Methoxyethyldiethylmethylammonium Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide: An In-Depth Commentary

Historical Development

Back in the heyday of ionic liquid research, scientists were eager to move beyond traditional molten salts. The search for less corrosive, more stable options pushed chemists into exploring organic cation-based ionic liquids. Alkylammonium salts got plenty of attention, but true enthusiasm kicked in with the discovery that pairing specific cations and anions could unlock exceptional chemical stability and standout conductivity. Methoxyethyldiethylmethylammonium Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide (often abbreviated as [MEDMA][FSI]) emerged from this backdrop, marking a shift toward customized, task-specific materials for advanced electrochemistry. Old synthesizers slogged through complicated purification steps, so researchers welcomed the cleaner reactions enabled by bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide, driving even wider laboratory adoption.

Product Overview

This compound draws researchers for its clear liquid form and sharply defined ionic properties. The methoxyethyl group in the cation creates less viscosity compared to other heavily branched ammonium ions. The diethyl and methyl groups engineer just enough hydrophobic character to keep it versatile without sabotaging its solubility in most polar solvents. As a product, it pops up in specialty reagent catalogs under several names, but always with a focus on demanding applications like battery electrolytes or specialty separation processes. Its high purity grade means every batch keeps a tight rein on residual water, which remains a sticking point for anyone demanding peak performance in sensitive environments.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Methoxyethyldiethylmethylammonium Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide holds a low glass transition temperature, making it liquid at room temperature. Its density sits higher than that of water, and it drifts slightly yellow if stored without complete protection from air and light. The viscosity falls on the lower end among ionic liquids, which helps during mixing and transferring. The anion, bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide, shows both high thermal and electrochemical stability, resisting decomposition up to roughly 300°C. Chemists who keep this material in their labs often remark on its resilience toward strong oxidizers and even moderate reducing agents, making it a dependable go-to for rigorous experimentation. The ionic nature delivers strong electrical conductivity, catching the eye of folks working on next-gen capacitors and lithium-ion technology.

Technical Specifications & Labeling

Any bottle of this ionic liquid comes with strict technical guarantees. Moisture content remains below 50 ppm, since trace water changes physical properties and fouls up electrochemical readings. Labels provide the batch-specific density (usually 1.4–1.5 g/cm³ at 25°C), melting point (below -20°C), and conductivity numbers in the mS/cm range. Suppliers must include safety symbols indicating corrosivity and possible skin/eye irritation, and nobody ships even the smallest quantity without the proper compliance paperwork for hazardous materials.

Preparation Method

Laboratory synthesis usually begins with a quaternization reaction: methoxyethyl chloride reacts with diethylmethylamine under inert conditions. Post-reaction distillation and repeated washing purify the cation, which is then combined with lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide in a metathesis step. This process liberates lithium chloride, separating cleanly from the liquid ionic product. Extraction with nonpolar solvents and rigorous drying under vacuum produces a usable batch, with tight control over pH and water content to sidestep runaway hydrolysis and discoloration.

Chemical Reactions & Modifications

Few ionic liquids offer this blend of inertness to nucleophiles and resilience to redox conditions. The cation’s methoxyethyl group can undergo limited ether cleavage in the presence of strong Lewis acids, but the compound’s main vulnerability circles around fluoride reactivity. Given enough time, hydrolysis under acidic conditions can batter the FSIm anion, resulting in the release of toxic fluorinated gases. Quite a few researchers have attempted to graft additional functionality onto the cation via alkylation or to tune the hydrophobic profile, but each tweak risks upsetting the subtle balance between conductivity and viscosity.

Synonyms & Product Names

This compound doesn't enjoy universal agreement on naming, but most catalogs call it Methoxyethyldiethylmethylammonium Bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide or abbreviate as [MEDMA][FSI]. Less often, you’ll see N-methyl-N,N-diethyl-2-methoxyethylammonium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide, or trade labels like IonicLiquid FSI-DEMME. Synonyms sometimes blend European and North American conventions, occasionally using “FSI” or fully spelling out the anion, but the combination of this specific cation and anion leaves little room for confusion among specialists.

Safety & Operational Standards

Working with bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide salts calls for real care. Direct contact can cause painful skin and eye irritation, and inhalation of vapors, although less common given the compound’s low volatility, leads to respiratory tract problems. Gloveboxes, safety goggles, and dedicated workspaces stay non-negotiable during handling. Every operation demands robust ventilation. Because the FSIm anion can slowly decompose to release small amounts of toxic fluoride species upon heating or acid stress, labs train staff to keep detailed spill procedures handy and to track usage for waste treatment. Disposal usually routes through a licensed chemical waste handler, who understands the unique fluorinated waste profile this liquid creates.

