1-Butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium toluenesulfonate stands out as a specialty ionic liquid, often used where high thermal stability and strong solvent properties matter. This material carries the molecular formula C14H22N2O3S, featuring an organic imidazolium cation paired with a toluenesulfonate anion. The blend of the butyl chain and methyl substitutions on the imidazole ring pushes the compound’s melting point down, keeping it a solid or viscous liquid at room temperature, depending on purity and water content. People working with this compound usually encounter it in the form of crystalline powder, off-white flakes, or colorless pearls. Its chemical structure—based on a substituted imidazolium ring—directly impacts how it dissolves other substances, making it useful in various advanced material applications.
Anyone picking up this ionic liquid can expect a density near 1.1–1.2 g/cm³, with slight variations depending on residual moisture. This density sticks out compared to common organic solvents. In handling, it presents as a solid powder, crystalline mass, or free-flowing flakes at standard temperatures, though storing it in tightly sealed containers blocks it from pulling in water from the air. The melting point usually sits between 60°C and 80°C. Its solubility profile stretches from polar organic solvents like acetonitrile to moderate compatibility with water, proving a low-vapor-pressure and non-volatile character. These features keep inhalation risks down, but skin or eye contact with undiluted samples should never go unchecked. Presence of the toluenesulfonate group brings strong ionic character, enhancing conductivity and broadening potential uses in electrochemistry.
With a backbone built on the imidazolium framework, flanked by butyl and methyl groups, this molecule draws much of its behavior from the balance between hydrophobic alkyl chains and the ionic core. The sulfonate anion introduces another layer of polarity, pushing solubility and stabilizing interactions in polar media. The formula C14H22N2O3S signals a molecular weight just below 314 g/mol, a substantial mass for a liquid organic salt. Chemists turn to this structure for high chemical and thermal resilience; it often stays intact where weaker salts decompose, letting it work as a raw material or catalyst carrier under conditions that break down more fragile molecules.
Available bulk forms of 1-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium toluenesulfonate range from glassy crystals to white flakes, sometimes pressed into pearls for automated dispensing. Laboratories may stock this material as a loose powder sealed under argon or nitrogen to avoid clumping. Key specifications include assay (purity levels up to 99%), moisture content below 0.5%, and minimal residual solvents. For process chemistry, suppliers often guarantee batch homogeneity and precise melting range, since impurities shift physical form and reactivity. Packaging usually involves inert containers, glass or plastic, with capacities scaling from 1-kg bottles for research to 50-kg drums for industry work. Each shipment must list HS Code 2933.99 (heterocyclic compounds), reflecting its classified status in global chemical trade, streamlining customs compliance, and ensuring traceability.
Making this ionic liquid calls for specialty chemicals. The imidazolium compound comes from advanced alkylation of dimethylimidazole, followed by anion exchange with a toluenesulfonic acid derivative. Each precursor demands careful handling, as sulfonic acid presents serious risks for chemical burns while the imidazole intermediate can irritate airways and skin. The finished compound, although more stable than its raw materials, remains a chemical entity—contact with eyes or inhalation can trigger mild irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive users. Personal protective gear, such as nitrile gloves, protective eyewear, and good ventilation, cuts back on the most serious risks. People storing this material keep it away from strong oxidizers and reducers, avoiding temperature swings that might trigger breakdown. Disposal needs to match local hazardous waste laws because the mixture cannot hit regular trash streams.
People working in chemical synthesis lean on this ionic liquid for its solvent strength—it pulls off complex catalytic reactions in both academic and industrial settings. It dissolves organic and inorganic species that struggle in water or standard organic media, bringing new life to stubborn processes like organometallic catalysis, electroplating, and pharmaceuticals. In battery research, the compound’s low volatility and high ionic conductivity make it a reliable ingredient for next-generation electrolytes. From a safety standpoint, the low vapor pressure sharply reduces the risk of inhalation compared to traditional solvents. I’ve seen labs transition to this material as a safer, greener option in test batches, though handling protocols never take a holiday. Environmental concerns remain: run-off or spills demand immediate cleanup, and disposal routes must respect ionic persistence in soil and water, even if the compound itself shows limited acute toxicity. Smart use, focused on worker training and secure containment, lets industries enjoy the strengths of this product without trading away safety or sustainability.
