1-Butyl-2,3-Dimethylimidazolium Dihydrophosphate: A Down-to-Earth Look
Historical Development
Interest in ionic liquids, especially imidazolium-based salts, took off around the late twentieth century due to a push for less volatile and more environmentally friendly solvents. Chemists looked for alternatives because traditional organic solvents come with health risks and fire hazards. Researchers realized that tweaking the imidazole ring—especially by adding different alkyl groups—created new variants with promise for safe and sustainable chemistry. The introduction of phosphates to the imidazolium backbone added value, with dihydrophosphate packing an extra punch in terms of reactivity and environmental compatibility. As studies mounted, the field found that 1-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium dihydrophosphate blends higher thermal stability with ready solubility in water and many organics, giving the chemical strong potential beyond the laboratory.
Product Overview
1-Butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium dihydrophosphate stands out as a room-temperature ionic liquid with neat characteristics for both industry and research. The cation sports a butyl chain and two methyl groups attached to the imidazolium core, lending the liquid both flexibility and moderate hydrophobicity. The dihydrophosphate anion strengthens its ion-pairing and maintains good conductivity. From my own work, ionic liquids with this structure show real merit as electrolytes in batteries, as anti-static agents, and even in extraction processes where reducing environmental impact matters. Their strong ionic interaction means low vapor pressure—making them much safer to handle than solvents like chloroform or acetone.
Physical & Chemical Properties
This ionic liquid appears as a colorless to pale yellow liquid at room temperature. It refuses to evaporate under normal conditions—so lab bottles won’t dry out quickly if left uncapped, unlike acetone or alcohol. Its melting point sits far below zero Celsius in most cases, which keeps it in liquid form through a wide range of conditions. Solubility in both water and polar organics supports its versatility. The density hovers around 1.1 to 1.2 g/cm³, higher than water, making it easy to separate phases in extraction work. Strong ionic networks keep it stable up to 200°C or so, resisting breakdown in processes that call for heat. High conductivity levels back up its use in electrochemical cells. Its viscosity runs moderate for an ionic liquid, so it pours more like light syrup and less like honey.
Technical Specifications & Labeling
Quality standards focus on purity greater than 98%, indicated by NMR, IR, and elemental analysis. Most suppliers specify water content below 0.5%, and color set by absorbance guidelines. Bottle labels should include hazard pictograms, as GHS lays out, chemical name, formula (C9H19N2O4P), batch number, storage instructions, and expiry date. Though considered less dangerous than many volatile solvents, direct contact causes mild irritation, so manufacturers stress gloves and eye protection for every use. Open drums or bottles only in well-ventilated spaces or fume hoods.
Preparation Method
Labs usually build imidazolium-based ionic liquids through straightforward alkylation of imidazole—the butyl and methyl groups get attached in sequence, using halide or sulfate alkylating agents. Next, the cation gets treated with a phosphoric acid source. Simple ion exchange or neutralization swaps the halide for the dihydrophosphate anion. These reactions demand care with moisture and purity, but the routes involve simple glassware and are scalable for small or large batch work. Characterization relies on spectra—proton, carbon, and phosphorus NMR—so even students can confirm product purity with the right training.
Chemical Reactions & Modifications
Once synthesized, 1-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium dihydrophosphate forms complexes with metals, stabilizes reactive intermediates, and dissolves many salts unavailable in water alone. Some groups graft long alkyl chains onto the butyl tail to tweak solubility, or swap in bulkier phosphate groups to reshape hydrogen bonding. In catalysis, the liquid acts as both solvent and co-catalyst, especially with acid-catalyzed reactions where phosphate acylation matters. The imidazolium backbone withstands strong acid and base except in extreme cases. My experience with similar liquids shows that you can often recover and reuse them through washing and filtration, so long as you don’t heat above breakdown temperature or introduce reactive metals.
Synonyms & Product Names
Common synonyms include [BM2MIM][H2PO4] and 1-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium dihydrogen phosphate. Many catalogs refer to the chemical by its cation and anion directly. Sometimes “ionic liquid” or “IL” appears in trade names, but savvy buyers always check for CAS registration and structure diagrams to avoid confusion, since variations in alkyl chain length or anion make a real difference in reactivity and safety.
