1-Vinyl-3-Ethylimidazolium Dicyanamide: Commentary and Insight
Historical Development
Decades ago, chemists realized that shifting away from conventional organic solvents could open new avenues in sustainable chemistry. Their hunch about ionic liquids gave rise to a class of substances with both laboratory and industrial impact. The discovery and subsequent tuning of 1-vinyl-3-ethylimidazolium dicyanamide reflect that ongoing search for better performing, less volatile, and less toxic alternatives. Researchers at the end of the 20th century combined the imidazolium backbone with dicyanamide anion, aiming to unlock physical and chemical behavior that would not show up in classic organic or aqueous phases. This compound represents the fruits of trial and error, showing what happens when chemical intuition meets persistent experimentation. Early papers charted the subtleties of its synthesis and environmental promise, noting that both universities and industry players saw the advantage of such emerging materials, especially as green chemistry took off worldwide. This chemical’s story echoes broader changes in chemistry—away from old paradigms and toward innovation fueled by practical need.
Product Overview
This ionic liquid, usually abbreviated as [VEIm][DCA], usually stands out among imidazolium-based species. Its structure features a vinyl group on the ring paired with an ethyl chain, both balancing out the cation’s charge and modulating how it interacts with solvents and solutes. Dicyanamide’s small size and electron-rich nature allow it to act as more than just a counterion; it actively shapes viscosity, melting point, and solvating power. Researchers like how it behaves in room temperature conditions, forming stable, low-volatility liquids that rarely ignite or corrode like their traditional cousins. Whether in the lab or process plant, this chemical finds its niche thanks to these specific features.
Physical & Chemical Properties
1-Vinyl-3-ethylimidazolium dicyanamide, true to its ionic liquid class, resists easy vaporization and brings a high degree of thermal stability to the table. It typically appears as a clear or pale yellow liquid under standard conditions, flowing more freely than some thicker ionic liquids. The dicyanamide anion drops the melting point and keeps the viscosity manageable, even at lower temperatures. This lower viscosity matters for mixing, transport, and efficient heat exchange. On the chemical side, its imidazolium core gives it a solid resistance to moderate acids and bases, but it doesn’t mix well with strong oxidizers. Its vinyl group allows for further chemical tweaking, something that has proven invaluable for customizing its properties. Many analytical reports peg its water solubility at moderate to high, depending on exact chain length and temperature, adding to its versatility across application spaces.
Technical Specifications & Labeling
Any reliable catalog entry for 1-vinyl-3-ethylimidazolium dicyanamide lists purity above 98%, water content below 0.5%, and clear chromatographic profiles free of major impurities. Users expect suppliers to provide molecular weight, density, refractive index, and pH range alongside these basic numbers. While some brands market minor tweaks in alkyl chain length or anion ratio, documentation and safety sheets always need to flag the potential for hydrolysis under very acidic or basic conditions. Labels normally caution about inhalation and skin contact, reflecting a cautious approach rather than documented high toxicity. Most lab suppliers also highlight compliance with REACH or similar chemical management laws, pairing product consistency with regulatory reassurance.
Preparation Method
Lab protocols generally mix 1-vinylimidazole with ethylating agents—commonly ethyl bromide or ethyl chloride—in an anhydrous environment, using solvents like acetonitrile or toluene to keep water away. The resulting 1-vinyl-3-ethylimidazolium salt, once isolated, swaps out its initial halide anion with sodium or potassium dicyanamide in a classic metathesis reaction. Post-reaction workup typically washes out unreacted salts and organics, and drying steps ensure low water content. This stepwise, modular process explains the product’s reliability and the relative ease with which chemists can scale up or modify the synthesis.
Chemical Reactions & Modifications
The vinyl group on the imidazolium cation opens doors for polymerization and other modification reactions under mild conditions. Researchers often use radical initiators to link these molecules, creating functionalized polymeric ionic liquids. Such transformations often preserve the unique solvation and conductivity properties of the parent liquid. On the other hand, both the imidazolium ring and the dicyanamide moiety resist hydrolysis, giving the final product stability across a wide pH range. Electrophilic additions or substitutions usually target the vinyl handle, allowing users to add more diversity. Other chemical variations on the core structure, like different alkyl or aryl substitutions, can fine-tune solubility, viscosity, or thermal limits depending on the application.
Synonyms & Product Names
In most catalogs and databases, this chemical comes up as 1-vinyl-3-ethylimidazolium dicyanamide, [VEIm][DCA], or simply vinyl ethyl imidazolium dicyanamide. Variations on the name simply shift the order of substituents or abbreviate the anion. Some publications reference it as VEtIm DCA; others might cite it by its registry number. Every supplier worth their salt uses cross-references for these alternate terms, simplifying searches and ordering across international markets.
Safety & Operational Standards
While studies show this ionic liquid to be less flammable and less prone to explosion compared to traditional organic solvents, that doesn’t mean throwing caution to the wind. Direct skin contact can lead to irritation, and inhaling airborne droplets never bodes well for the lungs. Most labs insist on gloves and goggles, with adequate local ventilation. Spills need absorbent materials, not water, due to slight hydrolytic potential in rare cases. Waste handling calls for storage in labeled, sealed containers, away from acids and oxidizers. Industry standards encourage closed systems in larger facilities, minimizing vapor and direct operator exposure. These guidelines not only reflect good practice but also respect for workers and the environment.
Application Area
1-vinyl-3-ethylimidazolium dicyanamide shows up in some of the more exciting corners of modern chemistry. Electrochemists see potential in batteries and supercapacitors, where its ionic conductivity and low volatility help stabilize interfaces and boost charge transfer. Polymer scientists latch onto its role as a monomer for crafting functionalized plastics, ranging from membranes for separations to antimicrobial coatings. In organic synthesis, it dissolves both polar and nonpolar compounds with surprising ease, leading some to try it as a green solvent or catalyst medium. Environmental engineers take note of how it can extract heavy metals or other toxins in remediation schemes. The combination of high thermal stability, adjustable solubility, and chemical robustness keeps the doors open for new processes and applications.
Research & Development
Universities and corporate labs keep pushing at the boundaries of what this ionic liquid can accomplish. Some research groups test new ways to tune viscosity and polarity by swapping out ions or tweaking side chains, all to fit very specific needs—energy storage, pharmaceutical separation, or advanced reaction media. Spectroscopic work digs into how solutes interact with the cation and anion pair, and computational chemists model these systems to predict entirely new families of liquids. Green chemistry initiatives keep returning to ionic liquids like this one, citing record-low emissions and the chance to recycle or degrade the products after their first use. Funding agencies love the cross-disciplinary angle, from physics to biology, because solutions here ripple out into countless sectors.
Toxicity Research
Safety always matters. Studies show that 1-vinyl-3-ethylimidazolium dicyanamide generally produces less acute toxicity than rival solvents, but no chemical deserves blind trust. Some reports point to moderate aquatic toxicity, emphasizing careful handling in wastewater scenarios. Chronic exposure studies for lab staff and industries still need more data, especially for those working in manufacturing plants. Animal model research suggests that while dermal and inhalation risks exist, the thresholds fall well above normal handling concentrations. Regulatory watchers urge regular updates based on the latest findings, just as they do with any specialty chemical moving toward mainstream use. Good ventilation, personal protective equipment, and containment measures prevent most problems before they start.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, the drive for cleaner energy and safer chemical processes almost guarantees continued interest in this ionic liquid. Advances in battery tech, especially those hunting for non-flammable electrolytes with wide voltage stability, promise demand for such tunable materials. As the rules tighten on volatile organic compounds and hazardous chemicals in both Europe and Asia, heyday for low-emission, recyclable solvents seems likely. Some companies see opportunities in recycling spent ionic liquids for second-life applications, further shrinking the overall environmental impact. Researchers envision designer molecules tailored for everything from synthetic biology to carbon capture, building on the groundwork that 1-vinyl-3-ethylimidazolium dicyanamide already laid. This compound already pulled ahead of older solvents thanks to real-world needs, and that trend looks set to continue as more minds get to work on its future roles.
