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Tetrabutylammonium iodide (Tetra-n-butylammonium iodide; TBAI)

Cat No.:V68904 Purity: ≥98%
Tetra-n-butylammonium iodide is a biochemical compound that may be utilized as a biomaterial or organic/chemical reagent for biomedical research.
Tetrabutylammonium iodide (Tetra-n-butylammonium iodide; TBAI)
Tetrabutylammonium iodide (Tetra-n-butylammonium iodide; TBAI) Chemical Structure CAS No.: 311-28-4
Product category: Biochemical Assay Reagents
This product is for research use only, not for human use. We do not sell to patients.
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Purity & Quality Control Documentation

Purity: ≥98%

Product Description
Tetra-n-butylammonium iodide is a biochemical compound that may be utilized as a biomaterial or organic/chemical reagent for biomedical research. Tetrabutylammonium iodide (TBAI) is a quaternary ammonium salt widely used as a phase-transfer catalyst, surfactant, and stabilizer in various chemical reactions, particularly in organic synthesis . It is also used in regioselective ether cleavage reactions and as a source of iodide for nucleophilic displacement reactions . TBAI has applications in polymer science, including as a coinitiator in living cationic polymerization of isobutyl vinyl ether, and in the optimization of polymer blend electrolytes for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) . Additionally, it serves as a corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in acidic environments . Note: TBAI is a chemical reagent for research use only and is not approved for therapeutic or human use . Its deuterated form (Tetrabutylammonium-d36 iodide) is used as a stable isotope tracer in drug development research .
Tetrabutylammonium iodide (TBAI) (CAS 311-28-4) is a quaternary ammonium salt with molecular formula C₁₆H₃₆IN and molecular weight 369.37 g/mol. It is a white to off-white crystalline powder that is commonly used as a phase-transfer catalyst and iodide source in organic synthesis. The compound exhibits thermal stability and compatibility with a wide range of reagents, making it an essential additive in synthetic, pharmaceutical, and materials chemistry workflows. It is also used as a catalyst in various organic reactions.
Biological Activity I Assay Protocols (From Reference)
Targets
As a quaternary ammonium salt, it functions as a phase-transfer catalyst and iodide ion source in chemical reactions . In materials science applications, TBAI serves as a carrier of iodide/triiodide ions for the synthesis of photovoltaic materials, organic conductors, and superconductors . A related compound, Tetrabutylammonium triiodide (TBAI₃), exhibits antimicrobial properties attributed to its ability to release triiodide ions that participate in oxidative reactions .
Tetrabutylammonium iodide does not have a defined pharmacological target. It is a quaternary ammonium salt used primarily as a phase-transfer catalyst and iodide source in organic synthesis. The compound is used in the preparation of novel quaternary amines to serve as antibacterial agents and in phosphonium reversible inhibitors of cholinesterases. As a catalyst, it facilitates reactions between organic and aqueous phases.
ln Vitro
TBAI has been reported as a catalyst in the synthesis of 2-thioxoimidazolidine-4,5-dione derivatives at room temperature using an environment-friendly protocol. The synthesized compounds were subsequently studied for apoptosis induction in cancer cell lines including HCT-15 (colon cancer), U87-MG (brain cancer), and HeLa (cervical cancer) cells through in silico and in vitro approaches . Note: The biological activity is attributed to the synthesized derivatives, not directly to TBAI itself. In NMR-based binding studies, TBAI was used as a soluble iodide source in CDCl₃ to investigate anion recognition by macrocyclic receptors at a fixed concentration of 8.7 mM .
In vitro, tetrabutylammonium iodide is used as a phase-transfer catalyst and iodide source in organic synthesis. It is used as an additive in the synthesis of fused triazole derivatives using palladium catalyst. It is employed to prepare allyl-PEG-allyl, a key intermediate polymer used to synthesize fluorinated amphiphilic copolymers. It has been used as a catalyst in the synthesis of O-benzyl-N-Boc-L-tyrosine benzyl ester. It is also used in phase-transfer catalyzed oxidative α-azidation of carbonyl compounds.
ln Vivo
In vivo data for tetrabutylammonium iodide are not available, as the compound is a phase-transfer catalyst and chemical reagent used for in vitro applications. It is not intended for in vivo administration and has no established in vivo pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic profile. The compound is not designed for therapeutic use.
Enzyme Assay
NMR-based anion binding assay: ¹H NMR titrations were conducted at a fixed receptor concentration of 8.7 mM in CDCl₃. TBAI was added to the receptor solution (up to 2 equivalents), and chemical shift changes of NH and aromatic proton signals were monitored to confirm anion-receptor interactions .
UV-vis absorption spectroscopy: Used in conjunction with NMR titration to study the interaction between macrocyclic receptors and iodide ions from TBAI in CDCl₃ solution .
Fluorescence spectroscopy: Employed as an additional method to characterize binding interactions between receptors and iodide ions provided by TBAI .
For in vitro chemical reactions, tetrabutylammonium iodide is used as a phase-transfer catalyst. The compound is added to biphasic reaction mixtures (typically aqueous-organic) at catalytic amounts (1-10 mol%). It facilitates the transfer of ionic reactants or reagents from the aqueous phase to the organic phase, enabling reactions to proceed. The compound is also used as an iodide source in various substitution reactions.
Cell Assay
For in vitro cell-based experiments, tetrabutylammonium iodide is not typically used directly in cell culture. It is a phase-transfer catalyst and chemical reagent used for organic synthesis. The compound may be used in the synthesis of compounds that are subsequently tested in cell-based assays, but it is not added directly to cell cultures as a test compound.
Animal Protocol
In vivo animal studies for tetrabutylammonium iodide are not applicable, as the compound is a phase-transfer catalyst used for chemical synthesis. No animal studies have been conducted for this compound as a therapeutic agent, and it is not intended for diagnostic or therapeutic use in animals or humans.
ADME/Pharmacokinetics
Pharmacokinetic data for tetrabutylammonium iodide are not available, as the compound is not a drug and is not administered to living organisms. The compound has a molecular weight of 369.37 g/mol. As a charged quaternary ammonium salt, it is expected to have very low oral bioavailability and poor membrane permeability. The compound is primarily used as a reagent rather than as a drug candidate.
Toxicity/Toxicokinetics
The compound is a quaternary ammonium salt and chemical reagent. Multiple suppliers explicitly state that the product is "for research use only, not for human use" . The related compound tetrabutylammonium triiodide (TBAI₃) has been explored for antimicrobial properties, but comprehensive toxicological profiles are not provided .
Tetrabutylammonium iodide is a research chemical and should be handled with appropriate laboratory safety precautions. As a quaternary ammonium salt, it may cause skin and eye irritation. The compound should be stored under appropriate conditions. Specific LD₅₀ values, acute toxicity classifications, and chronic toxicity data are available from safety data sheets. Standard safety practices include the use of personal protective equipment.
Additional Infomation
Physical properties: Molecular formula C₁₆H₃₆IN, molecular weight 369.37 g/mol. Melting point: phase transition from ordered phase I to rotational disordered phase II at 391 K (approximately 118°C), melting point at 420 K (approximately 147°C) . Ionic conductivity measured at 2.6 × 10⁻⁶ S/cm at 393 K (approximately 120°C) .
Solubility: Soluble in DMSO (100 mg/mL, 270.73 mM) with sonication assistance. Also soluble in CDCl₃ and various organic solvents .
Storage conditions: Keep in dark place, inert atmosphere, room temperature for pure form; in solvent at -20°C for 3-6 months or -80°C for 12 months .
Ionic transport properties: Unusual ionic transport in TBAI has been observed by high-resolution proton NMR spectroscopy accompanied by diffusion experiments. Some TBA cations diffuse not only in the plastic phase II but also in the low-temperature ordered phase I. The observed ionic conductivity suggests that only a fraction of the cations participate in the conductivity .
Tetrabutylammonium iodide (TBAI, CAS 311-28-4) is a research-grade chemical reagent, not an FDA-approved pharmaceutical drug. Its primary applications are as a phase-transfer catalyst and iodide source in organic synthesis. It is used as an additive in the synthesis of fused triazole derivatives and in the preparation of allyl-PEG-allyl. It is also used in the preparation of novel quaternary amines as antibacterial agents. No clinical trials or approved indications exist for this compound.
These protocols are for reference only. InvivoChem does not independently validate these methods.
Physicochemical Properties
Molecular Formula
C16H36IN
Molecular Weight
369.368217468262
Exact Mass
369.189
CAS #
311-28-4
Related CAS #
10549-76-5 (Parent)
PubChem CID
67553
Appearance
Off-white to light yellow solid powder
Density
1.20
Melting Point
141-143 °C(lit.)
Flash Point
100ºC
LogP
2.007
Hydrogen Bond Donor Count
0
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count
1
Rotatable Bond Count
12
Heavy Atom Count
18
Complexity
116
Defined Atom Stereocenter Count
0
SMILES
[I-].[N+](CCCC)(CCCC)(CCCC)CCCC
InChi Key
DPKBAXPHAYBPRL-UHFFFAOYSA-M
InChi Code
InChI=1S/C16H36N.HI/c1-5-9-13-17(14-10-6-2,15-11-7-3)16-12-8-4;/h5-16H2,1-4H3;1H/q+1;/p-1
Chemical Name
tetrabutylazanium;iodide
HS Tariff Code
2934.99.9001
Storage

