An Article on 1-Octyl-3-Methylimidazolium Hexafluorophosphate
Historical Development
Long before ionic liquids picked up attention in laboratories and green chemistry circles, researchers looked for solvents that leave behind volatile emissions and safety hazards typical of traditional options. The story of 1-Octyl-3-Methylimidazolium Hexafluorophosphate, better known in short as OMIM PF6, starts in the late 20th century, when chemists began tuning imidazolium-based salts as alternatives to harsh, evaporative solvents. The addition of long alkyl chains, like the octyl group in OMIM, grew out of trial-and-error efforts to broaden the liquid’s temperature range, tune hydrophobicity, and create solvents that survive recycling and rigorous reaction conditions. The PF6 counterion entered through both performance trials and safety concerns, balancing chemical stability, handling ease, and reduced water solubility without fragile bonds.
Product Overview
OMIM PF6 lands squarely in the camp of room-temperature ionic liquids with a signature combination: fluid, nearly colorless or pale yellow, carrying a distinctive viscosity and almost no vapor pressure. It often ships in airtight bottles, thanks to its penchant for picking up water from humid air, and comes marketed under a string of names and supplier labels. Commercially pure OMIM PF6 promises a clear absence of volatile organic impurities, levering its role as solvent and electrolyte in synthetic chemistry and new-materials work. The chemical features a one-size-fits-many backbone for research teams working on organic synthesis, catalysis, electrochemistry, and separation processes.
Physical & Chemical Properties
Look at OMIM PF6 through a basic physical lens: the liquid pours with noticeable thickness, much heavier than water, clocking in with a density around 1.1–1.2 g/cm3. Temperatures from -80 °C to 200 °C keep it liquid, though the range narrows if contaminants creep in. The molecule’s high ionic strength and polarity soak up polar and nonpolar solutes, helping dissolve tough-to-solvate materials and boosting reactivity for ionic and radical chemistry. Its electric conductivity outpaces many traditional solvents; OMIM PF6 resists charge breakdown and keeps a steady electrochemical window—an asset for battery and industrial cell researchers. Handling always calls for care, because the hexafluorophosphate anion decomposes in harsh acid or heat, potentially releasing toxic products.
Technical Specifications & Labeling
Bottles of OMIM PF6 often display specifications describing purity by NMR, halide content, residual water (measured by Karl Fischer titration), and thermal stability. NMR spectra show sharp, clean signals if the product meets typical standards of 99% or higher purity. Supplier safety data sheets flag essential hazard details, specific gravity, melting point (usually well below zero), and exact structure for regulatory compliance—covering GHS/REACH labeling, storage recommendations, and emergency guidance. Scientists trust clear labeling to cross-check every batch against published safety, reactivity, and purity requirements.
Preparation Method
A common route for making OMIM PF6 draws on straightforward synthesis: start with 1-methylimidazole and 1-chlorooctane. Under reflux, vigorous stirring, and a dry, inert atmosphere, the alkylation reaction delivers 1-Octyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride. A subsequent ion exchange with potassium hexafluorophosphate, typically dissolved in water, swaps the chloride for PF6-. Purification involves multiple water washes, repeated solvent extractions, and careful drying—steps crucial for removing unwanted halides, free imidazole, and hydrolyzed PF6 byproducts. Scaling up introduces extra hurdles, including cost, disposal of aqueous byproducts, and reduction of residual metal content from reagents.
Chemical Reactions & Modifications
Chemists rarely use OMIM PF6 without pushing its boundaries through reactions or tuning its structure. The basic imidazolium scaffold allows for replacing the octyl chain, adding new side groups, or switching counterions for alternative ionic liquids. Catalytic activity often pairs with OMIM PF6 as both solvent and reaction medium; its noncoordinating PF6 ion can stabilize transition states in coupling reactions, oxidations, and phase transfer catalysis. In material science, OMIM PF6 modifies the surface properties of nanoparticles and helps disperse metal, oxide, and organic fillers. Researchers have also used OMIM PF6 to boost extraction efficiency for alkaloids and heavy metals out of plant materials or contaminated samples—a feat unimaginable with classic organic solvents.