Safety & Operational Standards
No chemical is totally benign, and even “green” solvents call for respect in daily use. Though random tests have shown low vapor toxicity, direct contact with the eyes or skin can sting, and accidental ingestion may irritate the gut. As someone who has been splashed a few times, nothing replaces good gloves and goggles, especially over long shifts. Storage should stay cool, capped tight, and away from open flames since electrochemical compounds can create unusual combustion byproducts. Spills clean up with soap and lots of water, though I’d dispose of absorbents through chemical waste bins. Training new staff, regular reviews of MSDS sheets, and labeling secondary containers make routine handling safer.
Application Area
Industries reach for this ionic liquid in diverse ways. Battery researchers tweak electrolyte formulations for better lithium or sodium cycling. Metal extractors find it handy for leaching rare earths, since it grabs hold of metal ions faster than many classic solvents, and phase separation isn’t such a hassle. Analytical chemists run extractions in chromatography work, since it picks up a wide range of analytes in water and organics. Some research labs look into using it as a heat transfer medium in solar applications—since it won’t boil or catch fire as temperatures rise. I’ve also seen it used for stabilizing enzymes, opening doors in green pharmaceuticals and food processing.
Research & Development
Teams across the globe push the boundaries of what this class of liquids can do. Development has shifted from basic property mapping to custom-tailored blends controlling viscosity, hydrophobicity, and phase behavior. Scientists test the compound as a medium for CO2 capture, enzyme reactor beds, or selective removal of pollutants from wastewater. My own lab finds the variability of the imidazolium cation sidesteps some of the pitfalls of less flexible ionic liquids—giving us a solid base for custom modifications. Research increasingly focuses on life-cycle analysis and end-of-life options—an area overdue for closer attention, since many “green” chemicals lose their luster if disposal practices lag.
Toxicity Research
Toxicity data for imidazolium liquids began trickling in around two decades back. In general, compounds with short chains and phosphate anions appear among the least toxic of their class. Studies in aquatic organisms show mild disruption only at concentrations an order of magnitude above routine lab or industrial levels. Chronic exposure data remains thin, and most health and safety teams push extra caution, especially during clean-up or spills. Standard testing in both mice and cell cultures suggest no mutagenic or acute risks at expected exposure levels, but no one in the field claims victory over long-term or high-dose effects. Regular health checks and spill simulation drills make sense for any facility using this solvent in bulk.
Future Prospects
Ionic liquids will likely see a bigger slice of the industrial pie as costs drop and new regulations clamp down on older, high-volatility solvents. Demand for safer battery electrolytes, fast extraction agents, and greener process solvents pushes the chemistry forward. The challenge comes in scaling synthesis without hiking costs or creating new waste streams. Pilot projects, especially in energy storage and hydrometallurgy, currently drive interest. The next hurdle for chemicals like 1-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium dihydrophosphate comes with mass adoption—someone needs to map out recycling systems, tighter safety standards, and eco-friendly disposal. Proper training for users, field testing on new applications, and supporting open publication of toxicology findings will shape how broadly this compound gets used in the next decade.
More Than Just a Chemical Name
This chemical, 1-Butyl-2,3-Dimethylimidazolium Dihydrophosphate, might look like a mouthful. For many, it sounds like something that belongs in a distant research facility. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Day-to-day manufacturing uses this substance because it falls under a class known as ionic liquids. In my years working alongside process engineers and chemists who strive for greener solutions, I’ve watched this class gain real traction. Unlike many traditional solvents that evaporate and contribute to pollution, ionic liquids like this one stay put and don’t give off fumes. That alone changed how companies view safety and environmental impact.
Getting Past the Traditional Approach
I’ll never forget visiting a small research lab that developed coatings for electronics. They always worried about fire safety and toxic exposure. Swapping out volatile organic solvents was high on their list, and after trials, 1-Butyl-2,3-Dimethylimidazolium Dihydrophosphate became part of their solution. Its ability to dissolve both metal salts and organic materials in a stable, non-flammable liquid opened up processing windows that used to be off-limits. Plus, it’s not about using the same chemical for everything—the real power comes from matching the right tool to the job. Industries from pharmaceuticals to energy storage benefit for that reason alone.
Sustainability in Action
The push for environmentally friendly chemistry isn’t just for show—it’s now a licensing issue. Back in 2021, I attended a symposium where manufacturers faced stricter environmental controls. Ionic liquids like this one popped up as a lifeline. The dihydrophosphate part gives it mild acidity, useful in catalyzing reactions that previously depended on harsher chemicals. Catalysis often means using less material and getting better yields. In fact, one major pharmaceutical company managed to drop their hazardous waste output by 40 percent after switching several processes over to an ionic liquid system. Hearing such results convinced me: this is more than theory. Companies now cut costs and reduce regulatory headaches, all while keeping workers safer.
