Potassium Tert-Butoxide(KTB)

Potassium *tert*-butoxide (CAS No. 865-47-4; molecular formula C4H9KO; molecular weight approx. 112.21) is a commonly used strong organic base reagent widely employed in pharmaceutical and chemical synthesis. According to the latest overseas research and university laboratory safety data from 2026, it exists in multiple structural forms in solution; as a corrosive solid that is flammable upon contact with water, it requires strict protective measures during handling.

Chemical Properties

Product Usage

Strong base for organic synthesis: Acts as a strong basic condensing agent—with higher basicity than sodium methoxide or sodium ethoxide—and is commonly used in dehydrohalogenation reactions of halogenated hydrocarbons.

Catalysis of specific reactions: Widely used in reactions such as condensation, rearrangements (e.g., Pinacol and Favorskii rearrangements), and ring-opening; also serves as a common base for Michael addition reactions.

Industrial applications: Utilized as a key intermediate or catalyst in the production of pesticides, pharmaceuticals, dyes, catalysts, and liquid crystal materials.