Tetramethylammonium chloride is one of the simplest quaternary ammonium salts, with four methyl groups tetrahedrally attached to the central N. The chemical formula (CH3)4N+Cl− is often abbreviated further as Me4N+Cl− . It is a hygroscopic colourless solid that is soluble in water and polar organic solvents. Tetramethylammonium chloride is a major industrial chemical, being used in such processes as hydrofracking. In the laboratory, it has fewer synthetic chemical applications than quaternary ammonium salts containing longer N-alkyl substituents, which are used extensively as phase-transfer catalysts.
Appearance & Physical State
white crystals
Density
1.17 g/cm3
Melting Point
420ºC
Water Solubility
>60 g/100 mL (20 ºC)
Stability
Stable. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, water. Hygroscopic.