Powder      -20°C    3 years

                     4°C     2 years

In solvent   -80°C    6 months

                  -20°C    1 month

Note: This product requires protection from light (avoid light exposure) during transportation and storage.
Shipping Condition
Room temperature (This product is stable at ambient temperature for a few days during ordinary shipping and time spent in Customs)
Solubility Data
Solubility (In Vitro)
DMSO: 100 mg/mL (270.73 mM)
Solubility (In Vivo)
Solubility in Formulation 1: ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (6.77 mM) (saturation unknown) in 10% DMSO + 90% (20% SBE-β-CD in Saline) (add these co-solvents sequentially from left to right, and one by one), clear solution.
For example, if 1 mL of working solution is to be prepared, you can add 100 μL of 25.0 mg/mL clear DMSO stock solution to 900 μL of 20% SBE-β-CD physiological saline solution and mix evenly.
Preparation of 20% SBE-β-CD in Saline (4°C,1 week): Dissolve 2 g SBE-β-CD in 10 mL saline to obtain a clear solution.

Solubility in Formulation 2: ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (6.77 mM) (saturation unknown) in 10% DMSO + 90% Corn Oil (add these co-solvents sequentially from left to right, and one by one), clear solution.
For example, if 1 mL of working solution is to be prepared, you can add 100 μL of 25.0 mg/mL clear DMSO stock solution to 900 μL of corn oil and mix evenly.

 (Please use freshly prepared in vivo formulations for optimal results.)
Preparing Stock Solutions 1 mg 5 mg 10 mg
1 mM 2.7073 mL 13.5366 mL 27.0731 mL
5 mM 0.5415 mL 2.7073 mL 5.4146 mL
10 mM 0.2707 mL 1.3537 mL 2.7073 mL

*Note: Please select an appropriate solvent for the preparation of stock solution based on your experiment needs. For most products, DMSO can be used for preparing stock solutions (e.g. 5 mM, 10 mM, or 20 mM concentration); some products with high aqueous solubility may be dissolved in water directly. Solubility information is available at the above Solubility Data section. Once the stock solution is prepared, aliquot it to routine usage volumes and store at -20°C or -80°C. Avoid repeated freeze and thaw cycles.

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What is the mass of compound required to make a 10 mM stock solution in 5 ml of DMSO given that the molecular weight of the compound is 350.26 g/mol?
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  • The answer of 17.513 mg appears in the Mass box. In a similar way, you may calculate the volume and concentration.

Dilution Calculator allows you to calculate how to dilute a stock solution of known concentrations. For example, you may Enter C1, C2 & V2 to calculate V1, as detailed below:

What volume of a given 10 mM stock solution is required to make 25 ml of a 25 μM solution?
Using the equation C1V1 = C2V2, where C1=10 mM, C2=25 μM, V2=25 ml and V1 is the unknown:
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  • The answer of 62.5 μL (0.1 ml) appears in the Volume (Start) box
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Note: Chemical formula is case sensitive: C12H18N3O4  c12h18n3o4
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In vivo Formulation Calculator (Clear solution)
Step 1: Enter information below (Recommended: An additional animal to make allowance for loss during the experiment)
Step 2: Enter in vivo formulation (This is only a calculator, not the exact formulation for a specific product. Please contact us first if there is no in vivo formulation in the solubility section.)
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Calculation results

Working concentration mg/mL;

Method for preparing DMSO stock solution mg drug pre-dissolved in μL DMSO (stock solution concentration mg/mL). Please contact us first if the concentration exceeds the DMSO solubility of the batch of drug.

Method for preparing in vivo formulation:Take μL DMSO stock solution, next add μL PEG300, mix and clarify, next addμL Tween 80, mix and clarify, next add μL ddH2O,mix and clarify.

(1) Please be sure that the solution is clear before the addition of next solvent. Dissolution methods like vortex, ultrasound or warming and heat may be used to aid dissolving.
             (2) Be sure to add the solvent(s) in order.

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