1-Allyl-3-Methylimidazolium Dicyanamide belongs to the family of ionic liquids, a group of chemical compounds that continue to shape the direction of material science. Chemists and researchers have turned to this substance when searching for alternatives to traditional volatile organic solvents. Its foundation lies in its two major building blocks: the 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium cation and the dicyanamide anion. When the two join, the product demonstrates a set of properties that break away from the typical behavior of salts at room temperature.
In my own lab work, the texture of 1-Allyl-3-Methylimidazolium Dicyanamide varies with conditions. You might see it as a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid at room temperature, but under lower temperatures it tends to retire into a solid. In powdered form, it changes into white or pale grains, sometimes clumping as pearls or flakes. The density usually falls between 1.04 and 1.09 grams per cubic centimeter, which means it feels heavier than water but not as dense as many salts or metals. The melting point often ranges between 4°C and 12°C, showing why it remains liquid under most lab settings.
Chemically, its molecular formula is C8H11N5, and a single molecule holds an imidazolium ring with an allyl group and a methyl group hanging off, paired with a compact dicyanamide anion. The CAS Number ties to regulatory databases and helps with import, export, and inspection. For shipping and customs, the HS Code for this class of raw materials often sits at 2933.29. Its molecular weight clocks in at 177.21 g/mol, making it a mid-sized molecule among ionic liquids.
Throughout solvent screening sessions, I noticed that samples of this chemical stay stable in air for weeks, evidence of low volatility. It barely evaporates, which helps reduce exposure risk if you’re handling it in a standard fume hood. Mixing this compound with polar or nonpolar substances leads to a versatility that surpasses most traditional solvents. It dissolves a range of materials, from polymers like cellulose to salts and even some gases, which pushes its use in separation processes and catalysis. Battery research groups and green chemistry labs rely on this liquid not just for chemical synthesis, but also to help understand reaction kinetics outside of the usual water or alcohol-based mediums.
Safety always comes up whenever I unpack any new raw materials. 1-Allyl-3-Methylimidazolium Dicyanamide carries low vapor pressure, so inhalation isn’t the main concern unless you heat it up. On the skin, it can cause mild irritation if left unattended for too long. Splashes in the eyes call for the same response you’d use for other organic solvents: flush with water, check for lingering effects, and see a doctor if irritation continues. Swallowing a small amount isn’t common, but it does qualify as harmful, so labs require gloves and goggles as part of routine safe handling. Fire risks stay low thanks to its low flammability, but as with most ionic liquids, burning it releases toxic gases like nitrogen oxides. This puts extra importance on proper ventilation and fire safety measures. Waste disposal should funnel into approved routes for hazardous chemicals, and plenty of lab protocols support environmental safety by limiting direct disposal into water or conventional drains.
In practice, bottles and drums of this compound arrive as either a clear liquid or pressed crystals. It mixes smoothly with water, and the resulting solutions stay stable across a broad pH range. As someone who’s tested reactions in both small vials and one-liter flasks, I’ve seen how easy it is to scale up preparations with this chemical, provided the temperature stays above its melting point. The solid and flake forms dissolve without forming stubborn clumps. Storage requires a tight seal to limit contamination by water and dust. Some material safety data sheets recommend glass bottles over plastics, mostly to avoid slow plasticizer leaching. Under standard storage in a cool, dry room, the material keeps for months with minimal degradation.
Production runs for this ionic liquid depend on starter chemicals like allyl chloride, methylimidazole, and dicyandiamide. Most facilities choose batch reactors, managing raw material input to guarantee product purity and reproducibility. Processes sometimes involve filtration steps, vacuum drying, and ion exchange to finish the product and remove by-products. Whether it’s crystals, powder, or liquid, the packaging reflects shipping and storage needs, with bags and containers rated for chemical resistance. I’ve watched as companies sought out this material not just for alternative solvents, but also as electrolytes in novel fuel cells and as mediums for high-value chemical reactions. Each application places different emphasis on purity, form, and packaging type.
Bringing a new raw material into a production line or research project means understanding risks and contributions. As global rules on hazardous chemicals continue to tighten, knowing the full profile of 1-Allyl-3-Methylimidazolium Dicyanamide helps avoid compliance problems and environmental missteps. Responsible sourcing, thoughtful use, and careful waste management help unlock the compound’s value while protecting people and the world outside the lab. With its specific density, adaptable state, and multifaceted utility, this ionic liquid earns its spot among a growing list of specialty chemicals shaping the next generation of research and industry.
