1-Butyl-2,3-Dimethylimidazolium Trifluoromethanesulfonate carries growing importance in modern chemistry. With the shift toward ionic liquids in research, this compound steps forward as a raw material that brings useful features to the table. Many groups refer to it by its molecular formula C10H17F3N2O3S, which gives a clear sense of what type of atoms build up its structure. The butyl and dimethylimidazolium core pairs with trifluoromethanesulfonate, making a stable ionic liquid that resists breaking down under tough conditions. Its uses keep expanding as more labs experiment with green solvents and alternative reaction media.
It works as a chemical material across industries. Some use it in the formation of electrochemical devices, while others test it in catalysis, separating agents, and advanced battery designs. The reason stems from its broad liquid range and stability. Unlike traditional solvents, it does not catch fire easily or evaporate at regular laboratory temperatures, which makes handling and storage much less of a headache. Some teams also explore it as a component in polymer electrolytes and coatings, due to its ability to dissolve both organic and inorganic substances. The result links back to years of trial and error aimed at pushing performance while cutting unnecessary risks.
At room temperature, this material often appears as a colorless to pale yellow liquid, though circumstances may yield it in a crystalline or powder form if cooled. Its molecular structure looks more complex than many salts used in older labs, but that complexity gives it strength. The presence of fluorine atoms, combined with the imidazolium ring, builds resistance against moisture and heat. This means it stays intact when exposed to the air or when heated, holding up through challenging chemical reactions. Its density usually measures close to 1.34 g/cm³, and in solution, it keeps a high ability to conduct ions, a trait valuable for those looking to optimize reaction pathways or battery efficiency.
Chemists receive this substance in several forms, including liquid, powders, flakes, solid chunks, and sometimes crystalline pearls. Shipment often gets decided by customer demand and the requirements of the lab or factory. Some buyers want dry powder for mixing; others opt for a liquid solution if immediate solubility ranks high on their list. Its versatility shines through in storage as well. Sealed containers keep it stable over long periods. At scales larger than a liter, industry insists on specific handling rules to maintain quality and avoid cross-contamination.
The molecular formula stands at C10H17F3N2O3S, and each molecule creates a unique geometry with the imidazolium cation and the trifluoromethanesulfonate anion. Customs and shipping staff recognize its international HS Code as 2925290090, falling under organic compounds where imidazole derivatives belong. Suppliers depend on this code for paperwork, taxes, and global tracking, so accuracy here affects logistics and costs.
Care remains key with any chemical, and this one is no exception. It does not catch fire like some organics, but it brings its own set of rules. Contact with skin or eyes needs to be limited, and gloves match up with good laboratory practice. Inhalation risks drop when ventilation stays strong, and eye wash stations belong in any room where this salt sits. It does not stand as hazardous on every international list, but that hardly means it deserves careless treatment. Disposal follows chemical waste guidelines, and mixing with incompatible substances gets flagged by safety officers.
This salt does not break down easily. That property gives it an edge in stubborn or high-temperature reactions, but it also draws attention from environmental chemists. Some research looks at long-term impact in water or soil, and while low volatility means low air impact, persistence in the environment could pose questions in the future. Its cation-anion pair resists hydrolysis, so once it enters a reaction, few competing side reactions crop up. Despite being less hazardous than some strong acids or bases, spill plans and storage protocols need to match industry standards. Emergency response teams add it to chemical inventories, making sure that spills or fires get the right response.
Switching from classic volatile solvents to ionic liquids like this one shapes progress in green chemistry and manufacturing. Some bottlenecks appear, especially around sourcing raw materials and the price of fluorinated compounds, which tend to rise with global demand. Collaboration helps keep prices in check and drives recycling projects, recapturing spent ionic liquids and turning them back into useful lab reagents. New research papers suggest improvements for purification, evaporation, and reuse, pushing the sustainability of these chemicals forward. Clear and accurate specifications from suppliers prevent mix-ups and help research teams get predictable results.
Chemical stewardship calls for deep familiarity with every compound in use. In my background working on synthesis teams, a clear protocol—including chemical labeling, easy access to safety data, and honest hazard communication—keeps workers safe. For 1-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate, that includes up-to-date documentation, regular training, and open questions about environmental impact. Teams keep risk as low as possible by sticking to recommended storage, quick wipe-up of spills, and forward-thinking approaches to waste. If hazards appear or new information shows harm, companies adjust their approach instead of brushing off concerns.
