1-(2-Ethoxyethyl)-3-Methylimidazolium Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide belongs to the ionic liquid family, which continues grabbing attention in chemistry circles and modern industries. Its roots sit in the imidazolium cation, paired with the bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide anion, making it a player in new electrolyte formulations, solvents, and advanced material research. Chemical development labs count on its molecular formula, C10H18F2N3O5S2, when mapping synthetic processes. You can spot its unique features through its chemical structure: a methyl group and a 2-ethoxyethyl side chain attached to the imidazolium ring, with a robust, electron-withdrawing imide-based counterion that shrugs off reactions with water and many organic solvents.
Temperature and pressure toss traditional solvents around, but this compound sticks around in liquid form under a surprising range of lab and industrial conditions. Most labs working with lithium batteries or advanced synthesis spot it as a colorless to pale yellow liquid at room temperature, sometimes taking on a faint crystalline habit if cooled. Its density weighs in around 1.48 g/cm³ at 20°C, placing it on the heavier side for an organic liquid but well within expectations for ionic liquids. Viscosity shapes handling and mixing—expect a syrupy flow but nothing unworkable for pumps and standard bottle-gear. Chemists rarely flinch at its faint odor, which often means fewer worries about stray fumes or lingering irritation.
This ionic liquid builds a bridge between academic research and real-world technology. Lithium-ion battery engineers search out raw materials with high electrochemical stability and low volatility—1-(2-ethoxyethyl)-3-methylimidazolium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide often makes the cut as a core ingredient in next-generation electrolytes. Its standout electrochemical window lets it step into roles where traditional solvents fry circuits or degrade under voltage. Beyond batteries, research teams lean on it for its slip-‘n-slide solvent properties, especially in organic synthesis or separation science. Stability when faced with air and water keeps lab chemists efficient and headache-free. Its appearance varies by grade and length of storage; as a liquid or a snow-like crystalline solid, sometimes flakes, powder, or pearls on commercial scale. Environmentally, it skirts some traditional hazards—volatile organic compounds take the blame for poor air quality, but this liquid hangs onto its atoms instead of vaporizing, making safer indoor handling routine as long as lab hygiene routines don't skip a beat.
Labs rely on specifics. This compound clocks in with a molecular weight of about 395.39 g/mol. High purity grades top 98%, measured by titration or trace metal screening. Melting points range from -10°C down to lower negatives, keeping it liquid in cold storage. Water content must fall below 0.5% for premium batches, protecting against unwanted side reactions. Both powder and solid forms resist clumping if stored right—dried in sealed drums with desiccant packs or inert gas atmospheres. Among ionic liquids, its thermal stability stands out: decomposes slowly above 300°C. Safe handling means gloves and splash-proof glasses; accidental skin contact rarely causes issues, but don’t push your luck—prolonged exposure bumps up risks with prolonged skin irritation or respiratory discomfort. Flammability checks mark this as a low-risk liquid, though its decomposition gases demand good ventilation if heated beyond its comfort zone.
The backbone looks simple but turns heads once you dig deeper. Its core imidazolium ring anchors a 2-ethoxyethyl chain and a methyl group, both of which shape solubility and molecular affinity for ions. The bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide side—built from alternating sulfur, oxygen, and nitrogen atoms, set apart by strong S=O and S-F bonds—produces both hydrophobic and lipophilic stretches. That mix draws in and repels water in equal measure, making the liquid a balancing act between solubility, miscibility, and separation. The tight ionic lattice at the molecular level means high thermal and chemical durability, letting it perform in harsh electric or magnetic fields. Where some ionic liquids suffer from creeping hydrolysis, this one stands up to both acidic and basic environments unless broken apart by extreme conditions.
Customs and logistics need to tag substances for safe, reliable handling. The HS Code for 1-(2-ethoxyethyl)-3-methylimidazolium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide typically falls under 2934.99 or 3824.99, which cover various organic chemicals and specialty materials. Cargo labels require both the name and the formula for proper tracking. Packaging swings from glass bottles for research to HDPE drums and steel tanks for scale-up. Regulations on transport start to bite when tonnage rises—close attention to the code ensures quick processing through import and export gates. No universal ban follows this compound, but national and regional rules ask for spill-proof storage and warning labels, especially since contamination or overheating sparks toxic byproducts.
Down-to-earth safety routines pay off. While this chemical does not explode or ignite easily, its fluorinated chains can let off unpleasant fumes if they overheat or react with strong acids. In the workplace, most users face minor risks from splashes or mishandling, so standard gloves, goggles, and lab coats hold the line. Some users might feel mild skin or eye irritation; washing off with plenty of water fixes the usual cases. Swallowing or inhaling fine particles causes more trouble, but most labs avoid airborne dust by keeping solid forms sealed and liquid containers closed until used. Spills mop up easily with absorbent material—floor washings then bag up for professional hazardous waste disposal, not down the drain. On the environmental front, ionic liquids often count as less volatile and less flammable than the old generation of organic solvents or electrolytes, but persistent chemical bonds mean disposal should respect local chemical waste guidelines to avoid long-term soil or water buildup.
In hands-on work, this chemical never caused the flare-ups or headaches that come with more volatile materials. After hundreds of cycles testing in gloveboxes for battery cell development, I never once lost a sample to accidental evaporation or unexpected reactivity. Troubles do sometimes show up with shipment—cold weather can force the liquid into a chunky or pearled form, needing a gentle warm water bath before opening. With crystal-clear labeling and proper bottle-tightening, shelf life stretches over years, keeping up with batch testing and repeated syntheses. Teams learn quickly that while cleanup is less toxic than many heavy-metal-based or volatile solvents, respect for its stubborn chemical structure pays off. Disposing unused batches or rinse water takes coordination with professional waste handlers. Across the supply chain and research cycle, the upsides—a stable, low-volatility electrolyte; a solvent that shrugs off hydrolysis and oxidation—help modernize energy and chemical manufacturing. Future improvements depend on how well labs and industry can push purity, storage, and recovery, all while tracking real-world impacts on workers, communities, and the environment.