Application Area

Energy storage outfits have taken a shine to this ionic liquid, especially in solid-state lithium batteries where conventional organic electrolytes simply won’t last. High ionic conductivity at room temperature lets engineers build cells that show better cycling stability and fewer catastrophic failures. The low viscosity lets battery manufacturers produce thinner electrolyte layers, giving them more freedom in designing compact power sources. There’s growing demand in supercapacitors and some corners of electrosynthesis, where strong ionic strength keeps current efficiencies up without the trouble of salt precipitation. Selective extraction specialists—especially in metal recovery and hydrometallurgy—find it worthwhile for its ability to switch from polar to nonpolar environments with only modest tweaks to process conditions.

Research & Development

Research groups across Japan, Europe, and the United States keep hunting for ways to further cut down viscosity and enhance electrochemical windows. The challenge often boils down to chemical stability over thousands of charge-discharge cycles. Some have tried introducing ether and other polar groups onto the cation skeleton, only to find that solubility gains often trade off against thermal resilience. Research fellows have published detailed phase diagrams to support process optimization in electrochemical applications, but real-world battery deployment still needs deeper knowledge about interface stability. Teams keep looking at additives, seeking non-flammable co-solvents that extend fire resistance while holding onto high conductivity.

Toxicity Research

Occupational health researchers have flagged this compound’s breakdown products as possible sources of concern. Acute dermal and inhalation studies in rodents indicate moderate irritation at exposures above recommended levels, with chronic effects less well-documented. The most serious issue stems from fluoride release if the liquid undergoes hydrolysis or burning. Emergency teams at university and industrial labs have incorporated specific antidote protocols for fluoride exposure, and guidelines in leading journals advise special caution during thermal cycling studies. Environmental fate remains a black box in many places, as analytical labs continue working to develop more sensitive tests for low-level persistence in water and soil.

Future Prospects

Next-generation energy tech almost certainly hangs on small advances in performance and safety for materials like this ionic liquid. Growth in electric transport depends on safe, long-lasting electrolytes, while grid-scale storage cannot tolerate breakdown under high-load cycling. Chemists stand poised to keep tweaking the cation and anion pairs, searching for that elusive mix of conductivity, thermal stability, and sustainable production. Industries will likely need clear regulatory guidance as toxicity data matures, especially if demand for these ionic liquids jumps at a rate seen in other breakthrough chemistries. If ongoing research can solve the balance between ecological impact, cost, and long-term reliability, this compound could help anchor some of the biggest battery and electrochemical separation projects in coming decades.



What is Methoxyethyldiethylmethylammonium Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide used for?

A Battery’s Quiet Workhorse

Big promises float around every time energy storage gets mentioned. Dig past the headlines, past electric cars and wind farms, and you’ll find a stack of new materials fighting for space and relevance. Methoxyethyldiethylmethylammonium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide sounds like pure academic soup—until you see what it’s doing in modern lithium batteries.

Why Electrolytes Matter

I remember my first hands-on look at a torn-down lithium battery. Gel oozed out, and someone joked, “That magic juice keeps your phone going.” Later, I learned this “magic juice” is what chemists call an electrolyte. Skip the right electrolyte and you’ll end up with fire risks, slow charging, and quick battery deaths. The compounds that make up these solutions matter for everyone counting on their devices each day.

Shifting Beyond the Traditional

Engineers and material scientists almost never stop looking for safer, more efficient alternatives for battery-filled gadgets. Methoxyethyldiethylmethylammonium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide falls into a fresh class called ionic liquids. The name hides the practical side: these liquids dodge the ignition problems you get from the usual carbonates found in battery cells. If you want to avoid all the spontaneous fires in laptops, cars, and power tools, shifting to these new solutions doesn’t just sound wise—it could end up saving property and lives.

A Key Ingredient for High-Performance Cells

Every battery faces the same trouble—finding that balance between safety, power, and cost. An electrolyte based on this chemical does more than stave off flames. It’s stable at high voltages. The chemical structure doesn’t break down as quickly as older solutions, stretching out lifespan. Factories can push batteries harder. Electric vehicles get longer range, charge up quicker, and won’t lose capacity at breakneck speed.

Research shows that ionic liquid electrolytes reduce how fast metal lithium builds up spiky dendrites inside a cell, cutting the odds of a short circuit. Some recent lab runs out of South Korea and Germany demonstrate longer cycle lives. These results give me hope as folks try to erase “battery anxiety” from the conversation around renewables and cars.

