1-Allyl-3-Vinylimidazolium Bromide brings together two versatile organic groups, allyl and vinyl, on a single imidazolium core. This hybrid structure supports applications from ionic liquids to functional materials research, especially among chemists working with polymerization and catalysis. Harnessing a combination of reactivity and stability, this substance earns attention for roles in solvent development and advanced material science. My own time in research labs reminds me how such molecules can change the approach to solvent engineering, offering non-volatile, conductive alternatives that go beyond traditional solvents.
This compound carries the molecular formula C8H11BrN2, showing both aliphatic and aromatic character. Its structure includes the imidazole ring with a vinyl group at the 3-position and an allyl group at the 1-position, paired with bromide as the counterion. With a molecular weight of about 215 grams per mole, its physical form can range from crystalline powder to a fine flake, depending on storage conditions and purity. Visual inspection usually reveals a solid, sometimes as small pearls or larger crystalline masses, which resist melting at room temperature. Its density typically falls in the range of 1.35–1.45 g/cm³, reflecting its ionic nature. In practice, workers handle it as a powder for most laboratory operations, but it dissolves in polar solvents, including water or organic alcohols, forming stable solutions suitable for chemical synthesis.
Chemically, 1-Allyl-3-Vinylimidazolium Bromide behaves as an ionic compound with high solubility in water and moderate solubility in some organic liquids like methanol or acetonitrile. Unlike traditional volatile solvents, it emits no appreciable vapor at room temperature, which cuts risks of inhalation and improves laboratory air quality. From years of handling new ionic liquids, I know that minimizing vapor pressure leads to safer laboratory atmospheres, especially in small or poorly ventilated spaces. The substance remains stable below 120°C, though direct exposure to open flames or temperatures beyond this point can threaten decomposition. Technicians should avoid direct contact, as the ionic nature may cause irritation or minor burns on sensitive skin, and standard gloves do the trick for protection.
Physical samples line up as either a solid powder, fine crystalline material, or occasionally small pearls formed during recrystallization. Some manufacturers also supply it dissolved in water, yielding clear, colorless solutions for more direct application in polymerization or analytical chemistry. I found working with the powder straightforward, though the crystalline form can clump if left exposed to humidity. Packaged correctly, the solid resists airborne moisture, but improper storage causes it to agglomerate quickly, losing its free-flowing character. Experienced chemists know to keep it sealed in dry conditions, since hydrophilic ionic compounds draw water eagerly from the air—a phenomenon easily seen with simple humidity test strips in the lab.
Lab reports and supplier datasheets rank 1-Allyl-3-Vinylimidazolium Bromide as a chemical requiring careful handling, largely due to its ionic and alkylating nature. Ingestion, inhalation of dust, or skin exposure can result in mild to moderate irritation, so gloves, goggles, and lab coats become necessary, not optional. Material Safety Data Sheets flag its hazard status under GHS as irritant, rather than toxic, though chronic exposure is unstudied. Many who handle chemicals day in and day out approach new ionic liquids with extra respect—better to prevent exposure than to read studies after the fact. Case-by-case assessment is critical here, since ionic compounds sometimes show unexpected interactions with other reagents. As with any chemical, well-marked secondary containment, good ventilation, and clear labeling form best practice measures. Raw materials for making this compound include imidazole, allyl bromide, and vinyl-imidazole, all common in specialty chemical manufacturing.
For shipping and regulatory filing, this compound uses the harmonized HS Code 2933990099, which covers “Other heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen hetero-atom(s) only.” Most customs authorities treat this as a specialty chemical rather than hazardous goods, though regional rules can vary. Any organization importing or exporting will want to verify documentation specifically for each region, and from experience, incomplete paperwork can create long, frustrating delays at customs—prevention by proactive preparation pays rewards all along the distribution chain.
Chemists interested in developing new materials keep returning to 1-Allyl-3-Vinylimidazolium Bromide for its versatility. Its ready solubility and functional reactivity support growing research in green chemistry and electrochemical devices. Switching away from more volatile solvents stands out as one real solution for labs focusing on environmental and occupational safety. In my work, swapping to ionic alternatives made measurable differences in air quality as judged by occupational health monitors, so trades like these make sense for both innovation and well-being. For anyone scaling up, investment in closed handling systems makes sure even fine powders do not escape into the work environment—a lesson reinforced any time a spill clouded the air in a poorly ventilated corner, only to set off extra cleaning and exposure monitoring.
