1-Allyl-3-Vinylimidazolium Chloride: Detailed Overview and Practical Commentary

What is 1-Allyl-3-Vinylimidazolium Chloride?

1-Allyl-3-Vinylimidazolium Chloride stands out in the world of ionic liquids for its unique structure and versatile chemical properties. The name itself tells a story: this compound belongs to the imidazolium family, with vinyl and allyl groups attached to the imidazole ring. In practical terms, this chemical often appears as a pale solid or slightly yellowish powder, sometimes formed into flakes or granules for different applications. I’ve worked around chemicals for years, and seeing a solid switch to a slightly viscous liquid at specific temperatures isn’t unusual for substances like this. Its density clocks in around 1.2 g/cm³, giving it a slightly heavier hand than water, and its molecular formula reads C8H13ClN2. That combination opens doors in both laboratory research and industrial material science, pointing to its role as an advanced raw material for polymers and specialty resins.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Getting the properties straight is vital for handling and applying this chemical effectively. 1-Allyl-3-Vinylimidazolium Chloride’s structure delivers superior ionic conductivity, which pushes it into attention in electrochemical engineering, advanced batteries, and even next-generation sensors. The imidazolium backbone sits between the allyl and vinyl substitutions, doubling down on its reactivity and overall stability under standard lab or production conditions. Most commonly, I’ve handled this substance as flakes or pearls, with water solubility high enough to create clear, stable solutions that don’t separate or settle over time. The crystal form offers sharp, almost mirror-like facets when examined under a microscope, and the powder form’s flow characteristics make it a smart choice for blending into composite materials or dispersing in solvents.

Specifications, Density, and Available Forms

Dealing with specifications, the primary data everyone should check starts with purity, which often reaches over 98% in well-prepared batches. Granularity matters, especially for processing equipment that does best with powders sized at 100 to 300 microns, though coarser and finer lots both show up, depending on need. Density at room temperature centers about 1.22 g/cm³, which means it pours with a certain heft into measuring vessels. I’ve seen manufacturers offer it in bags, drums, or sealed bottles, with bulk orders arriving as crystalline solids or tightly packed pearls to keep air and light exposure to a minimum. In solution, you’ll encounter concentrations commonly between 10% and 50% by mass, tailored to the user’s requirements in pilot or full-scale projects.

Structure and Molecular Insights

The structure isn’t just a chemical curiosity – it provides actual value on the floor. The imidazolium ring secures thermal stability while the vinyl and allyl groups sit ready to react or participate in polymerization. Engineers and chemists I know appreciate this reactivity, since it allows for easier incorporation into copolymerization schemes, blending with other ionic liquids, or introducing into materials for advanced coatings that push back against harsh environments. In solution, chloride acts as the counterion, supporting electrical conductivity and maintaining performance in both aqueous and organic solvents. Some labs use spectroscopic tools like NMR and IR to verify the presence of all three defining groups. This practice keeps quality high and ensures downstream results meet expectations for purity and performance.

HS Code, Raw Materials, and Supply Chain Considerations

Looking at trade details, you’ll find 1-Allyl-3-Vinylimidazolium Chloride tagged under HS Code 2921.19, which covers other cyclic amides. In customs paperwork, clarity on this code prevents confusion and smooths the process for both import and export, an increasingly important part of the job as more industries turn to advanced ionic liquids. Raw materials trace back to allyl halide, vinylimidazole, and hydrochloric acid, each presenting their own storage and safety considerations before assembly. Sourcing high-purity starting agents cuts down on contaminant levels in the final product. Companies growing their materials business encounter disruption if any part of the supply chain falters, so redundant sources and tight quality control keep production lines running and customer orders filled.

Applications and Real-world Material Performance

You find 1-Allyl-3-Vinylimidazolium Chloride used in polymer science, where its ionic nature and dual-functional groups allow it to modify polymers or serve directly as a monomer for specialty resins with enhanced mechanical or electrical properties. In electrochemistry labs, its conductivity puts it at the base of solid-state devices and experimental batteries. Industrial researchers push its limits in green chemistry applications, focusing on replacing more hazardous organic solvents and reducing waste as regulations tighten. It’s also beginning to show up in pharmaceutical research, where ionic liquids assist with solubilizing complex compounds or improving drug delivery. These uses demand consistent quality, reliable measurements of density, and assurance that the supplied material matches safe handling guidelines.

Safety, Hazards, and Practical Handling

Working with 1-Allyl-3-Vinylimidazolium Chloride requires awareness. I’ve seen improper handling cause skin and eye irritation, and inhalation of dust should always be avoided. Research into the toxicity of ionic liquids continues, but this compound calls for chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and strong ventilation during weighing, blending, or dispensing. Even the best attempts at careful transfer can result in spills; quick cleanups with absorbent material and soap-and-water solutions show responsibility and help prevent lingering residues. The substance doesn’t ignite easily, though, which cuts down on fire risk. Material safety data sheets reinforce the need for safe storage in cool, dry, and ventilated spaces, away from strong oxidizers or acids. Disposal should pass through licensed waste handlers, not regular drains or landfill, to manage environmental impact.

Opportunities and Challenges in Future Chemical Synthesis

From an industry perspective, 1-Allyl-3-Vinylimidazolium Chloride unlocks new design spaces for sustainable materials and next-generation electronics. Labs working with this chemical notice the enhancement in polymer flexibility, conductivity, and crosslink density, which ties back to the vinyl and allyl groups’ activity. Growing adoption in green chemistry brings about the need for thorough study of long-term environmental impact and residual toxicity. Researchers who care about workplace safety seek substitutes for hazardous chemicals, and this ionic liquid delivers benefits but also brings its own set of handling risks. Ongoing collaboration between suppliers, academics, and safety officials ensures users stay informed about safer handling protocols and potential process improvements. Expanding supply, transparent pricing, and sharing best practices move the chemical field forward as more advanced compounds push into the mainstream.