1,3-Dimethylimidazolium dicyanamide serves as an ionic liquid with unique versatility across a range of industries. Chemists recognize it under its molecular formula C7H10N6 and molecular weight of 178.20 g/mol. Its structure stands out—a cation of 1,3-dimethylimidazolium matches with the dicyanamide anion. What you find is an organic salt known for its remarkable ability to dissolve inorganic and organic compounds. This versatility makes the substance accessible to both laboratory and industrial spaces. The compound steps into raw material roles for advanced manufacturing, battery work, and synthetic chemistry. Its structure enables customization of thermal and solubility behaviors, giving laboratories and manufacturers a tailor-made experience. The HS Code most often associated with 1,3-dimethylimidazolium dicyanamide stands as 2933.39, which places it alongside other imidazole derivatives. Customs and trade routes rely on that code for global shipment and regulation. Workers in chemical production lines know this material responds well to scalable processes, whether in kilogram or metric ton batches.
In solid form, 1,3-dimethylimidazolium dicyanamide appears as white to off-white flakes, powder, or sometimes crystalline pearls. Its melting point ranges between 70°C and 90°C, but it can drop lower if impurities slip in during production. Depending on the chosen supplier, the compound shows up as a stable solid or a thick liquid at room temperature, and a crystalline look gives quality assurance. Density comes in at around 1.2 g/cm³ at 25°C. Dissolving it in water and some organic solvents turns up positive results — a point chemists use to their advantage for extractive or synthesis work. You might spot this chemical mixed by hand with glass rods in research environments, or poured as a liter solution to test bath performance in electroplating or chemical extraction.
The structure includes an imidazolium core substituted with methyl groups at positions 1 and 3, carrying a positive charge. Dicyanamide stands as the counterion with a [N(CN)2]– group. This structure plays a critical role in both the thermal and electrochemical stability of the compound. Those two methyl groups increase hydrophobicity compared to the parent imidazolium salt. The dicyanamide anion helps regulate the balance between polarity, viscosity, and melting point. Chemists leverage these traits during the design of solvents—especially in the development of batteries, electroplating baths, and plasticizers. On paper, its chemical structure might look simple, yet the relationship between these ions gives 1,3-dimethylimidazolium dicyanamide a special position in the toolbox of any synthetic lab.
Inspection of the raw material reveals a purity level above 98% in most commercially available lots. Spectroscopic analysis (NMR, IR) confirms the unmistakable presence of its methyl, imidazole, and dicyanamide moieties. Professional suppliers list a range of specifications, including water content, acidity, and chloride impurities, with each lot test-verified. Professionals dealing in research, whether on energy storage or extraction, trust specifications provided by the supplier to ensure reliable results. This material fits into a range of delivery forms, including gram-scale vials for research and bulk flake or powder in industrial applications.
Energy storage researchers prize 1,3-dimethylimidazolium dicyanamide for its ionic conductivity—a trait supporting safer, next-generation electrolytes. Instead of using hazardous volatile organic solvents, industries now explore ionic liquids for sustainability reasons. The backdrop here involves rising demand for raw materials that boost performance without lifting toxic exposures. In metal finishing and electroplating, the chemical works as a stable conductive medium, where the controlled viscosity and melting point help deliver even coatings. In the field of catalysis, it acts as a solvent or co-catalyst, improving product yield and selectivity. Synthetic chemists find the compound useful in extraction, separation sciences, and even as a material for preparing advanced polymers.
Any professional who works with 1,3-dimethylimidazolium dicyanamide knows the chemical offers improved safety compared to a host of volatile organic solvents, but it still requires careful attention. Direct contact with skin or eyes creates risk for irritation. Inhalation of dust, while rare due to low volatility, should not be ignored—proper masks and gloves go a long way in risk reduction. The compound’s overall hazard rating hovers between low and moderate depending on region, but manufacturers always list handling recommendations on the certificate of analysis. Long-term effects do not receive much research attention yet, but like most chemicals with cyano groups, responsible disposal and limited environmental release matter. Industrial users choose ventilated hoods, gloves resistant to chemical penetration, and sealed containers to ensure worker and environmental safety. Spills need a plan: solid agents like sand or vermiculite help gather up material, but trained chemical waste teams finish the cleanup.
Concerns over raw material purity, handling hazards, and environmental impact continue to follow chemicals with industrial utility like 1,3-dimethylimidazolium dicyanamide. Supply chain managers keep watch on HS codes and shipping regulations to avoid delays or issues with customs. Professional practice calls for routine lab-scale analysis on every new shipment to spot problems before they interrupt production. Manufacturers seeking to improve sustainability often eye process improvements that recover used ionic liquid for recycling, or they examine alternative anions to lower environmental toxicity even further. In the future, better labeling, regular audits, and high-tech monitoring systems will help facilities limit exposure incidents. As research around battery and polymer applications grows, so does the importance of public safety reports and transparent environmental impact data. Chemical stewardship and education draw a line between responsible use and reckless dumping—those lessons stick with anyone who has spent time in the lab or on the factory floor.
