1,3-Dimethylimidazolium Propane Bromide belongs to the class of imidazolium-based ionic liquids and has drawn attention among researchers and industries dealing with advanced materials and green chemistry. The product goes by the chemical formula C9H17BrN2, with a molecular weight of 249.155 g/mol. This compound features a core imidazolium ring structure substituted by two methyl groups at the nitrogen positions, connected to a propane chain, giving it a distinctive presence both in physical appearance and chemical behavior. In solid form, it appears as flaky or powdery white to off-white crystals, sometimes sold as pearls or crystalline solid, depending on the manufacturing process. It dissolves easily in polar solvents like water, acetonitrile, and alcohol, turning into a clear solution, which comes in handy for various synthesis and extraction applications.
This salt’s density sits close to 1.3 to 1.4 g/cm³ at room temperature, so it packs a bit more weight compared to water but stays manageable for common handling. The melting point can range from 70°C to over 90°C, depending on purity, and the substance can transition between solid and liquid phases without breaking down its ionic structure, a trait highly valued in ionic liquids. Compared to conventional organic solvents, 1,3-Dimethylimidazolium Propane Bromide demonstrates low vapor pressure, minimizing the chances for inhalation risks and reducing emissions within processing environments. In my experience, the flakes or powder dissolve more quickly if stirred, with no visible residue, and this consistency makes accurate solution preparation possible for laboratory work. Visually, high-purity product forms clear or slightly opaque crystals and does not include stray contamination if sourced from reputable suppliers.
Breaking down the structure, you see a double nitrogen imidazole ring, which provides stability through charge delocalization and allows the cation to interact efficiently with the bromide anion. The presence of a propane chain between the imidazolium core and the bromide ion allows for slight flexibility in the lattice, which can affect melting and solubility behavior. This structure brings a mix of hydrophilic and hydrophobic interactions, opening use in extraction, catalysis, and ionic conduction. Analyzing the molecule with NMR or FTIR techniques, the unique ring protons and methyl groups all show up distinctly, verifying the chemical’s structure and high level of purity. The HS Code for 1,3-Dimethylimidazolium Propane Bromide generally falls under 29252900, which covers other imidazole derivatives and their salts—critical for customs documentation and global commerce.
A good number of chemists now reach for 1,3-Dimethylimidazolium Propane Bromide as a raw material for ionic liquid formulations, with a focus on green solvents. The ionic liquid characteristics make it useful for separating metal ions or organic contaminants from water, handling cellulose dissolution, and supporting catalytic cycles in organic synthesis. Battery researchers also use it for electrolyte development in advanced energy storage systems because of its ionic conductivity and chemical stability. For my own lab work, using this product as a medium for electrochemical experiments simplified the process, leading to less equipment corrosion compared to chlorinated solvents. Production of specialty coatings and pharmaceuticals taps into this compound’s ability to generate unique polarity environments, letting manufacturers reach specific product performance without turning to harsher chemicals.
No one should downplay chemical safety and health information. According to overseas safety data sheets, 1,3-Dimethylimidazolium Propane Bromide does not instantly trigger red flags like volatile organics, but mishandling can cause irritation to skin and eyes. Wearing gloves, lab coats, and goggles is more than recommendation—direct contact should be avoided because some ionic liquids have low but real toxicological impact. If powders become airborne, inhalation can irritate the respiratory tract. While not classified as a strong hazardous material under the Globally Harmonized System, it still isn’t considered benign. Disposal must respect local environmental law, since releasing brominated compounds into waste streams builds up environmental impact over time. The product should be kept tightly sealed in a dry, cool space since moisture can reduce shelf life through hydrolysis, especially when the product is in finely powdered or pearl form.
Commercial suppliers usually offer 1,3-Dimethylimidazolium Propane Bromide in various packaging forms—flaky solids, fine powders, small pearls, or chunky crystals—to make lab storage and industrial processing smoother. Purity levels advertised often top 98% to ensure minimal contamination. Specifications include appearance, melting point, density, water content, and sometimes elemental analysis for C/H/N/Br ratios. The labeling should state the CAS number, molecular formula, and quality control data from the lot. From experience, verifying certificates of analysis before using in regulated processes is a must, as some batches may include trace impurities if care drops during synthesis or packaging. Demand for this compound continues to rise, especially in regions focusing on clean technology and advanced chemical processing, so supply chain transparency and documentation of test results become essential.
Seeing the growth of ionic liquids like 1,3-Dimethylimidazolium Propane Bromide, it’s clear environmental impact remains an ongoing concern. The bromide ion and stability of the imidazolium ring mean breakdown does not occur quickly in nature, which puts pressure on producers and users to close the loop with recycling and safe disposal. One method gaining ground involves thermal treatment under strict controls to recover the valuable imidazole and avoid releasing bromine vapors. Developing greener synthesis routes using renewable feedstocks for the imidazole base helps shrink the carbon footprint of the compound. More transparency from manufacturers about impurities, origin of raw materials, and potential for end-of-life recovery would go a long way toward responsible use in industry and research. With demand growing as industries move away from traditional, toxic solvents, the push for lower-risk, higher-efficiency chemicals like this one will likely boost both scientific innovation and regulatory oversight in years to come.