Synonyms & Product Names
A few aliases crowd chemical inventories and catalogs: [OMIM][PF6], 1-methyl-3-octylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, C8MIM PF6, and CAS Number 307496-04-8 flag the same compound. Commercial listings may show versions under "ionic liquid 8", "IL 108", or combinations of abbreviations. Brand labeling varies, often dictated by manufacturer supply chains or in-house standardization. For regulatory submissions or patent claims, the full IUPAC identifier ensures legal and scientific clarity.
Safety & Operational Standards
Despite OMIM PF6 lacking the vapor and flash risks of ordinary organic solvents, it doesn’t offer a free pass on safety. Laboratory work always excludes open flames or strong acids, which speed PF6 breakdown and risk liberation of phosphorus and fluoride. Accidental skin exposure demands prompt washing and medical attention in case of allergic or delayed reactions. Waste disposal procedures follow regional rules for halogen- and phosphorus-containing chemicals, since aquatic and soil toxicity data remain incomplete. Safety goggles, nitrile gloves, and well-ventilated hoods form the frontline of day-to-day handling. Manufacturers continue to refine process safety and labeling in response to toxicology insights and ever-tighter workplace regulations.
Application Area
OMIM PF6 found a foothold in green chemistry as an answer to the search for solvency without volatility. Electrochemists use it in supercapacitors and lithium battery cells for its high ionic conductivity and wide electrochemical window—traits that drive advances in safer, higher-performance energy devices. Synthetic organic chemists run coupling, substitution, and isomerization reactions in OMIM PF6, aiming for higher yields and better selectivity compared to traditional solvents. Extraction specialists rely on its solvating power for environmental purification, separating rare metals, and isolating pharmaceuticals from complex mixtures. Industrial separations, enzyme-catalyzed reactions, and nanotechnology applications continue drawing on OMIM PF6 to cut down waste, boost efficiency, and open new technical routes unworkable with water or hydrocarbons.
Research & Development
Active research tracks OMIM PF6 performance across scales and industries, mapping out successes and shortcomings. Lab-based teams tweak the imidazolium and anion structure for specialty tasks and price cuts, aiming to resolve long-standing issues like limited biodegradability and toxin release under severe conditions. Consortiums explore OMIM PF6 mixtures for sensing, biomedical, tribology, and gas separation applications, pulling expertise from both academia and private sector labs. Keeping pace with rising demand, pilot-scale and ton-scale production projects experiment with greener synthesis, closed-loop recycling, and process intensification to slash costs and environmental footprints. Peer-reviewed studies publish findings on catalytic activity changes, electrochemical performance, and alternative anions, giving the broader chemistry community a roadmap for customizing future generations of this ionic liquid.
Toxicity Research
Regulatory and environmental scientists continue to scrutinize OMIM PF6’s toxicity and ecological fingerprint. Laboratory results suggest moderate acute toxicity toward aquatic life, especially when compared to conventional solvents like toluene or acetonitrile, but uncertainties surround chronic effects, breakdown products, and the fate of PF6 under environmental stressors. studies indicate imidazolium-based ionic liquids, including OMIM PF6, disrupt cell membranes in some microbial assays and cause changes in enzyme function, underlining a potential for bioaccumulation. Recent work explores both predictive toxicology models and real-world spill case reviews, underlining a simple rule: treat OMIM PF6 with the same respect as older, proven-hazardous chemicals by limiting exposure, careful waste stream management, and dedicated cleanup plans. Moving forward, quick test kits for residual PF6 and metabolites in soil or water may help close remaining gaps in toxicological understanding.