Quiet Workhorse of the Lab
Some chemicals attract attention for their dangerous edge or headline-making power. Others, like 1-vinyl-3-ethylimidazolium dicyanamide, work in the background and prove their value through reliable results. Chemists and engineers reach for this ionic liquid because it stands up to demanding tasks without fuss. The unique combination of its imidazolium core and dicyanamide anion shapes its role as a trusted helper in a range of technical fields.
Solvent for an Eco-Conscious World
Solvents make up a huge portion of the chemical waste stream. Anybody who’s stepped into a university lab has run into mountains of spent acetone or toluene. The push to cleaner alternatives has pushed researchers to invest energy into ionic liquids. 1-Vinyl-3-ethylimidazolium dicyanamide isn’t just a greener alternative; it gets the job done with fewer emissions. It dissolves stubborn polymers and cellulose where water falls flat. This matters in the pulp, paper, and textile industries where the goal is to cut pollution without soaking up profits.
Electrochemistry: Energy Storage and Beyond
Building a greener grid calls for safer and more efficient batteries. Outdated lithium-ion cells rely on volatile liquids that can catch fire or degrade inside devices. Chemists have looked to this ionic liquid to serve as an electrolyte in batteries and supercapacitors. Its wide electrochemical stability window means electrons can flow freely, pushing energy density to new heights. Devices run longer, last more years, and reduce risk. Research has shown promising improvements in prototype cells, and the next few years look set to move these blends closer to mass production.
Removing Toxins and Recovering Metals
For anyone who has seen industrial waste pour into rivers or remembered a time when mercury or lead poisoning made the news, safer solutions stick out. 1-Vinyl-3-ethylimidazolium dicyanamide grabs onto heavy metal ions, helping trap and separate toxins like lead, cadmium, and mercury from water. Water treatment plants and mining companies find it effective in pilot studies, and the design makes recycling possible—creating less secondary pollution. In metal extraction, the ionic liquid targets precious metals, helping refine ores with smaller environmental footprints than classic acid-leaching approaches.
Pushing Chemistry Research Forward
Getting complex molecules to form bonds in the right places is tough. This ionic liquid acts both as a cleaner solvent and a catalyst for reactions that trip up with traditional methods. Pharmaceutical startups want cleaner syntheses that don’t produce as many byproducts. Materials scientists use it to shape conductive polymers for new types of sensors or solar panels. Students in synthetic chemistry labs find that this compound helps them test cutting-edge ideas—giving practical breakthroughs a realistic shot at scaling up.
Looking Ahead: Broadening Access and Sustainability
None of this matters if costs spiral or if the production of the ionic liquid itself causes harm. Green chemists call for lifecycle studies: how well does this approach stack up for real-world use, not just in bench-top experiments? Scaling up supply without toxic byproducts is key. If suppliers and manufacturers work together, prices can fall and more industries can adopt safer cycles. Staying honest about trade-offs, sharing data openly, and training workers on safe use remain ongoing concerns.
Understanding the Chemical
1-Vinyl-3-ethylimidazolium dicyanamide sits in the family of ionic liquids. These chemicals offer low volatility and promise safer processing in some applications, especially compared to classic organic solvents. Their tunable properties attract researchers. Industry uses ionic liquids for catalysis, electrochemistry, and separating tricky materials. For lab work, they can cut down on fire risk since so many are not easy to ignite. At the same time, a chemical's newness can keep its dangers hidden until someone gets sick or environmental testing uncovers fallout.
Digging Into Toxicity
Direct research on the toxicity of 1-vinyl-3-ethylimidazolium dicyanamide lacks solid, long-term studies in people or animals. Some data exist for related imidazolium compounds. These have shown moderate concern: they can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Chronic exposure—even at low levels—raises the stress on liver and kidney function in some test cases. Dicyanamide, as an anion, can break down into cyanide under the right conditions. Cyanide is notorious for blocking cellular respiration in both people and animals.
