Phase transfer catalyst Tetra-n-butylammonium hydrogen sulfate shows antibacterial properties due to the presence of the quaternary amine and the counter ion. It serves as a phase-transfer catalyst, surface-active agent, solvent, intermediate, active ingredient for conditioners, antistatic agent, detergent sanitizers, softener for textiles and paper products, emulsifying agents and pigment dispersers. It is used as an efficient catalyst in the N-alkylation reactions of benzanilides, cyclization of beta-amino acids to beta-lactams, conversion of nitriles to amides, dehydrohalogenation of aryl 2-haloethyl ethers to give vinyl ethers and in the oxidation of alcohols.