Future Prospects
The future of OMIM PF6 connects deeply with the needs of sustainable manufacturing, smarter chemistry, and safer materials. Regulatory pressure and improved hazard awareness will push for alternatives or modifications that balance process performance with environmental stewardship. The drive for circular chemistry and cradle-to-grave product responsibility points to research on more benign counterions, faster degradation pathways, and efficient recovery. Markets for specialty solvents, green catalysis, and battery electrolytes could expand with breakthroughs in synthesis, toxicity management, and downstream purification technologies. Stakeholders from industry, academia, and policy will shape OMIM PF6’s role in upcoming research, always matching benefits with rigorous safety and lifecycle analysis as part of the standard scientific playbook.
Getting to Know Its Chemical Structure
1-Octyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate belongs to a group called ionic liquids. These compounds attract attention for both their stability and their unique make-up. When looking at its structure, it contains two key parts.
The first part is the cation. You see a ring, known as an imidazolium. One of imidazolium's nitrogen atoms holds a methyl group, and the other side hangs onto an octyl chain—eight carbons long and fully saturated. Chemists often call this the [C8mim]+ group. The second part brings us to the anion: hexafluorophosphate, written as PF6-. Six fluorine atoms surround a phosphorus atom, forming a remarkably stable, symmetrical structure.
You end up with a salt-like pairing: a bulky, non-volatile cation combined with a robust anion. Instead of forming hard crystals, this pairing usually gives rise to a clear liquid at room temperature. That’s not something you see every day.
Why Its Structure Matters in Real Life
This molecular make-up grants 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate several properties you won’t find in more common chemicals. The imidazolium ring, paired with that long octyl chain, resists evaporation even under heat, leading to extremely low vapor pressure. The hexafluorophosphate anion resists breakdown, so this compound stays stable both in air and in reaction mixtures.
In my early days working with organic extractions, handling volatile organic solvents made things stressful—they smelled, they evaporated, you worried about fires. When 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate appeared as an alternative, it promised not only extra safety but a better environmental footprint. Ionic liquids like this one don’t catch fire nearly as easily, don’t create toxic fumes, and can even dissolve stubborn materials other solvents can’t touch.
Applications and Daily Impact
Refineries, research labs, and even some innovative battery manufacturers look for solvents that won’t escape into the air or break down under pressure. This is where this ionic liquid shines. Chemists reach for it during catalytic reactions—for instance, when running an alkylation or trying to separate out metal ions through liquid-liquid extraction.
In batteries, this compound shows off again. Electrolytes made from ionic liquids tend to last much longer. I remember testing early prototypes of lithium-ion cells. The old, flammable solvents burned out quickly and presented clear dangers. Solutions containing 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate let us push batteries harder, stretch out their lifespan, and sleep easier at night.
Challenges and Paths Forward
The benefits are clear, yet a few hurdles remain. Large-scale production still comes at a significant price, mainly because synthesizing these ionic liquids isn’t always straightforward. Waste management also matters—although these liquids don’t vaporize, recycling them can tax current systems. I’ve seen more labs collecting and cleaning ionic liquids for reuse, but the process eats up both time and energy.
Tackling these obstacles means investing in greener, more cost-effective synthesis. Researchers have started to explore renewable feedstocks and less wasteful reactions. Collaboration between industry and academia contributes fresh ideas for recapturing used ionic liquids without racking up more chemical waste.
Careful attention to the full life cycle of the compound—from lab bench to disposal—determines whether its impact lives up to the promise. The right approach can unlock a new generation of processes, products, and materials powered by ionic liquids like 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate.
Beyond Lab Curiosity: Real Uses of a Modern Ionic Liquid
Most people never hear about 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate in daily life, but this ionic liquid shapes more than just chemistry lab shelves. The story starts with innovation. Longtime solvents like acetone do their job, but they catch fire far too easily. In electrochemistry, a solvent without flammability and with high ionic conductivity brings fresh opportunities, especially for safer batteries. That’s where this ionic liquid stands out.
