Tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate (TBATFB) is a phase transfer catalyst. It can be synthesized by the reaction between 30% aqueous solution of tetrafluoroboric acid and 40% aqueous solution of tetrabutylamonium hydroxide. Tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate acts as an electrolyte and inhibits the self-assembly of alkylthiosulfate on gold