Challenges on the Road Ahead

Integrating these next-generation electrolytes into real production will not run smooth. Current formulas aren’t cheap. Specialty ingredients and purification steps hike up the sticker price. Chemists have been working out kinks—solubility problems, finding less expensive synthetic routes, and tuning viscosity to suit faster charging without risking leaks. For now, building an electric car with these in every cell stays out of reach for most wallets.

Toward Greener, Safer Power

To cut through climate-warming emissions, storage tech needs to stay ahead of rising demand and tougher safety standards. This chemical belongs in the lineup of breakthroughs pulling us gradually off fossil fuels. Making supply chains stronger and scaling up production—especially near big manufacturing hubs—will help put this and other advanced electrolytes in more hands. Putting money into this research pays off; governments and private outfits have every reason to get behind safer, longer-lasting batteries.

From what I’ve seen, every shortcut in energy research brings consequences later on. Today’s effort—swapping riskier battery liquids for candidates like methoxyethyldiethylmethylammonium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide—shows there’s real hope for safer power in our pockets, at home, and on the road.

What are the chemical and physical properties of Methoxyethyldiethylmethylammonium Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide?

Understanding the Substance

Methoxyethyldiethylmethylammonium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide lands in the category of ionic liquids – a group of salts that stay liquid at or near room temperature. This substance mixes an organic ammonium cation with a strong fluorinated imide anion. Take one look at its name and you know this isn’t an everyday household compound. It shows up where scientists want something stable, flexible, and able to handle tough chemical environments.

Physical Properties Shaping Its Use

You won’t find this liquid freezing in a cold garage. It delivers a very low melting point, which keeps it fluid down to quite chilly temperatures. Surface tension sits on the lower side, allowing it to spread easily across surfaces or through tiny pores. Picture a fluid that doesn’t just sit in one spot – it seeps, it fills, it coats intricate spaces. High viscosity sometimes crops up, but not enough to slow its movement in most applications.

Odor comes almost undetectable. Color stays clear to pale yellow, giving it a clean, nearly invisible look in a glass vial. What stands out is density. This liquid is heavier than water, yet it pours just as smoothly. Many solvents can’t compete with the strong electrostatic forces holding these molecules together, which explains why the substance resists evaporation. Pour it out, and you won’t smell much or watch it disappear.

Chemical Behavior Under the Microscope

On the chemical front, both the cation and the anion play roles. The methoxy group, stitched onto the ammonium, creates stability and affects the compound’s ability to dissolve polar and nonpolar compounds alike. The bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide packs strong electron-withdrawing groups that stop fires from catching and keep the molecule robust in harsh environments. The strength of the C–F bonds offers resistance against attacks from acids and bases.

Solubility works in its favor. The compound dissolves a variety of organic and inorganic substances, including lithium salts used in batteries. It mixes well with other ionic liquids and some polar organic solvents. Its wide electrochemical window – the range of voltages it can tolerate without breaking down – opens the door for experiments in advanced battery electrolytes and supercapacitors. Thermal stability also means you can crank the temperature up past the boiling point of water without worrying about breaking the structure apart.

Importance in the Real World

This isn’t a compound born for the chemistry textbook. Research labs depend on its predictability under difficult conditions. In my own experience handling ionic liquids at the bench, anything with the bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide anion earned a reputation for withstanding both heat and electric shocks, making them attractive for next-generation energy storage.

Commercial battery makers hunt for electrolytes that resist breakdown and transfer ions swiftly. Methoxyethyldiethylmethylammonium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide checks both boxes. Researchers have demonstrated improved ionic conductivity in lithium and sodium batteries, which helps extend battery life and add stability. Less flammable than most traditional solvents, this compound offers a safety upgrade.

Confronting the Challenges

Strong points don’t hide some real challenges. Price sits high, in part because the synthesis of fluorinated compounds always costs more and gives off waste that needs responsible handling. Toxicity deserves a close look too. Like many ionic liquids, disposal and environmental persistence raise valid concerns. Chemists and engineers continue to hunt for purification methods that reduce cost and environmental impact.

Investment in safer, cheaper, and greener synthetic pathways could push this compound from specialty labs into widespread commercial use. Including renewable feedstocks and taking care with waste management might address environmental worries. The compound’s track record suggests a promising future, provided the scientific community stays honest about its lifecycle and environmental costs.

Is Methoxyethyldiethylmethylammonium Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide safe to handle?

What Kind of Chemical Are We Dealing With?

Methoxyethyldiethylmethylammonium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide isn’t your average substance from a high school chemistry class. The chemical belongs to a family of ionic liquids that can conduct ions efficiently, showing up in advanced batteries, supercapacitors, and electrochemistry research. In labs across industries chasing better batteries and greener tech, this compound flags the promise of safer, high-performance electrolytes.