That possibility cannot go ignored. The vinyl group attached to the imidazolium ring also deserves scrutiny. Vinyl groups offer points for reactivity, which may lead to toxic metabolites inside a biological system. Over a career handling these materials in industrial settings, I have learned to trust those with experience: laboratory chemists and process safety specialists demand robust ventilation and strong gloves, not out of habit but out of past lessons learned the hard way. Subtle symptoms—like headaches or nausea—can slip under the radar, especially in spaces with poor airflow.
Environmental Concerns
The environmental profile matters almost as much as health risks. Some ionic liquids claim to be "green" since they barely evaporate, keeping them out of the air. Disposal often gets lumped in with general non-volatile waste—which can lead to chemicals being dumped down the drain. Dicyanamide ion doesn’t degrade readily in water or soil, passing through treatment plants and landing downstream. Studies on fish and aquatic insects suggest some imidazolium salts disrupt membranes and enzyme systems, hurting survival and reproduction. This echoes findings with other mysterious lab chemicals: slow build-up turns minor contamination into a headache for regulators and clean-up crews down the line.
Handling and Safety Practices
Industry guidelines lean conservative here. Assume any ionic liquid in this class should be handled with the full suite of personal protective equipment—nitrile gloves, lab coats, splash-proof goggles. See a spill on a lab bench, and you mop up with absorbent pads, then bag the waste as hazardous for proper disposal. Engineering controls such as fume hoods or closed systems should stand between worker and vapor. Emergencies rarely announce themselves with a bang or odor; a slow leak or unexpected reaction causes real trouble. Always check for up-to-date safety data sheets, and if unanswered questions pop up, experienced toxicologists or industrial hygienists help fill in the gaps.
Better Solutions Going Forward
Safer chemistries demand two things: more transparency in testing and wider sharing of data. Chemical companies should fund studies that move past short-term irritation and dig into chronic outcomes—including indirect effects on wild ecosystems. For working scientists, swapping in less reactive ions or switching to bio-based solvents when possible trims down risk. As a community, reaching for safer alternatives or innovating with benign substances pays off down the line—in both health and reputation. One strong lesson from decades on the job: never trust a new material more than the evidence justifies. If questions stick around, take the cautious route, protect people, protect water, and watch the early warning signs.
Why Storage Conditions Matter
If you’ve worked with chemicals, you already know one thing—sloppy storage cuts the shelf life and makes your lab a lot less safe. 1-Vinyl-3-Ethylimidazolium Dicyanamide belongs on the shelf with other ionic liquids: low volatility, but the story doesn’t end there. The dicyanamide anion brings a dash of extra reactivity, especially with moisture and oxidizers.
Store this one in airtight, chemical-resistant containers. I usually reach for glass bottles with good seals or high-quality plastic. Steer clear of containers that might react with nitrile or imidazole groups, like low-grade plastics or metals. Moisture in the air can trigger slow decomposition—water sneaks into the compound and kicks off reactions you’d rather avoid, especially if you need purity for catalysis or electrochemistry. Keep the storage space dry, with humidity as close to zero as possible.
Focus on Temperature & Light
Heat wrecks more chemicals than most folks realize. 1-Vinyl-3-Ethylimidazolium Dicyanamide needs a cool, stable environment. Room temperature generally works, but warmer climates or crowded storerooms can push things past the comfortable zone. Direct sunlight boosts the risk of breakdown, especially if your container lets in UV rays. Stick your bottles in a dark cabinet or wrap them in lightproof material.
One summer, I left a similar imidazolium compound on a window shelf. Three weeks later, the liquid had yellowed and picked up impurities—so don’t cut corners with temperature and light.
Think Safety From the Start
Handling means respect for the chemical and for yourself. Even without high volatility, splashes or spills still sting. The dicyanamide part can irritate skin and eyes. I always suit up: lab coat, nitrile gloves, and safety glasses. Work in a well-ventilated area or fume hood. Even if you don’t notice a strong smell, that doesn’t mean vapors aren’t affecting the air.