Over the past decade, demand for longer-lasting lithium batteries has only grown. Engineers push for higher capacity and safer cells in devices, electric cars, and energy storage equipment. Flammable solvents have been a weak link. 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate delivers a stable electrolyte with almost no vapor pressure, making batteries less likely to catch fire or degrade with time. Researchers find the liquid stays stable under high-voltage conditions, which opens up creative designs for the next generation of rechargeable batteries.
Chemists have turned to this compound to clean up chemical processes, too. Traditional solvents spill, evaporate, and often end up in the air or water. This ionic liquid barely evaporates and can be recycled with ease. In my own research, swapping outdated solvents for this ionic liquid helped cut down exposure in the lab and produced higher yields. The liquid’s ability to dissolve both organic and inorganic compounds simplifies phase separation in extraction, turning tedious multistep reactions into a single pot. Some pharmaceutical projects have shaved weeks off syntheses by using it. That translates to quicker, cleaner drug development. Companies such as BASF and Merck have explored these benefits for years, especially in pilot-scale pharma projects.
1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate also grabs attention in environmental science. Water treatment plants work through mountains of industrial wastewater, and this ionic liquid has proven efficient in pulling out toxic heavy metals. Its selectivity for metals like lead and mercury makes it more than a simple chemical curiosity. I’ve watched small-scale setups reduce contamination by more than half without producing nasty by-products, a big shift from older extraction methods.
In the field of organic synthesis, this compound’s tuneable polarity and low volatility help drive tough chemical transformations. Catalysts dissolved in it don’t degrade quickly, which means reactions can run longer, giving higher overall conversion rates. For green chemistry advocates, the shift toward recyclable reaction media reduces waste at the source. Research studies such as those published in Green Chemistry and ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering showcase hundredfold reductions in process waste compared to traditional solvents.
Not every application gets the green light. Some ionic liquids create their own toxicity headaches, especially the PF6 portion in this molecule. Responsible labs track potential breakdown products and have clear guidelines for disposal. The price, still higher than mass-market solvents, keeps use limited to specific processes where gains in safety and recyclability matter. Large manufacturers have the resources to invest in recovery systems, which helps scale up more sustainably.
Big jumps forward in green chemistry depend on materials working in the real world—not just on paper. 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate stands out as a tool that addresses practical problems in battery tech, cleaner synthesis, and pollution remedy. Widespread awareness and investment will determine how fast these gains take hold outside research labs.
Why Solubility Matters
You never really notice what a big deal solubility is until you work in a chemistry lab—not just for scientists, but for anyone who relies on chemical processes that underpin everything from clean energy to drug manufacturing. The compound 1-Octyl-3-Methylimidazolium Hexafluorophosphate, often called an “ionic liquid,” stands out because of its unique properties. It’s not just about dissolving things; it’s about changing the rules for separation, extraction, and even catalysis. Years spent battling with stubborn solvents have shown me: pick the right one, and suddenly tricky processes run smoother.
What Happens in Water
Drop this ionic liquid in water and you’ll see a divide. Its long hydrocarbon chain resists mixing. Solubility numbers hover at only a few milligrams per liter. This low solubility isn’t just a nuisance; it shapes how the solvent attracts or repels different molecules. In the lab, that poor water solubility helps when you want to keep organic materials away from water, like during extraction of metal ions or organics from waste streams. Anyone who’s tried to wash it down the drain will notice the slick layer floating at the top—it clings together, refusing to surrender to dilution.
How It Mixes with Organic Solvents
Move over to organic solvents like dichloromethane, chloroform, or acetone, and the story flips. This ionic liquid loves these environments owing to its long hydrocarbon tail. In my experience, it mixes easily, with almost unlimited solubility in most non-polar to moderately polar solvents. That means a researcher can easily adjust concentrations, run reactions, or pull selective extractions without constantly worrying about phase separation. Experiments in the lab get less unpredictable: transfers go cleaner, and recovery gets easier.