Safety—Not Just About the Gloves

Anyone who’s spent time around a chemistry lab learns fast that “new and promising” never guarantees “safe and easy.” Long chemical names often hide the potential to burn a hole in your glove, poison your lungs, or sneak toxins into your body over time. This particular compound isn’t some picnic-table lemonade: it carries real risks. Research and manufacturer safety data sheets show that fluorosulfonyl imide salts have toxic and corrosive features. Exposure to the eyes or skin can cause bad irritation. Even a little bit landing on bare skin triggers redness or burning, especially with repeated contact.

I’ve worked with chemicals that eat through nitrile gloves in moments. In situations like these, a minor spill becomes a big deal, especially when the team gets lazy with safety basics. Methoxyethyldiethylmethylammonium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide reacts with water, potentially forming toxic fumes like hydrogen fluoride. Inhalation can result in respiratory irritation and long-term health issues. That’s more than a faint whiff—sometimes it takes a full face shield and fume hood to keep work safe.

Training Starts Before the Bottle Opens

Getting the chemical from shelf to experiment means every step needs careful attention. Proper labeling, up-to-date safety training, and a culture where people don’t cut corners, these matter more than fancy equipment. For me, the sign of a good lab isn’t just stocked safety showers and gloves. It’s the habit of double-checking storage and making sure nothing goes unlabeled or unreported. If the air feels heavy walking through the lab or the team shrugs off protocol, people get hurt.

Batteries and electrochemistry projects often chase after performance, but skipping the right protective steps just isn’t worth it. A moment’s contact with the wrong liquid can send someone to the hospital or leave a lasting scar. That happened during my early career: quick hands, tired eyes, one splash. Only the thick gloves and emergency rinse kept things limited to a bad scare and not a lost finger.

What Keeps Us Safe?

The answer is clear guidelines and honest communication. Material safety data sheets (MSDS) go beyond paperwork. For every vial, manufacturers should provide detailed toxicity data, storage rules, ventilation needs, and emergency steps. If something isn’t clear, calling the supplier for better details should be standard. Working with chemicals that contain fluorine means real respect for potential byproducts. That includes knowing when to use splash goggles, double-layer gloves, lab coats, and a working fume hood—every single time, no shortcuts.

Labs and manufacturers should hold regular reviews of physical handling methods and emergency rules, especially as new staff rotates in. Learning from near-misses and pushing for better hazard training helps keep information current and people safer. The best labs I’ve seen create an atmosphere where veterans and newcomers all ask questions, speak up over unsafe conditions, and know the value of a five-minute review before the experiment.

Pushing Toward Best Practice

Making advanced batteries safer and more reliable attracts sharp minds and big investments, but that doesn’t mean the chemicals themselves are gentle. Methoxyethyldiethylmethylammonium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide promises a lot, but handling it means experience and strict safety. Updating operating procedures, improving lab ventilation, and keeping protective gear up to date protect the people doing the hard work of future tech. In this field, no shortcut or guess ever replaces full training and respect for the dangers at hand.

What is the recommended storage condition for Methoxyethyldiethylmethylammonium Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide?

Understanding Why Storage Matters

Methoxyethyldiethylmethylammonium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide—quite a mouthful, but definitely not something anyone wants leaking across a shelf. This compound comes up more and more in conversations about advanced electrolytes and ionic liquids, especially for batteries dealing with harsh requirements. Storing a chemical like this can shape its performance, safety, and shelf life. Some people take shortcuts, squeezing expensive chemicals wherever there’s space. That’s a mistake—many labs learned the hard way what ignoring storage recommendations can cost, from ruined product to sudden safety headaches.

Temperature and Chemical Stability

Whether for research or industrial use, this chemical’s sensitivity to temperature shouldn’t be ignored. Actual experience storing ionic liquids taught me that temperatures above room level can alter consistency or invite unwanted reactions. For Methoxyethyldiethylmethylammonium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide, keeping things cool—ideally below 30°C—greatly reduces the risk of breakdown. At home in a lab fridge, this compound lasts far longer and handles better.

Why does temperature hit so hard? Many modern ionic liquids and their salts go through slow decomposition, especially if they pick up moisture or sit near heat sources. Even a single day in a hot warehouse can erode purity. Other researchers logged increases in hydrolysis products after improper storage, which turned what should have been a clear liquid into a useless mess.

Moisture Means Trouble

Humidity turns this chemical into a liability. Most ionic liquids carry a reputation for soaking up water from any nearby air. Methoxyethyldiethylmethylammonium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide reacts with moisture, creating acids that corrode containers and compromise experiments before they start. I once saw a project delayed because a careless staff member left an uncapped bottle near a sink—by morning, that batch lost its integrity.

