1-(2-Ethoxyethyl)-3-Methylimidazolium Bis(Trifluoromethanesulfonyl)Imide, also known through its molecular shorthand as C10H17F6N3O5S2, belongs to the family of ionic liquids gaining more recognition in labs and industrial settings. These materials, made from pairing the 1-(2-ethoxyethyl)-3-methylimidazolium cation and the bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide anion, stand out thanks to their remarkable chemical stability and low volatility. Speaking from years of working with chemicals in labs, it’s easy to spot the ones that change how people handle everything from catalysis to battery development. This compound makes operations safer, more efficient, and less polluting, which rings true for companies moving toward greener, cost-effective solutions.
Structurally, the imidazolium ring joins hands with a 2-ethoxyethyl chain on one nitrogen and a methyl group on another, producing a stable, well-distributed positive charge. The large bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide anion features two SO2 groups attached to a central nitrogen, each topped by a trifluoromethyl group. This pairing keeps the melting point relatively low, which broadens its usefulness. With a density usually hovering between 1.4 and 1.5 g/cm3 at room temperature, the substance shows up as a colorless or pale yellow liquid or, in cooler settings, as small crystalline flakes or solid pearls. Handling it for synthesis or research means dealing with a variety of physical manifestations—a solid in winter, and a pourable liquid in warmer months.
In practical terms, the product pops up in solids, flakes, powders, or pearls depending on storage and shipment. Chemists gravitate to its high thermal stability, high ionic conductivity, and negligible vapor pressure. Solutions made from it in suitable polar or non-polar solvents end up crystal clear, which speaks to its high purity and ability to form stable blends. The substance actively contributes to safer work environments due to its non-flammability and broad electrochemical window. Its chemical formula packs the molecular architecture for heat and chemical resilience, qualities essential for folks running processes that need reliability under tough conditions.
Production typically starts with high-quality imidazole, 2-ethoxyethyl chloride, methylating agents, and bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide salts. Chemical plants synthesize it through stepwise reactions, demanding careful monitoring and specialized isolation steps. The end result must meet strict standards, with assays confirming identities and tracing impurities down to parts per million. Regular users, from research scientists to process engineers, expect nothing less since impurities at those levels can change performance outcomes, sometimes for the worse. The material, shipped as powder, flake, or thick liquid, carries clear documentation—every liter or kilogram batch tied to analytical records.
For customs and trade, the relevant Harmonized System (HS) code, usually 2933.99 for imidazole derivatives, streamlines international movement and tracking. This attention to regulatory detail shields companies and researchers from accidental import/export snags. It also helps with compliance under REACH, TSCA, and similar sets of guidelines, which matter more now that authorities demand clear labeling, traceability, and risk management. Following best practices here avoids shipment delays and legal headaches, which is something veteran chemical buyers learn fast.
Despite its benefits, 1-(2-Ethoxyethyl)-3-Methylimidazolium Bis(Trifluoromethanesulfonyl)Imide wasn't created for unprotected exposure. Safety data sheets point to risks from eye and skin contact, and accidental ingestion or inhalation means workers need PPE whenever handling it. Common precautions run from nitrile gloves to splash goggles, with well-ventilated stations as standard setups. Compared to volatile organic solvents, its low volatility cuts inhalation risks, but routine care and staff training still prevent accidents. Improper disposal or mishandling brings environmental hazards, especially in water sources, so teams lay out tested protocols for waste and spills, combining signs, clear labeling, and emergency response kits.
Demand for ionic liquids continues to climb in battery technology, green chemistry, biocatalysis, and extractions, and this compound finds a spot in all these areas. Compared to older chemicals, its use can improve yield, safety, and environmental profiles—especially in closed-loop or continuous-flow processes. That said, issues can arise when large-scale users run up against disposal regulations or discover persistent residues in end-products. Solutions come in the form of better process integration, investment in solvent recovery technology, and in-depth environmental impact assessments at the project’s start. Building supplier partnerships and collaborating on research into more completely biodegradable alternatives would help, especially as regulations tighten.
On a practical level, companies and labs underestimate the impact of switching to a material like 1-(2-Ethoxyethyl)-3-Methylimidazolium Bis(Trifluoromethanesulfonyl)Imide at their own risk. The right raw material means smoother runs, fewer hazards, and a more robust product line. Getting the wrong material—or an impure one—cripples the whole system, raises costs, and slows down progress. Making good choices about sourcing, specification, and downstream disposal isn’t just about compliance—it shapes reputation, profitability, and long-term sustainability. From personal experience in industry, teams who pay attention to these fine details save millions over the years and maintain their edge in the market.
