1-Allyl-3-Ethylimidazolium Hexafluorophosphate is one of those chemicals with a mouthful of a name and a handful of different faces in the lab. The product often turns up as a colorless to pale yellow solid or a slightly viscous liquid, showing off both crystal and powder forms. Chemists spot it by its formula, C8H13F6N2P, and molecular weight, which clocks in at 282.17 g/mol. Commercially, it comes with the HS Code 2933699099, marking its place on international shipping ledgers. Its density, usually around 1.35 g/cm³, gives it a substance that's tricky to mimic and easy to pick out among ionic liquids.
The structure starts with the imidazolium ring, a core seen in many ionic liquids, then adds its allyl and ethyl branches for extra chemical interest. You might notice that when this material lands on your bench, it settles in as irregular flakes or tiny pearls, promising a range of uses from raw material in synthesis to strong support for electrolytes. Its melting point tends to hover near room temperature — often falling between 15°C and 35°C — so you might see it as a free-flowing solution on hotter days, then as well-formed crystals on colder mornings. Its transparency and smooth flow reflect its purity, a trait both researchers and developers value because it shows fewer contaminants made it through the process.
This molecule’s biggest reputation is for stability alongside a broad electrochemical window, thanks to the hexafluorophosphate anion. That stable character has opened doors in batteries, dye-sensitized solar cells, and as a solvent for catalysis. In the real world, I’ve seen it poured into beakers to build conductive ionic ensembles for energy storage or as a safe alternative compared to traditional volatile organic solvents. The low vapor pressure limits the risk of inhaling it during use, which matters to people who spend long hours with their faces at bench height. Given its ionic nature, it dissolves a variety of organics and inorganic compounds, and researchers have noticed its role in stabilizing transition metal ions for complex syntheses. When new lithium battery tests start up, this chemical often heads the list for trial electrolytes, prized for holding up under repeated cycles and helping devices run at a wider temperature range.
Spec sheets usually list purity above 99%, moisture below 0.2%, with each batch clearly traceable for regulatory needs. Bulk orders range from multi-liter plastic drums to glass bottles holding just a few hundred grams. You can choose between powder, fine flakes, or clear liquid — each format packed according to its storage requirements. One thing worth keeping in mind: this chemical is neither benign nor wildly hazardous under typical handling. Spills should get wiped up with absorbent pads and waste stored by chemical safety rules, since the hexafluorophosphate group raises concerns about corrosivity and slow hydrolysis, possibly producing toxic hydrogen fluoride. It isn’t something that belongs around food, unprotected skin, or unventilated spaces, but careful handling under a hood with gloves keeps risks low in industrial and research settings.
Having worked with many ionic liquids, I’ve learned that hazards drop sharply with respect for basic protocols. Nonetheless, the hexafluorophosphate anion remains a concern in environmental circles. Left unchecked, it breaks down into PF6- and could eventually let loose fluorinated gases or persistent organic residues. Over the years, scientists have debated the real environmental load, since laboratory-scale waste rarely matches industrial discharge. Using closed systems for reactions and making sure all residues hit the correct waste stream can dial down that risk. Substitution is another solution, with labs now hunting for less persistent anions and cations that maintain the same liquid range and ionic conductivity.
Manufacturers usually start with high-purity imidazole, allyl chloride, and ethyl halide for the cation, then introduce hexafluorophosphoric acid or similar salts. The quality of raw materials directly shapes the stability, color, and shelf-life of the finished compound — so poor inputs mean poor output, with yellowing or clouding and reduced electrochemical performance. Cost pressures sometimes tempt shortcuts with less-refined precursors, but repeated endpoint testing and batch QC bring most products back to acceptable standards. Certifications for hazardous chemical shipment mark every invoice, proving compliance for border crossings and workplace audits.
I’ve talked to colleagues who see real value in switching to this compound for its non-flammable character, especially in closed-system energy storage. Manual training, fume hoods, and PPE always stay on the checklist for new users. The long-term fix rests in green chemistry, with researchers already drafting next-generation ionic liquids that promise low persistence and easy breakdown. Industry-wide adoption depends on price pressure, regulatory nudges, and demand for sustainable chemistry. In the meantime, regular workplace training, strict labeling, and robust waste protocols help keep users safe — and make sure that 1-Allyl-3-Ethylimidazolium Hexafluorophosphate remains a useful, rather than a problematic, tool on the research and production line.