Why Chemists Care About These Numbers
Solubility changes how well a job gets done. Imagine trying to extract precious metals from an electronics waste stream and finding your extraction liquid staying stuck in a solid block at the bottom of your flask; all the value sits out of reach. Or picture scaling up a reaction, only to discover your solvents don’t blend, creating bottlenecks that kill efficiency. Chemists who don’t check the basic compatibility of their ionic liquid end up wasting days troubleshooting, sometimes losing whole batches of product.
What Science Tells Us
Peer-reviewed studies show 1-Octyl-3-Methylimidazolium Hexafluorophosphate holds to this pattern reliably. Its partition coefficient between water and octanol hovers high, confirming its preference for organic media. Scientists have measured consistent results in multiple labs—consistency that often feels rare these days.
Making Solubility Work for Industry
What do you do with this knowledge? Industries can design extraction schemes that lower energy costs, cut down on waste, and recover expensive materials more efficiently. Pharma companies, in particular, find value by using these ionic liquids to finely tune the solubility of drugs and intermediates; sometimes a barely soluble drug ingredient wins new life when paired with a better solvent. Facing tighter environmental and safety regulations, companies appreciate knowing where a solvent will end up, especially if it resists dissolving in water and might persist in the environment. Good solubility data helps teams design recycling or waste-treatment pathways that work.
Pushing Toward Better Solutions
There’s still work ahead. Some researchers see promise in tweaking the ionic liquid’s makeup, adding functional groups or substitutes to improve water solubility if needed. Others are looking at hybrid solvent systems, mixing a pinch of ionic liquid with standard solvents to balance low toxicity, low evaporation, and predictable solubility behaviors. With environmental impact creeping higher on everyone’s radar, the smart move is to combine hands-on lab trials with ongoing toxicity testing—whether in industry or academia—before jumping into new applications.
Understanding the Risks
Handling 1-Octyl-3-Methylimidazolium Hexafluorophosphate in any form asks for real attention to detail. After years in laboratory spaces and seeing both the best and worst safety habits, I’ve learned that the smallest lapses can catch up fast. This chemical doesn’t just look intimidating on a label—it brings hazards into any workspace, especially since it belongs to the imidazolium ionic liquid family and contains hexafluorophosphate, a group known for bringing both benefits and risks. Exposure through skin, inhalation, or accidental ingestion can produce a range of health effects, from irritation to more serious issues. So, it’s smart to respect its potential.
Personal Protective Equipment Always Comes First
Splash goggles go on before the cap comes off the bottle. I grab a lab coat and make sure my gloves aren’t torn—nitrile stands up best. Some colleagues try latex, which just doesn’t cut it for this job. Even routine weighing or bottle transfers should involve gloves and goggles, and always with shoes covering the foot, no open toes. A lot of these details sound obvious, but folks cut corners, thinking nothing will go wrong until it does. Isolation of work by using a chemical fume hood helps keep any vapors or accidental spills out of the nose and lungs. Direct handling outside a hood builds unnecessary risk, so I stick to my routine there, especially since hexafluorophosphate can break down and create dangerous gases around acids or moisture.
Ventilation and Storage Matter
Getting complacent with ventilation can change a routine day fast. In my experience, even a small spill can release odors or, worse, invisible vapors, so keeping a constant flow and using a certified chemical fume hood pays off. Air circulation protects everyone in the lab, not just the person working at the bench. When it comes to storage, chemical compatibility charts become my guide. This compound finds a cool, dry spot away from any acids or reactive metals. Moisture turns it unpredictable, so containers need solid seals and maybe even some desiccant packs for extra insurance. Proper labeling isn’t just about following rules—it helps everyone steer clear of mix-ups.