Potential to Improve Industrial Practices
Engineers are quick to point out another benefit. Electrochemistry, battery development, and even biomass processing all rely on controlled, repeatable environments. The unique structure of 1-Butyl-2,3-Dimethylimidazolium Dihydrophosphate keeps impurities at bay and stabilizes active ingredients. Battery makers have started using these liquids to process electrode materials. The result is purer, more stable products driving new battery designs. In these collaborations, I’ve learned that not every switch to “green” chemistry is perfect, but the roadmap keeps pointing to safer, more efficient chemicals.
What Helps Adoption Move Faster
It hasn’t been a smooth road. Cost stands out. Ionic liquids, especially those tailored for industry, cost more up front. Getting over that hump takes proof—proof that the long-term savings outweigh the early bills. I’ve seen companies team up with suppliers and research universities to optimize how they use these chemicals. Success requires clear data: improved worker safety, smaller environmental footprint, and better yield get attention. Government incentives and transparent sharing of best practices also light the way for faster change.
In the end, progress relies on those who see beyond profit and legacy processes. They want to protect their people, the community, and the bottom line. That’s why chemicals like 1-Butyl-2,3-Dimethylimidazolium Dihydrophosphate could soon become as common as any other staple compound—used because it works, not just because it’s new.
The Structure and What It Means
The name 1-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium dihydrophosphate can put anyone off at first glance. Once you dig in, though, it’s clear that this mouthful hides a molecule that’s done a lot for green chemistry. On a physical level, this compound falls under the ionic liquids family—salts that stay liquid at temperatures below 100°C. That makes it far different from table salt or the icy white grains you imagine when someone mentions the word "salt." With its imidazolium base, 1-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium brings both stability and flexibility.
Look, Touch, and Behavior
Visually, this ionic liquid usually appears colorless or as a pale yellow fluid. It isn’t volatile, so the strong solvent-like smell in many lab chemicals doesn't come along for the ride. I’ve poured it in a beaker—no fumes in the air, no worry about inhaling nasties. Its viscosity sometimes reminds you of syrup; slick, but not as runny as water. That thicker texture shows up when you handle a pipette, slowing the drops with a bit of drag.
It's also hygroscopic, which means it quietly pulls water from the air. In a humid lab, the stuff gets even stickier. Good luck keeping it dry without sealed bottles and some solid discipline. The ability to grab onto moisture sets up new headaches, especially when you want results that actually mean something, not just noise from water interference.
Thermal and Chemical Stability
1-Butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium dihydrophosphate holds its own at temperature ranges that would send most organic solvents running. It typically avoids decomposition up to around 250°C or above, though impurities or metal traces can crash that party early. This wide window for heating and cooling is a rare advantage. I’ve used this kind of ionic liquid, and unlike acetone or ether, worrying about fire or toxic vapor clouds doesn’t keep me up at night.
On the chemical front, the molecule plays nice with both polar and non-polar substances. The imidazolium part keeps the core stable, but toss in the dihydrophosphate and you add acid-base flexibility. In practice, that allows it to dissolve dyes, cellulose, even proteins. Scientists have found new paths in extracting natural materials or recycling plastics using this, since it genuinely opens up what you can pull apart and put back together.
Why It Matters: Health, Environment, and Real-World Possibilities
I once ran a small extraction project where old solvents left me worried about both spills and inhalation risks. Ionic liquids like this one took much of that anxiety away. Being practically non-flammable and nearly odorless, it shifts lab safety in the right direction. Toxicity remains a question that calls for honest answers—current research suggests 1-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium dihydrophosphate scores far lower in harmful effects than traditional solvents, but nobody should act like it’s as harmless as water.
From an environmental point of view, the real weight comes from reusability. While most solvents evaporate or break down, ionic liquids stick around and can be cleaned and put back to work. But disposal and chronic exposure issues aren’t solved just by swapping solvents. We need tough, repeated toxicity checks and policies around disposal, not just promises of “greener” chemistry.
Where Progress Can Happen
Industry uses these ionic liquids in extractions, catalysis, and even battery tech. For broader adoption, cost and large-scale synthesis stand out as real walls. Creating these molecules without silver-spooned purity or over-the-top expense would change the game for both labs and manufacturing sites. Open-source synthesis methods and honest, independent toxicology work are tools that chemical engineers and policy makers need to keep close at hand as they move forward.
