Illustrated Glossary of Organic Chemistry

Tert-butoxide (tert-butoxide ion; tBuO^-): (CH₃)₃CO^-; the conjugate base of tert-butanol. A strong base (frequently used in E2 and enolate reactions) but a fairly poor nucleophile due to steric hindrance.

Molecular structure of tert-butoxide ion.

	(CH3)3CO-  Na+ (CH3)3COH		+
		Major product		Minor product

Sodium tert-butoxide in an E2 reaction, illustrating Hofmann elimination.

CH3CH2I (CH3)3COH

Potassium tert-butoxide in a Williamson ether synthesis (an S_N2 reaction).