Tetrabutylorthosilane stands out as a silicon-based organosilicate, with its backbone comprising a central silicon atom bound to four butoxy groups. Its chemical formula is Si(OC4H9)4, and the CAS number assigned to this material is 78-10-4. The molecular weight comes in at approximately 320.56 g/mol. The liquid appears colorless, coats surfaces easily, and brings a mild, distinct odor that signals its presence in any workspace. The structure lends itself to a combination of volatility and functionality, making it versatile across a range of chemical processes and manufacturing steps.
As a raw material, Tetrabutylorthosilane is delivered in a liquid state at room temperature with a density around 0.88 g/cm3 at 20°C. It displays a boiling point near 175°C under reduced pressure, highlighting its usefulness in processes that operate below atmospheric conditions. . Tetrabutylorthosilane does not take on forms like flakes, solid, powder, or pearls under ordinary storage or shipping conditions — it remains fluid, making it suitable for solution preparation and dosing via automation. Its refractive index sits close to 1.427. Solubility in water stands near zero, yet it mixes well with common organic solvents such as ethanol, toluene, and other apolar solvents found in the lab and on the plant floor. The product hydrolyzes quickly in the presence of moisture, generating silicone dioxide and butanol, so keeping the container tightly sealed and moisture-free becomes a practical necessity.
Engineers and chemists working with advanced ceramics and coatings rely on Tetrabutylorthosilane for its ability to serve as a silica precursor. It shows up as a key ingredient in sol-gel processes, faithfully transforming into glassy or ceramic structures upon hydrolysis and condensation. Other uses include acting as a functional additive in the formulation of cross-linked polymer systems, or as a reagent used to modify inorganic surfaces for improved dispersion or compatibility. The purity expected for high-performance applications often runs higher than 98% as tiny contaminations can compromise physicochemical results. Standard packing comes in 200-liter drums or 1000-liter IBC totes, providing safe handling with proper chemical-grade seals. Technical data sheets always outline typical analysis results for water content, refractive index, and residue on evaporation, to keep transparency high for responsible buyers.
Companies exporting or importing Tetrabutylorthosilane lean on the Harmonized System (HS) Code 29209090 to move product across borders legally and efficiently. The code allows for streamlined customs declarations and helps environmental or regulatory agencies track chemical flows. This matters in a world increasingly focused on transparency and health, where keeping tabs on all potentially hazardous chemicals becomes part of responsible industrial citizenship.
Anyone who’s handled Tetrabutylorthosilane knows about its hazards. It’s both flammable and harmful if inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Skin exposure leads to irritation, and inhalation of the vapor creates risks for the respiratory tract. Flammable vapors can form explosive mixtures with air, putting additional pressure on proper ventilation and storage away from ignition sources. I always check for functioning eyewash stations and chemical fume hoods with every batch, given the product’s ability to decompose and release butanol upon hydrolysis. Safety data sheets call for splash goggles, gloves, and flame-resistant lab apparel as standard practice. Emergency spill protocols involve absorbing with inert material like sand and ventilating the area. Waste disposal needs careful coordination with licensed hazardous waste carriers, as improper discharge leads to environmental harm. Nobody enjoys the paperwork or the cost of cleanup after a spill.
Warehouses store Tetrabutylorthosilane in tightly closed drums, kept dry and cool, far from acids, moisture, or oxidizing agents. Humidity rapidly degrades the product, and even trace amounts of water set off exothermic hydrolysis, building up pressure if a drum is mishandled or left in the sun. Forklift operators and warehouse staff receive extra training on handling these materials because the cost of a spilled drum includes not just product loss and fire danger but often an expensive hazmat response. Containers require labels meeting GHS standards, and safety signage should be visible from a distance to keep everyone aware of the risks. Keeping inventory on a first-in, first-out basis keeps the shelf life optimal, as hydrolyzed product loses its chemical effectiveness.
Drawing from years of handling raw materials in specialty chemicals, coordinating safe delivery and end-use of Tetrabutylorthosilane comes down to transparency and communication between suppliers, users, and regulators. Training lab and plant personnel on safe handling has to stay current, as new information arises about toxicity or incident reports published by regulatory bodies. Routine site inspections and drills keep emergency readiness high, and periodic review of storage conditions helps cut down on spoilage. Solving the waste disposal challenge means working directly with certified hazardous waste services, with clear documentation of batch numbers, quantities, and end destinations to stay compliant under local and international regulations. Working with honest, detail-oriented suppliers pays off, as they’ll always provide up-to-date safety data, technical spec sheets, and fast answers when there’s a question from operations or quality control.
