1-Butyl-3-(4-Vinylbenzyl)Imidazolium Chloride belongs to the class of ionic liquids known for pairing organic cations with inorganic anions. Its chemical structure consists of a butyl group and a vinylbenzyl group attached to the nitrogen atoms of an imidazole ring, forming a cation, and this complex joins with a chloride anion. This arrangement gives it a molecular formula of C15H21ClN2. With a structural backbone rooted in imidazolium, this chemical shows a marriage of stability and reactivity that pulls interest from those working in advanced material and chemical synthesis.
1-Butyl-3-(4-Vinylbenzyl)Imidazolium Chloride appears as a pale solid at room temperature with flakes or crystalline powder being the common presentation in laboratory stocks. Occasionally, this salt may come in the form of compressed pearls or ground to fine granules, depending on required processing steps. Its density typically falls around 1.15 g/cm3, impacted slightly by moisture absorption from ambient air. This compound does not melt or dissolve into water with the ease one might expect from a simple salt, and sometimes requires gentle heating or stirring to achieve a clear solution. In its solid state, this material reveals a slightly off-white to tan hue, hinting at trace impurities or minor decomposition on extended storage.
With precision vital for import and export, the Harmonized System (HS) Code for 1-Butyl-3-(4-Vinylbenzyl)Imidazolium Chloride usually falls under 292529 as a nitrogen function compound. Meeting purity levels above 98% assures consistent physical and reactivity profiles. Water content often stays under 1.0% if stored tightly sealed. Particle size can range from coarse flakes to fine powder, but chunky crystals occasionally show up in older material. In short, expectations around bulk density and solubility come from these specifications, not sales promises, which matters for scale-up or repeat syntheses.
Looking at the structure, the butyl and vinylbenzyl groups flank the imidazole ring, giving rise to both rigidity and opportunities for polymerization or cross-linking. This compound performs well as a raw material for ionic polymerization, supporting innovations in electrochemical devices, membrane tech, or as a dopant in specialty plastics. Its ionic nature lowers the volatility, making it valuable where low vapor pressure is essential, such as in advanced battery electrolytes. Solubility stretches into polar organic solvents like methanol or DMSO, but less so in typical hydrocarbons, which shapes the formulation process for advanced composites or coatings. Researchers have relied on this salt’s thermal stability up to 200°C, although appearance and purity begin to drift with prolonged heating.
Handling 1-Butyl-3-(4-Vinylbenzyl)Imidazolium Chloride takes respect, not just gloves and goggles. Mistakes lead to discomfort or worse — its dust acts as an irritant, while accidental spillages coat skin with a persistent, clammy film. Laboratory exposure does not spark immediate alarm, but chronic mishandling could trigger dermatitis or more serious reactions for those with chemical sensitivities. Inhalation should be avoided due to possible respiratory tract irritation. Proper ventilation, tightly sealed containers, and regular reviews of material safety data sheets reduce risk. Disposal follows local hazardous material regulations, usually meaning collection for controlled incineration or certified chemical waste processing. Incident reports from manufacturing floors show the value of thorough employee briefings and spill kits within arm’s reach in busy synthesis labs.
Reliable sources for this compound often build on solid relationships with chemical suppliers who value full documentation from batch to batch. I’ve found that attention to storage conditions shapes the field performance of this material. Even brief exposure to humid air or bright light can degrade the vinylbenzyl group, affecting subsequent reaction yields. Bulk containers sealed under inert gas, stored in dedicated cool rooms, keep the powder or flakes dry and workable. Direct sunlight triggers slow yellowing, which signals subtle loss of purity and changes in melting profile. Every chemist who relies on this ionic liquid learns that frequent sampling and regular quality checks prevent a lot of wasted effort later. Buying in small lots and tracking lot numbers simplifies root-cause analysis if something crafts a blip in process yield or product specs.
This chloride’s unique mix of solid form, moderate density, and high ionic mobility links directly to process control in both research and industry. Bench chemists see first-hand how purity drives reproducibility, especially when building up polymer backbones or firing up electrochemical cells. Unexpected color changes, slow dissolution, or grit formation reliably signal storage issues or supplier contract lapses. For early-stage researchers, it pays to partner with suppliers who provide detailed certificates of analysis and transparency on raw material origins. On the industrial end, integrating custom packaging to reduce atmospheric ingress really pays off. Safety-conscious workflows pairing basic PPE with clear signage and accessible first aid make a real difference.
Work with 1-Butyl-3-(4-Vinylbenzyl)Imidazolium Chloride brings together textbook science and the practical unpredictability of lab and plant environments. Users who respect both the chemistry and the real-world hazards get the best performance and safest outcomes. Careful monitoring of appearance, purity, and storage conditions avoids many headaches. Full transparency in sourcing, gloves-on safety, and openness to troubleshooting new issues add up to smooth and predictable process runs. This straightforward formula shapes experience at every scale.