Getting to Know the Substance
1-Butyl-2,3-Dimethylimidazolium Dihydrophosphate doesn’t roll off the tongue, but it’s popping up in labs focused on green chemistry and specialty solvents. This compound falls under the broad family of ionic liquids, which often get attention for unique properties: low volatility, decent thermal stability, and their knack for dissolving substances that stump traditional liquids.
Looking for Trouble Spots
Thinking back to my years in chemistry labs, every new chemical meant a quick search through Safety Data Sheets and published toxicity reports. For this one, answers remain slim, but not empty-handed. The structure hints at some common hazards you find in other ionic liquids. The butyl group could irritate skin if left unguarded. The imidazolium ring sometimes pops up in cytotoxicity screenings, with a handful of studies pointing out possible mild-to-moderate toxicity in aquatic environments.
It's important to keep the phosphate piece in mind. This part of the molecule won’t burn or flash up on you, but improper disposal could nudge up phosphate levels downstream—never a good idea with sensitive aquatic systems. Even if spills look harmless, they can turn into silent problems for lab wastewater over time.
My Practical Safety Rulebook
In the lab, gloves and goggles become second nature, even before the data comes in. I tell newcomers: treat unknowns with hearty respect. 1-Butyl-2,3-Dimethylimidazolium Dihydrophosphate calls for that approach. Even if it carries a “low volatility” flag, no one should skip the fume hood. Just because you can’t smell fumes doesn’t mean you’re in the clear — especially with ionic compounds, which have a way of making skin contact more likely than with old-school solvents.
Washing hands and work surfaces makes a difference. Ionic liquids love sticking to glassware, bench tops, gloves. We could toss a glove and find residue weeks later. Double-check containers after every use. That habit saved me headaches more than once, especially with liquids that seem clean and easy-going at first glance.
What the Experts Say
Journal papers point out that many imidazolium-based liquids cause eye and skin irritation in animal studies. A review published in Chemosphere in 2021 listed growing evidence for environmental persistence and moderate toxicity for related compounds. Yet, as with most new molecules, real-world toxicity data lag behind. Industry safety teams often treat these as “no direct handling” chemicals, using closed systems or automation whenever possible.
Smart Steps Forward
We need thorough safety testing for every new ionic liquid. Labs and companies should share detailed exposure reports, not just chemical specs. I found that open communication between researchers, purchasing teams, and environmental managers goes a long way—even the maintenance crew, who cleans the floors, deserves to know what splashed where.
Until more data rolls in, play it safe. Avoid skin and eye contact, suit up with gloves and goggles, keep bottles sealed and dispensing tools clean. Dispose through hazardous waste programs, not the sink. Keep spill kits ready for anything looking oily or sticky. Nobody regrets double-checking safety when the alternative is a trip to the doctor or worse, damage to the waterways outside.
Why Storage Habits for Chemical Ionic Liquids Matter More Than Labels Admit
Every chemist, lab manager, and safety officer picks up the wisdom eventually: respect your chemicals or pay the price. Even the most unassuming flask can throw a wrench into research, productivity, and safety when mishandled. That’s doubly true for ionic liquids like 1-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium dihydrophosphate. What seems stable at first glance—clear liquid, barely any smell, not much vapor—is still a specialized compound. Its quirks demand some attention beyond just shoving it onto a shelf labeled “Organics.”
Keeping Moisture and Air at Bay
This compound acts hygroscopic. Leave the cap off for a couple of hours on a humid afternoon, and water sneaks in, shifting weight and sometimes interfering with reactions or applications. That’s why tightly sealing containers after each use becomes second nature in most labs. Desiccators aren’t just for rare collectibles—silica gel packs or saturated potassium carbonate jars offer daily insurance against damp disasters.
Light and Temperature: Not All Shelves Are Equal
Even though 1-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium dihydrophosphate doesn’t break down the moment it meets daylight, fluorescent bulbs or sunlight accelerate photodegradation over time. Discoloration hints at possible changes in its structure, which impacts consistency and performance. Keeping stock in amber glass or opaque containers helps. Cool, steady temperatures—typically under 25°C—reduce the risk of slow decomposition. Most researchers stash these bottles in temperature-controlled storage cabinets, away from heating vents, ovens, or direct sunbeams streaming through a lab window.