Airtight storage containers, preferably glass or high-grade plastic with chemical-resistance, keep humidity at bay. Desiccators offer peace of mind, especially in older buildings or during summer months. Silica gel packets or molecular sieves inside storage boxes shore up the last line of defense.

Light and Chemical Degradation

Direct sunlight or strong indoor lighting starts reactions that can chip away at the chemical’s structure. Many labs choose amber glass bottles for this reason, especially with high-energy compounds or anything with sensitive bonds. Shielding from light doesn’t just preserve color and clarity—it ensures that what’s measured out later delivers the numbers expected by any research protocol or battery engineer.

Labelling and Segregation

Every bottle stored should have a clear label with both name and hazard information. I stuck labels to every face of the bottle after dealing with a spill—the last thing anybody wants in a crisis is confusion. Storage areas for Methoxyethyldiethylmethylammonium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide shouldn’t share space with acids, oxidizers, or metals prone to reactive accidents. Mark out a chemical shelf, organize by compatibility, and double-check inventory every month.

Setting Up for Success

Following these steps—control temperature, limit moisture, block light, and sort chemicals by risk—almost always leads to safer, cheaper, and more predictable outcomes. Small habits like these build the backbone for labs and companies with clean safety records. There’s satisfaction in seeing a stack of tight-lidded, well-labelled bottles kept cool, dry, and ready for use, knowing none of that material will go to waste or spark trouble down the road.

How can Methoxyethyldiethylmethylammonium Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide be purchased or ordered?

What This Chemical Brings to the Table

The name packs a punch, but behind this hard-to-pronounce chemical lies a lot of potential. Methoxyethyldiethylmethylammonium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide—often put to work in the world of ionic liquids—has special qualities that attract attention in research labs and industrial projects. Physicists and synthetic chemists often talk about how this substance plays well in the field of high-performance batteries and supercapacitors, supporting cutting-edge development for energy storage.

Cutting Through the Noise: Who Can Get It?

Getting your hands on specialty chemicals isn’t as simple as adding something to a shopping cart. Demand usually comes from universities, battery research groups, or companies working on electrolyte solutions. Not every chemical supplier holds this in regular stock, so finding a source requires both know-how and proof of purpose. A background in chemical procurement helps, especially after seeing how proper vetting protects both users and the wider community. Responsible suppliers won’t just send intricate materials to unknown addresses—especially those that might pose a safety risk if left in untrained hands.

Safety First: Regulatory Hurdles

Patience pays off in dealing with chemicals with long, tongue-twisting names. Over time, I’ve seen how careless sourcing invites trouble, from accidental spills to regulatory headaches. If a lab or company wants to buy methoxyethyldiethylmethylammonium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide, suppliers often request licenses and proof that the buyer follows local environmental, health, and safety standards. Europe, the US, and Asia each have their lists of what’s allowed or restricted—no one wants to fall foul of REACH, TSCA, or similar rules. In my experience, it’s smart to double-check with local safety officers and read up on how chemicals are classified before placing any order.

Steps for Responsible Purchasing

Only qualified organizations should approach reputable chemical suppliers. A common practice I’ve seen is starting with specialist platforms like Sigma-Aldrich, TCI, or Alfa Aesar. Their websites usually list chemical catalog numbers and require institutional accounts. Before quoting a price or processing an order, these companies check the buyer’s credentials. Buyers also fill out documents describing intended use and storage plans. Some regions may require shipping through special carriers who handle dangerous materials. Skipping any of these checks can end up blocking an order or raising legal red flags.

Addressing the Real Risks

Sourcing responsibly isn’t just about hoops and paperwork. I’ve heard horror stories about poorly stored chemicals leading to dangerous reactions or exposure. At the industrial level, proper training and labeling protect both staff and the public. Suppliers prefer to work with buyers who can demonstrate familiarity with requirements such as using chemical hoods, proper waste disposal, and emergency preparedness plans. Upfront investment in safety pays off—both in smooth purchasing and fewer workplace incidents.

Making Progress While Staying Accountable

Innovation in energy storage, green chemistry, and advanced electronics fuels the need for specialty chemicals. Still, real progress happens only when transparency, compliance, and safety walk alongside curiosity and invention. Reputable chemical companies stay open about their sourcing, documentation, and safety procedures. For labs or businesses hoping to order methoxyethyldiethylmethylammonium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide, approaching suppliers as a knowledgeable partner—not just a customer—builds trust and helps everyone move forward in a responsible way.

Methoxyethyldiethylmethylammomium Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide