Tetraethylammonium hydroxide, a compound commonly used in organic chemistry, is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet as /ˌtɛtrəɛθəlamoniəm haɪˈdrɒksaɪd/. The spelling of this word follows the usual English rules for pronunciation, except for the Greek-rooted prefix "tetra-" which is pronounced as /tɛtrə/ instead of /tɛtɹə/. The combination of the two long words, "tetraethylammonium" and "hydroxide," make for a complex word spelling, but once broken down phonetically, it becomes easier to understand how it is spelled.
Tetraethylammonium hydroxide, commonly abbreviated as TEAOH, is an organic compound with the chemical formula (C2H5)4NOH. It is a strong base and a member of the quaternary ammonium family. Tetraethylammonium hydroxide is a colorless or pale yellow liquid that is highly soluble in polar solvents such as water or ethanol.
This compound is widely used in various chemical and laboratory applications as a reagent, catalyst, or reactant. It is particularly valued for its strong alkaline properties, and its ability to deprotonate weak acids. Tetraethylammonium hydroxide is a powerful base that readily accepts and donates protons, making it useful in many organic and inorganic chemical reactions.
Due to its quaternary ammonium structure, tetraethylammonium hydroxide exhibits high stability and thermal resistance. It is also less volatile than other organic bases, allowing for safer handling and storage. TEAOH is commonly employed in pharmaceutical and drug synthesis, as well as in the production of specialty chemicals, dyes, and surfactants.
Although tetraethylammonium hydroxide is an effective reagent, it should be handled with caution due to its corrosive nature. Contact with skin or eyes can cause severe burns, and inhalation of vapor may be harmful to respiratory systems. Adequate protective measures, such as goggles, gloves, and lab coats, should always be used when working with TEAOH.
The word "tetraethylammonium hydroxide" has the following etymology:
1. "Tetra-" is a Greek prefix meaning four.
2. "Ethyl" comes from the Middle English word "ethyl", derived from the Old English "æþel", meaning noble or high-ranking.
3. "Ammonium" refers to ammonia, which comes from the Latinization of the Greek word "ammoniakos", derived from "ammos", meaning sand, due to its early source from camel dung near the temple of Zeus Ammon in Egypt.
4. "Hydroxide" is a compound of the Greek words "hudro-" (water) and "-oxys" (sharp or sour).