Tetra Methyl Ammonium Iodide

Tetra methyl ammonium iodide, also known as tetramethylammonium iodide, TMAI or n,n,n-trimethyl-, iodide, has a chemical formula of (CH₃)4NI. This water-soluble phase-transfer catalyst mainly used in organic synthesis reactions is soluble in water. It has four methyl groups attached to the nitrogen atom, which makes it a large cation with low nucleophilicity. This property makes it a useful phase transfer catalyst for several reactions. It can also be used as a precursor to prepare other quaternary ammonium salts and as a reagent for the synthesis of organoiodine compounds. It can be synthesized by reacting tetramethylammonium chloride with potassium iodide. It has a molecular weight of 259.08 g/mol and a melting point of 260-264 degree centigrade. TMAI is classified as a hazardous substance, and proper handling and storage procedures should be followed to prevent exposure and accidents.