Label bottles with both the full chemical name and the date received. This stops mistakes and helps you track stability over time. Double-check for leaks before transporting; a bottle in a secondary containment tray handles surprises better than a lone flask.
Don’t Skimp on Disposal or Incident Response
Nothing ruins a day faster than a spill you can’t control. If you drop or splash 1-Vinyl-3-Ethylimidazolium Dicyanamide, grab absorbent material and sweep up right away—no paper towels, use chemical pads. Wash surfaces with water and detergent, then ventilate the area. In case of skin contact, rinse with water for at least 15 minutes. Don’t try to wash large spills into the drain; collect waste in a designated hazardous container.
Disposal rules change from place to place, but this isn’t household waste—work with your chemical waste team for pickup and destruction. Waste containing dicyanamide anions sometimes delivers toxic byproducts to the environment if handled carelessly. Supporting safety means following solid waste protocols every time.
Keep Training on the Table
Chemistry doesn’t forgive forgetfulness. Regular training sessions, easy-to-read storage guidelines near chemical shelves, and a culture where people speak up about risks go a long way. I’ve watched new students skip gloves because “it’s just an ionic liquid”—and seen them regret it. Peer reminders and good supervision help everyone walk away without trouble.
Lab safety never comes down to luck. Protect your chemicals with airtight storage, your lab with solid organization, and your team with constant safety know-how. That’s how good habits stick.
Physical Properties That Stand Out
1-Vinyl-3-ethylimidazolium dicyanamide has a way of surprising anyone expecting a typical laboratory solvent. At standard conditions, this compound exists as a pale liquid, lacking the strong odors that often push chemists to work quickly. Bringing it close to the skin feels smooth and slick, with a density higher than water. Researchers tag its melting point well below 100°C, confirming this substance’s status as an ionic liquid. Most traditional salts don’t act like this, but here, the liquid state results from weak forces between the ions, making it friendly for tasks needing a broad temperature range.
Many users notice its ability to dissolve a broad variety of organic and inorganic chemicals. This versatility has shifted my own experiments with stubborn reagents. Attempts to mix complex molecules—deep pigments, high-molecular plastics, oddball salts—often fizzle with common solvents, but 1-vinyl-3-ethylimidazolium dicyanamide usually gives it a good shot. This characteristic unlocks new approaches in chemical engineering and extraction work, especially when trying to avoid noxious, smelly alternatives.
Getting Practical with Chemical Behavior
On the chemical side, this compound draws a lot of attention for its thermal stability. Heating it up rarely generates unwanted fumes or breaks it apart, a huge asset for any process that runs hot. Its ionic nature, with separated charges moving freely, shapes its excellent ability to shuttle current in electrochemical cells. I’ve seen this come up in battery research, where high conductivity means more efficient ion flow and, in turn, better device performance.
Reactivity is where things get interesting. The dicyanamide anion is not just a passive spectator. Its two cyano groups can act as nucleophilic sites, making it active in catalytic and synthetic chemistry. This opens doors for those searching for reaction media that participate in transformations rather than just holding everything together. On another front, the imidazolium cation shows resistance to oxidation, allowing the compound to survive tough oxidative environments. This combo of stability and participation sets it apart from many other ionic liquids that either interfere with the chemistry or fall apart under stress.
Understanding Safety and Environmental Impact
For all its technical upsides, there’s been some hand-wringing over toxicity and environmental safety. Tests point to moderate toxicity to aquatic life, so I find it important to keep waste minimal and well-contained. Laboratory practice means gloves, goggles, and good ventilation. As more chemical manufacturers examine the lifecycle of their products, this solvent emerges as a better alternative to some petroleum-based options, but only when proper disposal rules are followed.
