Tetramethylammonium borohydride

Synonym(s):NSC 164901;TMAB

CAS NO.：16883-45-7
Empirical Formula: C4H16BN
Molecular Weight: 88.99
MDL number: MFCD00011778
EINECS: 240-917-5
SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS)
Update Date: 2026-01-13 11:26:47

Tetramethylammonium borohydride Structural

What is Tetramethylammonium borohydride?

The Uses of Tetramethylammonium borohydride

Reactant for:

Preparation of iridium tetrahydride complexes bearing a tridentate pincer-type bis(phosphino)silyl ligand
Reduction reactions (reducing agent)

Purification Methods

Recrystallisation of the borohydride from H2O three times yields ca 94% pure compound. Dry in high vacuum at 100o for 3hours. The solubility in H2O is 48% (20o), 61% (40o), and in EtOH 0.5% (25o) and MeCN 0.4% (25o). It decomposes slowly in a vacuum at 150o, but rapidly at 250o. The rate of hydrolysis of Me4N.BH4 (5.8M) in H2O at 40o is constant over a period of 100hours at 0.04% of original wt/hour. The rate decreases to 0.02%/hour in the presence of Me4NOH (5% of the wt of Me4N.BH4). [Banus et al. J Am Chem Soc 74 2346 1952, Beilstein 4 IV 148.]

Properties of Tetramethylammonium borohydride

Melting point:	150°C (dec.)
Density	0,813 g/cm³
storage temp.	2-8°C
Water Solubility	almost transparency in Water
form	crystal
color	white
Specific Gravity	0.813
Sensitive	Moisture Sensitive
BRN	3684968
EPA Substance Registry System	Methanaminium, N,N,N-trimethyl-, tetrahydroborate(1-) (16883-45-7)

Safety information for Tetramethylammonium borohydride

Signal word	Danger
Pictogram(s)	Flame Flammables GHS02 Skull and Crossbones Acute Toxicity GHS06
GHS Hazard Statements	H261:Substances And Mixtures Which, In Contact With Water,Emit Flammable Gases H301:Acute toxicity,oral H315:Skin corrosion/irritation H319:Serious eye damage/eye irritation
Precautionary Statement Codes	P223:Keep away from any possible contact with water, because of violent reaction and possible flash fire. P264:Wash hands thoroughly after handling. P264:Wash skin thouroughly after handling. P231+P232:Handle under inert gas. Protect from moisture. P301+P310:IF SWALLOWED: Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician. P302+P352:IF ON SKIN: wash with plenty of soap and water. P305+P351+P338:IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continuerinsing.