Spills and Waste: No Shortcuts
Spills happen, even with the best habits. I keep a chemical spill kit within arm’s reach—preferably one with high absorbency and tools for safe cleanup. After mopping up, all contaminated towels, gloves, and absorbent go straight into proper chemical waste containers. Flushing this chemical down the drain isn’t just reckless, it’s illegal and risks the local water supply. Colleagues and I work out a clear plan with the hazardous waste team, arranging pick-up and disposal so nothing sits around longer than necessary.
Training and Support
New lab members don’t jump into working with this compound without shadowing someone experienced. Training isn’t a formality—everyone needs to see spill response practiced live and walk through the steps themselves. Emergency showers and eyewashes should sit within reach, and no one assumes the next person checked them—they get tested regularly. Communication stands out as a cornerstone: whenever an unusual smell or minor leak turns up, reporting matters more than saving face. Noticing a headache or skin tingling after exposure? I tell my supervisor right away instead of pushing through.
Why These Habits Matter
Accidents in chemical settings rarely come from a single error—they add up from skipped steps and unequal respect for the tools and substances involved. Handling 1-Octyl-3-Methylimidazolium Hexafluorophosphate, I bring the same focus each time, knowing that good habits don’t just protect me; they look out for everyone on shift. The real solution doesn’t hide in regulations or warnings—it lives in the daily choices and conversations we carry through every task.
Why Care About Storage?
Lab life revolves around keeping chemicals safe, stable, and pure. Leaving things to chance with a compound like 1-Octyl-3-Methylimidazolium Hexafluorophosphate (OMIM PF6) puts both results and safety at risk. This ionic liquid sees use as a solvent and electrolyte, but it faces a real problem—moisture and light. My days working with ionic liquids have taught me that even one missed step in storage can spoil weeks of effort.
Risk From Moisture
Most folks overlook just how hungry OMIM PF6 gets for water in the air. It doesn’t just soak up humidity; it starts breaking down, sometimes creating corrosive byproducts like hydrofluoric acid. I made the mistake once of popping open a vial outside the glove box. Results: cloudiness, a ruined batch, and a terrible smell that took days to clear. To keep this from happening, the smartest move is sealing the compound tightly. Glass vials with PTFE-lined caps work well, but that’s just starter advice. For long-term storage, add desiccants. My lab swears by silica gel or activated molecular sieves—ammo against water that lets OMIM PF6 do its job without surprises.
Shielding From Light and Air
Even indirect light whittles away at OMIM PF6 over time. The ions don’t like UV exposure, so an ordinary clear jar won’t cut it. I switched to amber or aluminum bottles, and my yields improved. It’s not about cosmetics—light, especially in storage rooms with big windows, kicks off slow decomposition. Add in oxygen, and you’ve got another villain. Air brings in moisture and can react, so nitrogen blanketing—purging the vial of air before sealing—is not just for fancy organic chemists. That one extra step spares your next synthesis a lot of trouble.
Keep It Cool
Many think temperature matters only for perishable drugs, but heat wears down OMIM PF6 too. At room temperature, small reactions thrive, but extended storage can set off cation hydrolysis or anion leaks. I like to tuck my samples away at 2–8°C, keeping them cold but above freezing. Freezers seem tempting, though glass cracks under thermal stress, and this makes for messy accidents. So I stick with a reliable fridge, far from the back where moisture gets trapped.
Label Everything
Clear labeling is a real lifesaver. In my own practice, every bottle gets a date, source, and who prepped it. If something changes color or separates, you know exactly how old it is and what went wrong. I’ve seen more than one technician grab an unlabeled bottle, only to find out too late that the compound was months old and degraded. Quality falters when records fade.
What Works In Real Labs
I won’t pretend small labs always have the latest climate-controlled cabinets, but consistency means more than fancy gear. Storing OMIM PF6 in dry, cool, dark places, protected from air and light, wins every time. Take these steps: use the right containers, purge with inert gas, add desiccants, keep cool, and label with care. That’s how you keep research honest and results repeatable. Simple habits do more than shine up your lab—they protect your work from the slow chaos of time and chemistry.
