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CAS Number: 546-68-9
EC Number: 208-909-6
UN Number: 1993 (flammable liquid)
Molecular Formula: C₁₂H₂₈O₄Ti
Molecular Weight: 284.22 g/mol
Synonyms:
Titanium tetraisopropoxide,TTIP,TIPT;Isopropyl titanate,Titanium(4+) tetraisopropanolate
Physical and Chemical Properties:
Tetraisopropyl titanate presents as a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a characteristic alcohol-like odor. The compound exhibits high sensitivity to moisture, undergoing rapid hydrolysis upon exposure to atmospheric humidity. Key physical parameters include a density of 0.955 g/cm³ at 20°C, boiling point of 232°C, melting point of 20°C, and flash point of 23°C (making it highly flammable). The titanium center adopts a tetrahedral geometry with Ti-O bond lengths of approximately 1.78 Å and O-Ti-O angles near 109.5°. In solution, tetraisopropyl titanate exists primarily as monomers but can form oligomers through alkoxide bridging, particularly in non-polar solvents or at high concentrations.
Purification and Stabilization:
Crude tetraisopropyl titanate undergoes multiple purification steps:
Filtration: Removal of ammonium chloride under inert atmosphere
Distillation: Fractional distillation under reduced pressure (typically 1-5 mmHg) at 80-100°C
Drying: Final treatment with molecular sieves or chemical drying agents
Stabilization: Addition of chelating agents (typically acetylacetone or triethanolamine) for applications requiring controlled hydrolysis rates
Alternative Production Methods:
Electrochemical Synthesis: Direct electrolysis of titanium in isopropyl alcohol (developing technology)
Metathesis Reactions: Using titanium alkoxide exchange with other alcohols
Sol-Gel Processing: In-situ generation for specific applications
Quality Specifications:
Purity: >99.0% by titration (Ti content 16.7-16.9%)
Chloride Content: <50 ppm (critical for electronic applications)
Iron Content: <10 ppm
Hydrolysis Stability: Controlled hydrolysis rate to predetermined specifications
Color: APHA <30
Global production capacity is estimated at 15,000-20,000 metric tons annually, with major producers including DuPont (now part of Chemours), Johnson Matthey, Sigma-Aldrich (MilliporeSigma), and several Asian manufacturers. Pricing varies significantly by purity, ranging from $20-30/kg for industrial grades to $200-500/kg for high-purity electronic grades.
Comprehensive Application Spectrum
Sol-Gel Processing and Thin Film Deposition (35%):
Titanium Dioxide Films: For optical coatings, photocatalytic surfaces, and dielectric layers. Typical precursor concentrations range from 0.1-0.5 M in alcohol solutions.
Mixed Oxide Systems: As titanium source in barium titanate, strontium titanate, and other perovskite materials for electronics.
Case Example: In anti-reflective coatings for solar panels, tetraisopropyl titanate-based sols produce mesoporous TiO₂ films that increase light transmission by 3-5% while providing self-cleaning properties through photocatalysis.
Catalysis and Chemical Synthesis (25%):
Esterification and Transesterification Catalysis: Particularly in polyester production and biodiesel manufacturing. Usage levels typically 0.01-0.1% based on reactants.
Ziegler-Natta Catalysts: As component in olefin polymerization catalysts.
Organic Synthesis: For Meerwein-Ponndorf-Verley reductions and other titanium-mediated transformations.
Case Example: In poly(ethylene terephthalate) production, tetraisopropyl titanate (50-100 ppm) catalyzes polycondensation, enabling higher molecular weights and reduced processing times compared to conventional antimony catalysts.
Adhesives and Surface Modification (20%):
Coupling Agent: For improving adhesion between inorganic substrates and organic polymers. Typically used at 0.5-2.0% in primer formulations.
Surface Modification: Creation of titanium oxide layers on various substrates for improved wettability, corrosion resistance, or biocompatibility.
Case Example: In dental composites, tetraisopropyl titanate-treated silica fillers (0.3-0.8% treatment level) enhance bonding to the resin matrix, improving mechanical strength and reducing wear.
Pharmaceutical and Biomedical (10%):
Drug Delivery Systems: In the preparation of titania-based carriers for controlled release.
Dental and Orthopedic Implants: For surface functionalization to improve osseointegration.
Diagnostic Materials: In the development of titanium oxide-based biosensors.
Case Example: In hydroxyapatite-titanium composites for bone implants, tetraisopropyl titanate-derived coatings promote bone cell attachment and proliferation, reducing healing times by 20-30%.
Other Applications (10%):
Textile Treatment: For UV-protective and self-cleaning finishes on fabrics.
Ceramic Processing: As binder and rheology modifier in advanced ceramics.
Inks and Pigments: For specialty effect pigments and conductive inks.
Fuel Cells: In the fabrication of proton exchange membranes and catalyst supports.
Handling, Storage, and Safety Considerations
Hazards and Safety Profile:
Flammability: Highly flammable liquid (flash point 23°C)
Reactivity: Reacts violently with water, releasing heat and isopropyl alcohol
Toxicity: Moderate acute toxicity (oral LD₅₀ rat: 7,460 mg/kg)
Irritation: Causes severe eye and respiratory tract irritation
Environmental: Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects
Handling Requirements:
Atmosphere Control: Must be handled under inert atmosphere (argon or nitrogen)
Moisture Exclusion: All equipment must be thoroughly dried before use
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves, face shield, and appropriate respiratory protection
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation and spark-proof equipment
Storage Conditions:
Temperature: 2-8°C for long-term storage
Atmosphere: Under nitrogen or argon blanket
Containers: Sealed in original containers with moisture-absorbing packets
Shelf Life: 12-24 months when properly stored
Emergency Procedures:
Spills: Absorb with inert material, neutralize with dry sand or vermiculite
Fire: Use dry chemical, CO₂, or foam (do not use water)
First Aid: Remove contaminated clothing, flush affected areas with water, seek medical attention
SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT TETRAISOPROPYL TITANATE
First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician.
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air.
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately.
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment.
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste.
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles.
Faceshield (8-inch minimum).
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product.
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices.
Wash and dry hands.
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls.
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator.
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions.
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company.
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product
