1-Butyl-2,3-Dimethylimidazolium Dihydrophosphate belongs to the family of ionic liquids. This chemical stands out because it's a salt in liquid form at room temperature, which puts it in a unique position for laboratory and industrial use. The structure can be broken down as a butyl group attached to an imidazolium core, with dihydrophosphate as the counterion. This combination gives the substance a molecular formula of C9H19N2O4P. Chemists value its stability and handling advantages compared to volatile organic solvents.
This liquid features a cation consisting of a butyl chain attached to a 2,3-dimethylimidazolium ring. The anion comes from dihydrophosphate, bringing hydrogen bonding potential and some interesting ionic conductivity properties. The molecular weight hovers near 250-300 g/mol. Structurally, the flat imidazolium ring gives a base for tuning physical properties, with the attached alkyl chain and phosphate group offering room to tailor its chemical behavior for specific processes.
The HS code for 1-Butyl-2,3-Dimethylimidazolium Dihydrophosphate commonly falls under the category for organic chemicals, making international shipping and trade more streamlined for suppliers and customers. Typical purities reach above 98% for research and specialty manufacturing. Specifications focus not just on purity, but also on moisture content, color, and presence of byproducts, as those factors impact reactivity and shelf stability.
On the bench, 1-Butyl-2,3-Dimethylimidazolium Dihydrophosphate can appear as a viscous liquid, although temperature and humidity can nudge it into a more syrupy or even solid-like consistency. Its density usually falls between 1.1 and 1.3 grams per milliliter at room temperature, which means it tends to sink in water but isn’t far off from water’s own density. The refractive index also sits above 1.4, reflecting its ionic nature and potential use in specialty optical or electrochemical systems. Whether sold as a liquid, powder, or pearls, the form depends on drying and processing during manufacture. Crystal formation isn’t rare in cold storage but dissolves once warmed up.
A solid understanding of its chemical and physical hazards matters for anyone using this material. This ionic liquid does not release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), reducing inhalation concerns common with conventional solvents, but it can still be harmful if swallowed or if it comes in contact with skin or eyes. It shouldn’t go down the drain since small amounts tend to persist, making environmental management a priority in labs and industry. Long sleeves, chemical-resistant gloves, and goggles are a must in any setting. Spills clean up more easily than many organic solvents but still demand respect for local regulations and good waste disposal practices.
Researchers turn to 1-Butyl-2,3-Dimethylimidazolium Dihydrophosphate for its role as a green solvent. It dissolves a range of materials—organic, inorganic, and polymeric—better than many traditional solutions. Battery manufacturers look at it for safer electrolytes in next-generation storage devices because it offers high ionic conductivity and thermal stability. Chemists exploring alternative catalysis routes often use this ionic liquid to run reactions under mild conditions, producing fewer toxic byproducts and trimming waste. In the world of separation processes, its selectivity for certain ions and organics makes it sought-after for extracting valuable compounds from mixtures.
The main raw materials for 1-Butyl-2,3-Dimethylimidazolium Dihydrophosphate include imidazole derivatives and butyl halides, reacted in the presence of dihydrophosphoric acid. Quality of inputs shapes final purity, so suppliers sourcing high-grade precursors have the edge in producing clean, stable end products. Flow chemistry and batch synthesis both see use in commercial production, with purification and drying playing key roles in the final specification. The nature of the raw materials also influences cost and efficient scale-up, factors that matter to both buyers and formulators.
Whether it arrives as a neat liquid, powder, or crystalline mass, its density remains consistent and tells a lot about its quality. Industrial users measure density both in the bottle and in dissolved states, since performance in solution often ties directly to this parameter. At standard lab conditions, you’ll see values around 1.2 g/mL, making it easy to weigh or measure out for reactions. In solution, particularly aqueous mixtures, the ionic liquid can alter the density of the entire medium, changing how reactants move and settle over time.
This imidazolium-based liquid resists ignition and offers a wide liquid range, so high heat doesn’t phase it as much as typical organic solvents. It doesn’t evaporate at room temperature, so loss of material during open bench work stays minimal. Water solubility depends on temperature and concentration—at lower concentrations, the liquid blends well with water, but saturation can lead to phase separation, which can be leveraged in selective extraction work. On its own, it has a low vapor pressure, meaning it doesn’t easily escape into the air, bolstering lab safety and compliance with strict air quality standards.
Suppliers offer 1-Butyl-2,3-Dimethylimidazolium Dihydrophosphate in several physical forms. As a liquid, it flows at room temperature, making it a natural pick for reaction setups. When cooled or partially dried, it takes on a crystalline or flaky texture—useful for dosing exact quantities without drips or spills. For automated dosing, the pearl or bead form delivers ease of measurement and minimal static cling. Large scale operations may prefer powder for fast dissolution, while small research labs might choose solid blocks to avoid evaporation during long-term storage.
Every user needs to remember that chemicals in this family aren’t just solvents—they have their own toxicological profile. Short-term exposure through skin or eyes causes irritation and pain. Ingestion brings risks to gastrointestinal health, making safe handling a must. Absorption through broken skin remains a concern. Though this compound is less volatile, it persists in water and soil, underscoring the need for containment measures and safe waste disposal. Toxicology research on ionic liquids shows that structure-activity relationships can vary, and regulators track the environmental fate of these chemicals closely.
Having used a range of ionic liquids over years of hands-on research, the difference with 1-Butyl-2,3-Dimethylimidazolium Dihydrophosphate is hard to miss. Its combination of thermal stability, chemical resistance, and ease of handling keep stress levels lower during sensitive reactions. For students and staff learning safe chemical practice, the reduced vapor pressure and fire hazards mark a big step forward. The balance of hazard and benefit drives home the importance of using these materials with respect for both safety and long-term sustainability.
For all the strengths of 1-Butyl-2,3-Dimethylimidazolium Dihydrophosphate, challenges do exist. Disposal and environmental persistence call for cradle-to-grave waste tracking and investment in research for greener alternatives or better end-of-life treatment options. Engineers can develop containment measures and regular monitoring for facilities. Regulatory bodies and manufacturers will benefit from transparent reporting on raw material choices and process improvements that lower waste and energy use. Expanding education about safe use and disposal helps protect both operators and the environment, keeping this tool available for responsible innovation.
