n-Tetradecylphosphonic acid, min. 97% TDPA

Product Introduction

Tetradecylphosphonic Acid (CAS No. 4671-75-4) is a long-chain alkylphosphonic acid containing a C14 hydrophobic alkyl chain and a phosphonic acid functional group. Its amphiphilic molecular structure combines a strongly coordinating phosphonic acid head group with a hydrophobic alkyl chain.

Tetradecylphosphonic Acid is particularly useful in surface chemistry, nanomaterials, semiconductor materials, molecular self-assembly, surface functionalization, and advanced materials research.

The phosphonic acid group has strong affinity for a variety of metal and metal-oxide surfaces, making TDPA a useful surface modifier and ligand for controlling the interfacial properties of inorganic materials. Commercial research-grade material is commonly supplied at approximately 98% purity.

Mechanism / Principle

Surface Coordination and Functionalization

Tetradecylphosphonic Acid can interact strongly with metal and metal-oxide surfaces through its phosphonic acid group.

In surface-modification research:

• The phosphonic acid group coordinates with surface metal sites.
• The long C14 alkyl chain provides hydrophobic surface characteristics.
• Surface adsorption can alter wettability and interfacial energy.
• Molecular organization can produce ordered organic layers on inorganic substrates.
• Surface functionalization can improve compatibility between inorganic materials and organic phases.

This combination makes TDPA valuable for surface passivation, molecular self-assembly, interface engineering, and nanomaterial surface modification.

Key Research Applications

1. Surface Functionalization

Tetradecylphosphonic Acid is used to modify inorganic surfaces and introduce hydrophobic organic functionality.

Applications include:

• Metal-oxide surface modification
• Surface passivation
• Hydrophobic surface preparation
• Interface engineering
• Surface energy control

2. Nanomaterial Surface Modification

The phosphonic acid group can strongly interact with metal and metal-oxide nanomaterials.

Applications include:

• Nanoparticle functionalization
• Colloidal nanomaterials
• Nanocrystal surface modification
• Nanoparticle stabilization
• Surface ligand research

3. Semiconductor Materials

TDPA can be used in semiconductor and electronic-material research where controlled surface chemistry is required.

Applications include:

• Semiconductor surface modification
• Nanocrystal surface passivation
• Electronic-material interfaces
• Thin-film surface engineering
• Semiconductor nanomaterials

4. Molecular Self-Assembly

The combination of a polar phosphonic acid head group and a long hydrophobic chain makes Tetradecylphosphonic Acid suitable for studying organized molecular layers.

Applications include:

• Self-assembled monolayers
• Molecular organization
• Surface adsorption
• Interfacial chemistry
• Functional molecular films

5. Surface Wettability and Interface Engineering

Tetradecylphosphonic Acid can alter the surface properties of inorganic substrates.

Applications include:

• Contact-angle studies
• Hydrophobic coatings
• Surface-energy modification
• Organic/inorganic interfaces
• Functional coatings

6. Materials Chemistry

TDPA is useful for developing functional materials with controlled surface and interfacial properties.

Applications include:

• Advanced coatings
• Hybrid organic–inorganic materials
• Functional nanomaterials
• Surface-active materials
• Interface-controlled materials

Advantages

• Long-chain alkylphosphonic acid structure
• Strong affinity for many metal-oxide surfaces
• Suitable for surface functionalization
• Useful for hydrophobic surface modification
• Applicable to nanomaterial research
• Suitable for semiconductor surface engineering
• Useful for molecular self-assembly studies
• Effective tool for organic/inorganic interface research

Storage & Handling

• Store in a tightly sealed container.
• Keep in a cool, dry environment.
• Protect from moisture.
• Commercial specifications commonly recommend storage at 2–8°C. 
• Minimize exposure to atmospheric humidity during handling.
• Avoid breathing dust.
• Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
• Use appropriate laboratory personal protective equipment.
• Follow the product-specific SDS for detailed safety and handling requirements.

Research Areas

Researchers working in the following fields may benefit from Tetradecylphosphonic Acid (CAS No. 4671-75-4):

• Surface chemistry
• Nanomaterials
• Semiconductor materials
• Materials science
• Molecular self-assembly
• Interface engineering
• Nanoparticle research
• Thin-film materials
• Functional coatings
• Organic–inorganic hybrid materials

Q1: What is Tetradecylphosphonic Acid?

A: Tetradecylphosphonic Acid is a long-chain alkylphosphonic acid with the CAS number 4671-75-4 and molecular formula C₁₄H₃₁O₃P.

Q2: What is Tetradecylphosphonic Acid used for?

A: It is mainly used in surface functionalization, nanomaterial modification, semiconductor research, molecular self-assembly, and interface engineering.

Q3: What is the molecular weight of Tetradecylphosphonic Acid?

A: The molecular weight is 278.37 g/mol.

Q4: What is TDPA?

A: TDPA is a commonly used abbreviation for Tetradecylphosphonic Acid.

Q5: Can Tetradecylphosphonic Acid modify metal-oxide surfaces?

A: Yes. The phosphonic acid group has strong surface-binding characteristics and is useful for modifying metal and metal-oxide interfaces.

Q6: Is Tetradecylphosphonic Acid used in nanomaterials research?

A: Yes. It can function as a surface ligand or modifier for nanocrystals, nanoparticles, and other inorganic nanomaterials.

Q7: What is the physical form of Tetradecylphosphonic Acid?

A: It is generally supplied as a white to off-white crystalline powder.

Q8: How should Tetradecylphosphonic Acid be stored?

A: Store tightly sealed in a cool, dry environment and protect from moisture. Commercial suppliers commonly recommend 2–8°C storage.