1-Allyl-3-vinylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate settles into the world of ionic liquids with a distinct structure and set of attributes that put it in high demand for specialty chemical applications. In real lab settings, this compound shows off versatility by shifting form depending on conditions—it may arrive as a solid, flaked, crystalline powder, or in a pearly or liquid state, with color ranging from off-white to a pale yellow tint. Unlike common solvents, it resists easy evaporation and brings serious ionic conductivity, making it a real contender for electrochemical and polymer studies.
The structure features an imidazolium core with both allyl and vinyl substitutions—chemists point to this dual reactive handle as a driving force behind its ability to graft onto various polymer chains. Its chemical formula, C8H13BF4N2, puts it firmly in the family of tetrafluoroborate salts, prized for how the BF4 anion offers thermal stability and inertness. A practical understanding here: once you see the long string of carbon and nitrogen, you know the backbone’s geared for synthetic flexibility, prime for R&D pushing sustainable solutions.
Density lands in the approximate range of 1.2–1.5 g/cm³, with actual readings shifting slightly based on purity and method of preparation. The melting point often sits between 40°C and 60°C, allowing it to behave as a room-temperature ionic liquid in many climates. That means effortless mixing, manageable storage, and easy metering into solutions. Chemical stability stays high under ambient conditions, but contact with strong bases or acids quickly triggers decomposition—standard chemical laboratory ventilation and storage protocols, such as keeping the material dry and away from incompatible chemicals, always apply. Water solubility varies but tends toward moderate, offering chemists a hybrid between totally hydrophobic and hydrophilic realms, often needed for innovative green chemistry.
Safety information tells a specific story: the material classifies as harmful on inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact, but doesn’t approach the harsh classification of highly toxic or corrosive compounds. Still, gloves, goggles, and face masks remain non-negotiable. Fume hood use is standard, with good reason—a splash in the eye can burn, and the vapor can irritate the lungs. Direct contact with strong oxidizers or open flame brings fire and explosion risk due to the organic cation. MSDS documentation confirms that while its acute toxicity is low, chronic risks may emerge with repeated exposure, so best lab practice means monitoring air quality and storing in sealed containers. Large-scale users often introduce secondary containment and spill-kits nearby to head off cleanup headaches.
Synthesizing 1-allyl-3-vinylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate starts with simple building blocks: imidazole, allyl chloride, vinyl chloride, and tetrafluoroboric acid or sodium tetrafluoroborate as the key anion donor. Organic synthesis benefits from mild conditions, avoiding heavy metals or toxic intermediates, which both reduces environmental impact and smooths regulatory oversight. After quaternization and ion-exchange steps, careful drying under vacuum yields pure product ready for use. What emerges from a well-run process is a chemical both adaptable and durable—fit for cutting-edge research into energy storage, advanced coatings, antistatic materials, and responsive polymers.
For international shipment, the HS Code most often referenced is 2933990090 for other heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen hetero-atoms. Customs departments in major countries use this code for tariff classification and regulatory checks. Documentation matters, as customs officials regularly scrutinize these specialty chemicals to ensure compliance on safety, labeling, and environmental grounds. On the world market, the product serves research institutes, electronics manufacturers, and chemical companies pressing toward high-performance materials or green chemistry initiatives. Pricing floats with purity, volume, and regulatory packaging—typically, secure packaging is designed to shield from moisture ingress and physical shock.
Practical experience in handling imidazolium-based ionic liquids always brings up one challenge: moisture control. The BF4 anion stays stable against water up to a point, but prolonged air exposure eventually draws in enough water to create hydrolysis byproducts, interfering with careful research work. Desiccators and tightly sealed ampoules offer reliable ways to slow this process. For teams aiming to recycle or scale up use, clean fractionation and purification systems prevent cross-contamination with related salts. Disposal of spent materials follows local hazardous waste regulations, as tetrafluoroborates and imidazolium derivatives persist in soil and water systems longer than simple organic compounds. Smart labs track inventory, share materials among projects, and opt for small-batch preparations where possible to cut down on waste.
Working with 1-allyl-3-vinylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate opens doors for development in areas such as advanced battery electrolytes, antistatic agents, and designer functional polymers. Its dual reactive sites make it a standout for graft copolymerization and surface modification, especially for eco-friendly material solutions. The shift toward less toxic, non-volatile alternatives in the chemical industry means demand for this class will keep building as regulations limit older, more hazardous substances. Researchers stress the balance: push performance, minimize risk, and deliver data on long-term safety. By leaning on solid lab practices, following regulatory frameworks, and committing to life-cycle assessments, those working with this compound continue to push material science a few notches forward.