Cleanup and breakdown aren’t simple. Studies show it resists quick degradation in both water and soil. This fact spotlights the need for closed-loop systems in industrial use. Research teams focus on methods for recycling or chemically neutralizing this ionic liquid after its job is done. Bigger facilities have adopted distillation or selective absorption to retrieve and re-use it. These steps can cost extra, but they offer a responsible solution in the face of stricter chemical regulations worldwide.
Pushing Toward Solutions
Speaking from my own trials, working with 1-vinyl-3-ethylimidazolium dicyanamide shifts lab routines for the better: better yields, milder conditions, less reliance on hazardous solvents. Policies that encourage recycling and tighter containment, along with more funding for green chemistry research, hold potential to keep this innovation safe and sustainable. With careful handling, this ionic liquid has earned its place as a modern tool for chemists tackling real-world challenges in synthesis, electronics, and separation science.
Locating the Real Chemical Suppliers
Looking for 1-vinyl-3-ethylimidazolium dicyanamide isn’t something you do at your local hardware store. This is a specialized ionic liquid, not a bottle you grab off a shelf. Most of the legitimate sellers are global chemical distributors and research supply companies. Sigma-Aldrich (Merck), Thermo Fisher Scientific, Alfa Aesar, and TCI America pop up near the top when you search for this chemical. Price and availability shift depending on order size, purity, packaging, and geographic region.
The Price Tag
If you’re crunching numbers on this, get ready for sticker shock. A standard research quantity, say 5 grams, lands in the $200 to $350 USD ballpark. Larger bulk purchases could pull the price-per-gram down, but suppliers don’t list these prices online. Instead, they ask for a quote, especially on orders above 100 grams or any custom formulation. I’ve seen price lists from specialized distributors show as high as $500 or more for small, ultra-high-purity batches. You aren’t just paying for the raw material — this covers quality certification, customer support, and reliable logistics.
Risks and Realities of Online Sellers
Scrolling through Alibaba or lesser-known platforms might turn up sellers who claim to ship any amount, anywhere, and for cheap. Sometimes the pages look legitimate with certificates and “99% Purity” badges. Speaking from my own grad-school days and talking with lab managers, these deals usually introduce serious risks. Purity could be questionable. Ever had a batch that was basically sugar instead of a real ionic liquid? I have. It wasted weeks on experiments and burned through limited research budgets. The warranty and customer support you find with established suppliers rarely comes from these online listings. If your work counts on knowable quality, it makes sense to buy through direct supplier accounts, even if that means a higher up-front cost.
Importing and Hazmat Rules
Shipping chemicals like this across borders always comes with paperwork. Many countries lump ionic liquids into general chemical categories, but a handful (including parts of the EU and the US) require disclosures, end-user statements, and sometimes hazmat fees. Getting flagged during customs hurts timelines. Some colleagues waited six weeks for a perfectly legal compound because of missing forms. Folks with institutional support usually lean on in-house procurement officers who handle these headaches. Buying as an individual? Expect extra hurdles, and make sure you have storage and disposal credentials if required.
Why Quality Assurance Is Worth the Price
Academic labs, industry teams, and even some hobbyists choose certified suppliers facing pressure to publish reproducible results or meet industrial specs. Using a mystery batch with no traceability comes with too many unknowns. Materials data sheets (SDS), batch traceability, and supplier reputation help dodge the sort of expensive surprises that end projects or products. That’s not just paperwork — that’s peace of mind.
Is There a Smarter Way to Buy?
Pulling together a group order often lowers costs, especially for schools or small companies. Some universities and research institutions run consortiums to share ordering power. I’ve pooled funds for rare reagents this way, and everyone walked away with what they needed at a lower per-head price. Joint orders also make it easier to get past minimum purchase requirements, especially for new compounds with tricky synthesis procedures.
Take the Time, Avoid the Headaches
Before placing an order, it pays to check for approved vendors at your institution or ask colleagues who’ve purchased the compound before. The sales team at most big suppliers will answer questions about purity, documentation, and compliance without extra charge. Good chemistry comes from good materials. Sometimes that’s as simple as asking who’s bought it, not just who sells it.