Labeling: No Shortcuts Here
Anyone who’s tried to decipher a faded, peeling label knows why permanent ink and clear records matter. Date bottles on opening and track every transfer. I once lost several grams of rare ionic liquid because “white ionic liquid, Jan ’19” offered no help two years later. The time spent labeling always pays off, especially with a refrigerator full of similar-looking liquids.
Segregation: More Than Just a Guideline
Too many labs treat chemical compatibility as an afterthought. Mixing strong oxidizers with ionic liquids creates headache-inducing cleanups—sometimes worse. Store 1-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium dihydrophosphate away from acids, peroxides, and other reactive agents. Even accidental splashes risk producing unexpected byproducts. This isn’t just bureaucratic hygiene; I’ve seen open bottles of incompatible chemicals corrode through their secondary containment after a busy week left things poorly organized.
Access and Accountability
Tracking use might sound tedious, but fewer hands in the stockroom means fewer mysteries later. Restricted access sometimes feels excessive until someone notices the inventory off by one bottle. Electronic logging systems, though a pain to set up, make sense for rare or costly substances and save time.
Eye Toward the Future: Reuse and Waste
Disposal should never be an afterthought. Ionic liquids don’t belong down the drain. Many can be regenerated, re-distilled, or sent for specialized waste processing. Local regulations list these steps plainly. Ignoring them gets expensive. Spending an afternoon reading up on best practices from the supplier and local environmental office saves trouble. My old group once paid dearly for ignoring a new policy update—lessons learned stay with you.
Careful Storage Builds Respect—and Safer Research
Every bottle comes with a price, and every step around it reflects the kind of science practiced. Careful storage turns a bottle of 1-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium dihydrophosphate from just another hazard into a valuable tool, again and again. Professionalism starts with a label and a tightly closed cap—sometimes that makes all the difference.
The Straight Facts: Formula and CAS Number
Science depends on clear identification, especially in chemistry. 1-Butyl-2,3-Dimethylimidazolium Dihydrophosphate carries the molecular formula C9H20N2O4P. This identifier lays out every atom that shapes the salt’s structure. Each letter and number tells researchers exactly what to expect from this compound—room for confusion shrinks when you run into a formula as precise as this one. If you’re looking for the compound in databases or lab catalogs, its CAS number, 637040-33-6, acts like a chemical fingerprint. Every time someone orders, references, or handles the substance, this CAS number keeps research aligned and safe.
What’s Behind the Hype About Ionic Liquids?
Many folks in research see ionic liquids as game-changers. When I first hit the lab benches during my grad school days, what excited us the most about these salts was just how different they behaved compared to traditional solvents. 1-Butyl-2,3-Dimethylimidazolium Dihydrophosphate skips the volatility and flammability headache. You pour it out, and it almost refuses to evaporate. That means less risk in the lab and fewer environmental worries when scaling up chemical reactions. These liquids don’t shout attention in industrial headlines, but anyone who’s tried to work with stubborn, finicky, or even toxic volatile solvents gets why alternatives catch on so quickly.
What Sets This Molecule Apart?
Imidazolium-based ionic liquids stand out in separation chemistry, green synthesis, and catalysis. Their flexibility comes from swapping out both the cation and the anion. In the case of 1-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium as the cation and dihydrophosphate as the anion, researchers have noticed unique solubility traits and lower toxicity than many traditional ionic liquids. In industrial settings where safety and sustainability start to matter more, chemists want every advantage they can get. Less hazardous waste and easier cleanup speak volumes, not just to regulators but to anyone concerned about chemical exposure—including the people working the shifts.
Where Does Trust Come Into Play?
Manufacturers and researchers don’t just rely on generic names or a quick description scribbled on a bottle. The molecular formula proves what you have; the CAS number tells you it’s the right stuff. Mismatched labeling can waste hours or even put people in harm’s way. I’ve seen labs lose weeks chasing the wrong chemical because documentation didn’t match up. Earning trust in science means being right about the basics, before even thinking about global breakthroughs or process patents.
Moving Toward Solutions: Good Data, Better Practices
Regulatory frameworks like REACH in the EU and the Toxic Substances Control Act in the US demand transparency. Accurate labeling with molecular formulas and CAS numbers is not a burden—it’s a shield and a guide. Producers who skimp on this risk more than fines. They risk safety near the bench and confidence in their products. For those eager to take chemistry forward into safer, scalable solutions, keeping things clear and rigorous matters far more than chasing buzzwords. It builds the foundation for safer labs, cleaner reactions, and trust across continents.
