Benzyltrimethylammonium chloride

Chemical Properties

white to light yellow crystal powde

Uses

Solvent for cellulose, gelling inhibitor in polyester resins, intermediate.

Uses

Benzyltrimethylammonium chloride are Ccommercially important catalyst. Used in antistatic agent, detergent Sanitisers, softner for textiles and paper products, phase transfer catalyst.

General Description

Light yellow liquid with a mild almond odor. May float or sink in water.

Air & Water Reactions

Water soluble.

Reactivity Profile

Benzyltrimethylammonium chloride can react with oxidizing materials . Toxic oxides of nitrogen and hydrochloric acid fumes may form in fire [USCG, 1999].

Health Hazard

Ingestion causes gastrointestinal disturbances. Contact with liquid irritates eyes and may irritate skin.

Fire Hazard

Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Toxic oxides of nitrogen and hydrochloric acid fumes may form in fire.

Safety Profile

Poison by ingestion. Combustible.When heated to decomposition it emits very toxic fumesof NH3, NOx, and Cl??.

Purification Methods

A 60% aqueous solution of the salt is evaporated to dryness under a vacuum on a steam bath, and then left in a vacuum desiccator containing a suitable drying agent. The solid residue is dissolved in a small volume of boiling absolute EtOH and precipitated by adding an equal volume of diethyl ether with cooling. After washing, the precipitate is dried under a vacuum [Karusch J Am Chem Soc 73 1246 1951]. [Beilstein 12 IV 2162.]