1-Allyl-3-Methylimidazolium Bis((Trifluoromethyl)Sulfonyl)Imide, also known by its chemical shorthand AMIM TFSI, comes from a family of ionic liquids that continue to spark interest across advanced materials and chemical synthesis industries. The structure centers on a bulky bis((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)imide anion paired with an allyl-methylimidazolium cation. It isn’t an everyday substance for most, but in laboratories and specialty chemical applications, it can make a very real difference thanks to a mix of distinct properties, structure, and handling requirements.
Looking up close, the molecular formula of 1-Allyl-3-Methylimidazolium Bis((Trifluoromethyl)Sulfonyl)Imide shows a formula of C9H13F6N3O4S2, and a molar mass of about 439.34 g/mol. Its molecular structure presents a robust, thermally stable backbone that proves useful in fields where consistent performance matters. Having access to high-purity AMIM TFSI usually means sourcing from vetted suppliers. They must apply strict quality controls in synthesis from imidazole derivatives, often feeding in raw materials such as methylimidazole, allyl halides, and TFMSI—each handled with an eye on both safety and purity.
Users often find AMIM TFSI available as a colorless to light yellow liquid at room temperature, though lower temperatures can change its state into a viscous, waxy solid, and some configurations even form small crystals or appear as flakes or powder. The density sits around 1.43 to 1.48 g/cm³ at 25°C, so it can feel perceptibly heavier in-hand than basic organics or even water. This ionic liquid shows a wide liquid temperature range, staying stable across typical lab and industrial process windows. As a non-volatile compound, fumes or obvious emissions rarely become an issue in standard room conditions. Its water solubility sits low, but dissolution in acetone, dimethyl sulfoxide, or other polar organic solvents is reliable and quick.
It’s hard to overstate how products like AMIM TFSI have transformed some corners of battery research, ionic liquid catalysis, and advanced separation sciences. Its electrochemical stability suits emerging battery and supercapacitor electrolytes searching for better safety and lifetime. The negligible vapor pressure and broad electrochemical window make handling less stressful, and large research groups already see this type of chemistry supporting green processing and sustainable alternatives to more hazardous organic solvents. The molecular robustness translates into results—consistent ionic conductivity, stable charge transfer, and ease of clean-up after reactions. Whether in liquid form, solid pearls or flake-like crystals, its adaptability opens doors for researchers and manufacturers.
Storing and handling AMIM TFSI doesn’t call for panic, but it does require care. Exposure to eyes, skin, or through inhalation poses risks, and in my own lab experience, gloves, lab coats, and appropriate fume hoods are baseline requirements. The compound can show moderate toxicity on contact or ingestion, though it excels at resisting decomposition or hazardous byproduct generation under normal use. The HS Code used for international transport often falls under 3824.99, covering prepared chemical products not elsewhere specified. This covers the foundation for regulation, labeling, and compliance—key not just for safety, but also for customs and supply chain reliability.
The properties of AMIM TFSI attract engineers and scientists looking to push technology forward, yet challenges remain. Cost per liter or kilogram stays higher than traditional organic solvents, and the need for specialized disposal means companies must work with well-established waste handling partners. In my experience, those who integrate AMIM TFSI into their protocols invest up front in staff training and safety planning before seeing the clear performance dividends. As adoption expands, community-led reporting on exposure limits, real-world hazards, and emerging applications helps fill gaps not always addressed by raw safety data sheets. Demands for greener production, lower impurities, and more scalable supply chains echo every time a new batch reaches a lab or pilot plant.
Breakthroughs in areas like photovoltaics or selective catalysis often hinge on having materials both powerful and predictable. AMIM TFSI brings that combination with its strong ionic structure, wide liquid phase, specific molecular profile, and useful density. Working safely with such materials means grounding choices in published toxicity, using the right gear, and tracking every container from receipt to final waste. For those chasing efficiency, stability, or precision in next-generation chemical processes, AMIM TFSI stands as one material that deserves a close look—and smart respect—on every well-run bench or shop floor.
