Potassium tert-butoxide

CAS: 865-47-4

Overview

Potassium tert-butoxide (CAS 865-47-4 ), commonly abbreviated as KOtBu, is a strong, non-nucleophilic base supplied for demanding synthetic chemistry applications. It drives deprotonation, elimination, and isomerization reactions where conventional bases lack sufficient strength or selectivity.

In pharmaceutical manufacturing, KOtBu is used in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients requiring stereoselective deprotonation or Wittig-type condensation steps. Polymer chemists rely on it to initiate anionic polymerization and to catalyze cyclization reactions.

Biotechnology processes use KOtBu to facilitate the synthesis of chiral intermediates and nucleoside analogs. It also functions as a catalyst or base in fine chemical and agrochemical synthesis, particularly in reactions demanding anhydrous, aprotic conditions.

Potassium tert-butoxide is supplied as a free-flowing white to off-white powder and as solutions in solvents such as THF or tert-butanol. Standard commercial grades include high-purity reagent and synthesis grades for industrial use.

Purity specifications typically range from 95% to 98%+ to meet pharmaceutical and fine chemical requirements. Packaging options range from laboratory-scale quantities to bulk drums, with moisture-sensitive handling requirements reflected across all supply formats.

The material is handled under inert gas to maintain its reactivity and prevent degradation. This ensures that the product meets the rigorous demands of modern chemical synthesis and large-scale manufacturing environments globally.

Physical Properties

Melting Point	220 °C
Boiling Point	275°C
Density	0.910 g/mL at 20 °C
Flash Point	54 °F
Appearance	white crystalline powder
Color	White to off-white
Form	Solution
Water Solubility	REACTS
Vapor Pressure	1 mm Hg ( 220 °C)
pH	13 (5g/l, H2O, 20℃)Hydrolysis

Safety & Handling

Danger GHS02 GHS05 GHS07 Hazard Statements H228 Flammable solid H252 Self-heating in large quantities; may catch fire H302 Harmful if swallowed H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage H318 Causes serious eye damage Precautionary Statements P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking. P235 Keep cool. P240 Ground and bond container and receiving equipment. P241 Use explosion-proof [electrical/ventilating/lighting/…] equipment. P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P316 Get emergency medical help immediately. P317 Get emergency medical help. P321 Specific treatment (see … on this label). P330 Rinse mouth. P363 Wash contaminated clothing before reuse. P405 Store locked up. P407 Maintain air gap between stacks/pallets. P410 Protect from sunlight. P413 Store bulk masses greater than … kg/… lbs at temperatures not exceeding … °C/…°F. P420 Store away from other materials. P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. P264+P265 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P301+P317 Get emergency medical help. P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. P370+P378 Use … for extinction. P301+P330+P331 Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. P302+P361+P354 IF ON SKIN: Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower. P305+P354+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.

Trade & Regulatory

HS Code	29051900
UN Number	3274
ADR Class	3
Packing Group	II
WGK (Germany)	1

Other Names

Industries

Biotechnology & Life Sciences Plastics & Polymers Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare