1-Allyl-3-butylimidazolium bromide stands out in research and chemical industries as an ionic liquid with clear functional potential. Its molecular formula, C10H17BrN2, highlights the combination of an imidazolium base, an allyl group, and a butyl chain—an arrangement that gives the compound a unique profile compared to typical organic salts. With a molecular weight of about 245.16 g/mol, this salt often appears as a colorless to pale-yellow solid, sometimes taking on powder or crystalline forms. Depending on handling and storage, the appearance can shift from flakes to pearls, and at times it dissolves completely to form a clear, viscous solution.
Delving into physical data, the compound delivers a density close to 1.2 g/cm³ at room temperature, which gives it a heavier feel compared to most organic solvents. Its solubility in water ensures that it disperses well in aqueous solutions—this matters for labs and manufacturers needing uniformity and precision. The melting point ranges widely depending on purity and residual water, but it often stays below 100°C, sometimes close to room temperature. Chemically, the bromide ion imparts moderate hygroscopicity, and the presence of the allyl group means it carries chemical reactivity that opens doors in functional group transformations. Imidazolium salts like this one operate under a unique window of thermal stability, sometimes enduring up to 200°C before breaking down, making the material fit for various demanding syntheses.
Ionic liquids serve niche roles in solvents, catalysts, and electrolytes, but 1-allyl-3-butylimidazolium bromide has a deeper story. Labs value its low vapor pressure, which keeps air quality concerns in check during reactions—something I noticed during electrochemical experiments. Raw materials for its synthesis draw from common chemicals: bromobutane, allyl imidazole, and typically a brominating agent. Its HS code, usually grouped under 2925190090 (for organic nitrogen compounds), determines tariff taxes and shipping regulations around the globe. In specialized polyester synthesis or biomass processing, this salt’s ability to dissolve cellulose or catalyze alkylation steps has transformed traditional workflows. Having handled it, I appreciate both its efficacy and the steadiness it brings to reproducible results—a reliability that always beats last-minute troubleshooting.
Chemical suppliers offer it as pure crystals, powder, or flakes, boxed in drums or bottles lined to reduce moisture uptake. Form matters because high surface area powders dissolve quickly, but pearls and flakes reduce dust. In my experience, storage demands a dry, cool space, as even brief exposure to air brings clumping and stickiness. Solutions can be prepared on-demand, usually at concentrations of up to 1 M in water or other suitable solvents, producing homogeneous mixtures critical for analytical techniques and pilot plant studies.
Safety stands out. This compound, while not falling under severe hazard categories, can be harmful when inhaled or ingested and causes irritation on skin contact. The imidazolium cation, though praised for “green chemistry,” still requires respect for chemical hygiene. Gloves, goggles, and lab coats remain standard whenever handling or transferring the solid, especially in bulk batches. MSDS sheets underline its potential environmental harm if released untreated into drains. Disposal, in my experience, means working with accredited waste contractors who neutralize or destroy organobromine waste. European REACH registration and GHS labeling back up global supply chain integrity, so a shipment’s traceability helps downstream users establish compliance and accountability.
Procurement and use sometimes hit snags: limited shelf life after opening, the risk of hydrolysis, and rising costs when raw material prices spike. Sourcing from trusted vendors and investing in larger packaging with proper seals makes a real difference. Research teams get around limited stability by aliquoting supplies and storing them under inert atmosphere. There are always worries about purity—trace halides or water skews run-to-run reproducibility. Investing in careful QC, routine NMR and Karl Fischer titrations, and selecting reputable suppliers shores up performance and safety both in the workplace and for final product applications.
To wrap up the technical side: 1-allyl-3-butylimidazolium bromide, molecular formula C10H17BrN2, density 1.2 g/cm³, melting point close to room temperature or slightly above, water soluble, available as solid (flakes, powder, pearls), or crystal. Recognized under HS Code 2925190090, it provides a solid base for solvent and catalyst innovation, provided safety, quality control, and storage protocols are followed diligently.
