P-Toluenesulfonic Acid Ammonium Salt stands out as a vital chemical material in many industrial and laboratory settings. Shaped by the combination of p-toluenesulfonic acid and ammonium compounds, this salt shows up under the chemical formula C7H7SO3NH4, built from a toluene ring attached to a sulfonic acid group, balanced by ammonium ions. The structure supports stability and performance across a range of applications, from organic synthesis to use as a catalyst or reagent. Over the years, businesses have shifted toward this compound for consistent results and manageable handling features.
Walking into a lab, it’s easy to spot P-Toluenesulfonic Acid Ammonium Salt among other materials. It usually appears as a white or slightly off-white solid, often taking forms such as powder, flakes, pearls, or crystals. Some suppliers can also deliver it as a liquid solution, making the substance easy to prepare for experiments or chemical processing. Its molecular weight hits around 189.21 g/mol, and its density averages 1.35 g/cm³, which means it stores and handles well without taking up excess space or requiring special equipment for weighing or dissolving. This physical makeup gives companies and researchers flexibility, as the salt can easily dissolve in water and polar solvents for use in a wider range of reactions. Years of industry experience prove that a reliable supply chain for such reagents makes the difference between meeting tight deadlines and losing productivity.
The backbone of the P-Toluenesulfonic Acid Ammonium Salt molecule tells a story about its properties and applications. Comprising a benzene ring para-substituted with a methyl group and a sulfonic acid, neutralized by ammonium, this salt blends organic and inorganic features. Such a hybrid structure supports its role as an acid catalyst or a buffering agent, pushing reactions forward efficiently without introducing unwanted byproducts. The raw materials for its production typically involve industrial-grade p-toluenesulfonic acid, prepared through sulfonation of toluene, then combined with a source of ammonium, often ammonium hydroxide or ammonium carbonate. This synthesis pathway means the salt’s quality varies with the purity of the input chemicals, so careful sourcing remains crucial for industries needing reliable results in pharmaceuticals, polymers, coatings, and specialty syntheses.
Users can expect specification sheets listing purity from 98% up to 99.5%, depending on origin and production standards. On the bench or in storage, the compound resists clumping under standard humidity, giving off only a mild odor, especially compared to other sulfonic acids. Its melting point ranges between 120 and 125°C, and it keeps its features even in open air, making it easy for lab workers to measure, transfer, and store. Packaging varies from small, laboratory-scale bottles to hundred-kilogram drums or bags for larger installations. This size flexibility helps everyone from research students to factory technicians maintain an accurate stock and avoid waste.
Every chemical in worldwide commerce carries an HS Code for customs and safety tracking. P-Toluenesulfonic Acid Ammonium Salt typically falls under codes related to aromatic sulfonic acids or organic ammonium salts. Manufacturers and importers keep records under this code for efficient clearance and regulatory compliance, speeding up shipping and supporting transparent logistics. People who buy or sell these chemicals regularly come to value the consistency of HS Codes, as missing or imprecise labeling can cause hiccups at borders and lead to costly delays.
Staying safe with chemicals always calls for respect and professional experience. P-Toluenesulfonic Acid Ammonium Salt rates as a moderate hazard: contact with skin or eyes can cause irritation, and ingesting it—like most laboratory chemicals—brings health risks. Proper handling means using gloves, eye protection, and working in a ventilated space. Storage in watertight containers outside of direct sunlight helps prevent accidental degradation. While the compound is not as hazardous as concentrated acids, its sulfonic group brings corrosivity if spills reach equipment or sensitive surfaces. Safety data sheets point out that it breaks down into ammonia and sulfonic acid under strong heat or in reactions, requiring proper controls. Companies and workers focused on best practices find that up-front planning and regular safety training sharply reduce the chances of workplace accidents or exposure.
Experience with this ammonium salt shows that the form—flakes, powder, solid lumps, pearls, or even liquid solution—affects both storage and application. Powders dissolve fastest in water-based reactions, while flakes carry less dust and create smoother weighing. Crystalline and pearl forms offer the longest shelf life since they draw less moisture from the air. Liquid solutions suit processes where accuracy and fast blending matter more than stock longevity. Workers in chemical plants and advanced labs often rotate between these forms, picking based on convenience for the current workload or research plan. Whether prepping small batches or running production lines, a flexible supply of all physical forms helps keep operations smooth and efficient.
Industries using P-Toluenesulfonic Acid Ammonium Salt span pharmaceuticals, resins, coatings, adhesives, and water treatment systems. As a proton donor and acid catalyst, the salt fits perfectly in esterification, polymerization, and alkylation reactions. Chemists value its non-volatility and predictable performance for high-value syntheses, while engineers trust its consistency when scaling production. Safe workplace practices mean staff receive documentation, safety data sheets, and hands-on demonstrations before using this salt. Handling spills quickly and maintaining dry, organized storage areas keeps hazards controlled. Chemical managers and procurement teams also find that long-term supplier relationships, supported by batch testing certification, assure both quality and the ability to trace material in case of complaints or regulatory checks.
