionic compounds in complex sample matrices.
- Phase-transfer catalysis in organic synthesis: the lipophilic cation moves anions from the aqueous phase into the organic phase, so two-phase reactions run more efficiently under mild conditions.
| Brand | TCI (product code I0368) |
|---|---|
| CAS number | 32503-27-8 |
| Molecular formula | — |
| Purity | — |
| Category | Analytical Chemistry > Analytical Reagents > Chromatography Reagents and Solvents |
| Pack sizes | please contact AMI Scientific to confirm the pack sizes currently offered |
| Physical form | — |
| Storage | follow the conditions on the TCI label and Safety Data Sheet |
- Grade: Reagent for Ion-Pair Chromatography
Keep Tetrabutylammonium Hydrogen Sulfate in its original, tightly closed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from moisture and incompatible substances. Follow the storage conditions on the TCI label and Safety Data Sheet. Close the container promptly after each use to prevent contamination and moisture uptake, especially when the reagent is used for sensitive HPLC mobile phases. Wear standard laboratory protective equipment, including safety glasses, gloves and a lab coat. Avoid creating or inhaling dust, and prevent contact with skin and eyes. Use clean, dry tools when weighing. Read the Safety Data Sheet before use and dispose of waste according to local regulations.
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