Tetra-n-butyl titanate (TBT, CAS 5593-70-4) is a titanium(IV) alkoxide with 14.1 wt% Ti and moderate hydrolysis rate, making it the preferred choice for PET polymerization, sol-gel coatings, and esterification catalysis. SEMITECH TBT is a direct process-grade equivalent to DuPont TYZOR TBT.
Technical Specifications
| Feedstock | Primary Process Route | Key Producers | Supply Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Titanium Tetrachloride (TiCl₄) | Chloride process (rutile/ilmenite + Cl₂) | Chemours, Venator, Lomon Billions, Pangang | Medium-High |
| n-Butanol (n-BuOH) | Propylene oxo (hydroformylation) | BASF, Eastman, Sinopec, Dow | Medium |
| HCl scrubbing / neutralization | Lime or NaOH treatment | On-site utility | Low |
| Anhydrous solvents (optional diluent) | Petroleum distillation | Regional distributors | Low |
Upstream Supply Chain: TiCl₄, n-Butanol, and Feedstock Concentration Risks
TBT is synthesized by alcoholysis of TiCl₄ with anhydrous n-butanol. TiCl₄ capacity is concentrated in China (~55%), the US (Chemours), and Europe. A simultaneous tightening of propylene feedstock and chlorine availability can compress TBT margins abruptly.
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Price Outlook, Trade Flows, and Supply Chain Dynamics
Chinese export prices for technical-grade TBT ranged USD 4.80–7.20/kg FOB Shanghai (2023–2025), with spikes correlated to chlorine shortages during PVC ramp cycles. Lead times from Chinese traders average 4–8 weeks to Europe; North American ports add 2–3 weeks.
| Region | Indicative Price Range (USD/kg, ex-works or FOB) | Lead Time | Key Risk Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| China (FOB Shanghai) | 4.80 – 6.50 | 4–8 weeks | TiCl₄ / chlorine availability; export tariff changes |
| Europe (CIF Rotterdam) | 7.50 – 10.50 | 6–10 weeks | REACH registration; EU anti-dumping scrutiny |
| North America (DDP warehouse) | 8.00 – 12.00 | 8–12 weeks | Port congestion; TSCA compliance cost |
| India (CIF Mumbai) | 5.50 – 7.80 | 5–9 weeks | BIS certification; rupee volatility |
Industrial Application Scenarios
PET Polycondensation — 270–285°C; dose 10–80 ppm Ti; Ti content must be ≥14.0%.
Sol-Gel Thin Films — 0.1–1.0 M in IPA or toluene produces TiO₂ films with refractive index 2.1–2.3 at 550 nm.
Esterification & Transesterification — 0.01–0.1 wt% catalyst for biodiesel and plasticizer esters; no heavy-metal residue.
Paint Driers & Adhesion Promoters — Alkyd resins and two-component polyurethanes; often co-used with zirconium chelates.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Q: What is tetra-n-butyl titanate used for?
A: TBT is used as a PET polymerization catalyst (replacing antimony trioxide), sol-gel precursor for TiO₂ coatings, esterification catalyst, and adhesion promoter in alkyd paints and polyurethanes.
+Q: Is SEMITECH TBT equivalent to DuPont TYZOR TBT?
A: Yes. Same CAS 5593-70-4, Ti content ≥14.0 wt%, GC purity ≥99%. Most formulations qualify without reformulation.
+Q: How does TBT compare to tetraisopropyl titanate (TPT) for sol-gel applications?
A: TBT's slower hydrolysis rate gives longer pot life and better film uniformity in spin-coating and dip-coating. See our tetraisopropyl titanate page for comparison.
+Q: What are the storage requirements for TBT?
A: Store sealed under dry nitrogen at 10–25°C. Moisture causes irreversible hydrolysis. Shelf life 12 months unopened.
+Q: Why are TBT prices volatile?
A: Pricing tracks TiCl₄ and n-butanol feedstock markets with 6–8 week lag. Mitigate by dual-sourcing and quarterly contracts.
+Q: What regulatory considerations apply?
A: EU REACH-registered, classified skin irritant and aquatic toxic. US TSCA-listed. Food-contact applications require clearance under EU 10/2011 or FDA 21 CFR.
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