What is "tetrabutylammonium"

n. (context organic chemistry especially in combination English) The quaternary ammonium cation (CH₃-CH₂-CH₂-CH₂)₄N⁺

Tetrabutylammonium is a quaternary ammonium cation with the formula [N(CH)]. It is used in the research laboratory to prepare lipophilic salts of inorganic anions. Relative to tetraethylammonium derivatives, tetrabutylammonium salts are more lipophilic but crystallize less readily.