1,3-Diethylimidazolium chloride stands out as an ionic liquid, recognized for its role in a broad range of chemical applications. Its structure comes down to an imidazolium ring core, with ethyl groups on both the first and third positions, balanced with a chloride ion. As technology and chemistry lean further into ionic liquids for process improvements, this particular compound grabs interest for its stability and solubility. In daily lab work, I have seen how materials like this shift trends away from traditional solvents, offering unconventional performance and options for researchers and industry professionals alike.
A quick look at its molecular formula, C7H13ClN2, tells us about its structure. Molecular weight rounds off at 160.65 g/mol. If you need a clear visualization, the core imidazolium ring sits between two ethyl groups with a chloride balance on the side. The crystal form often appears white or slightly off-white, but on occasion, samples may arrive as flakes, powders, or pearls, each suited to particular scales and setups. Some suppliers offer the material as a solid or even as a solution depending on the requirements of a process—density registers near 1.1 g/cm³ at room temperature. This density puts 1,3-diethylimidazolium chloride in a handy middle ground: not unwieldy, not sticky, easy to portion for synthesis. Handling this material in crystal or flake form brings out a tactile sense of its purity, noticeable under the right lighting. Compared to other imidazolium salts that are somewhat glue-like or waxy, this material typically keeps a closer resemblance to regular table salt, making it less intimidating and easier to quantify.
HS Code classification falls under 293329. For shippers, importers, or customs officials, this categorization speeds up logistics and regulatory checks. Laboratories, chemical engineers, and procurement teams benefit from clear documentation when sourcing raw materials internationally. Governments and standard agencies use HS Codes to assess duties, taxes, and compliance. It helps to check local regulations, as some jurisdictions may treat advanced ionic liquids with extra caution, primarily due to their use as raw materials or intermediates in specialty chemical processes.
Stability under most indoor environments supports long-term storage and reliability. Temperature tolerance generally survives up to moderate heating without noticeable degradation, making it suitable for some low-heat reactions. 1,3-Diethylimidazolium chloride dissolves well in water and alcohols. The material displays good miscibility due to its balanced polarity—a feature that draws my attention during phase transfer or catalysis studies. Its role as an ionic conductor and potential as a catalyst backbone opens doors across battery research, green chemistry, and organic synthesis. The reactivity remains manageable and predictable, partially explaining its popularity in pilot-scale and research scenarios.
Depending on the supplier and the process requirements, 1,3-diethylimidazolium chloride is offered as flakes, solid powder, crystalline chunks, or pearls. Each form affects how users store, weigh, and mix the material. In larger synthesis batches, flakes or pearls pour with fewer airborne particles, reducing inhalation risk and loss. Powder gives tight control over tiny additions, useful in analytical research or tests where exact weights matter. Since density hangs just above that of water, conversion from grams to milliliters during hardware setup is straightforward. Solutions, usually in water or alcohol, help with automated dosing systems and ensure complete mixing right from the start. In most cases, experienced lab technicians find one format preferable over another based on existing practices and the specific requirements of the project underway.
Even though 1,3-diethylimidazolium chloride stands out for convenience, it needs to be handled with respect. Skin and eye irritation will occur from direct exposure, and ingestion carries an increased risk. Unlike benign salts, this chemical may create harmful byproducts under the wrong conditions, or during thermal decomposition. Safety Data Sheets classify it as hazardous for transport and storage, flagged for workplace safety gear including gloves, eye protection, and dust masks. Experience in the lab taught me to minimize direct handling and prioritize ventilation. Once, a careless transfer caused a minor spill, and the dust was enough to irritate eyes for several hours—not a risk to brush off. Proper labeling, spill procedures, and secure storage out of direct sunlight or heat sources address most practical risks. Disposal should follow approved local chemical waste protocols.
This ionic liquid wins advocates across battery research, catalysis, pharmaceuticals, and organic synthesis. Production lines working on advanced materials or seeking to reduce volatile organic solvents have turned toward imidazolium salts like this one. Its thermal and chemical properties let it serve as an intermediate or carrier. During a project on sustainable solvents last year, 1,3-diethylimidazolium chloride provided a clear alternative to older, more toxic materials, and reduced the environmental footprint of synthesis steps. Its growing utility as a raw material supports evolving manufacturing and lab strategies, with developers citing cleaner reactions and easier waste processing as natural outcomes. The chemical’s flexibility gives design engineers options that didn’t exist twenty years ago.
Improving air handling and containment inside labs will reduce personal exposure. Better packaging—single-use pouches or water-soluble packets—could make handling easier on large scales. Suppliers offering more detailed product data, batch testing, and clearer specifications build trust with users, easing concerns over batch variance or contamination. Digital tracking of batch numbers and storage conditions combats one of the oldest headaches in academia and manufacturing: shelf-life ambiguity leading to unexpected failures or hazards. Offering pre-mixed solutions where applicable cuts down on powder exposure and gives end-users a safe, ready-to-use format. Community education and open sharing of best practices help both newcomers and experienced hands keep incidents at bay and make the most of new materials like this.
