1-Butyl-3-ethylimidazolium bromide carries the molecular formula C9H17BrN2, underscoring its status as a quaternary ammonium salt derived from imidazole. Its structural backbone features an imidazole ring with butyl and ethyl side chains, offering distinctive physical and chemical behaviors. Being a member of the ionic liquid family, it bridges organic synthesis and applied chemistry with unique solvation and conductivity characteristics.
1-Butyl-3-ethylimidazolium bromide turns up in a variety of forms, from fine powders and crystalline flakes to solid granules, pearls, or even as a solution under specific preparation methods. In its most refined state, the substance has a pure, white-to-off-white coloration and presents itself as an odorless solid at room temperature. Its molar mass reaches 249.15 g/mol, cementing its identity in chemical catalogs. This compound registers under the Harmonized System (HS) code 292529, which international traders recognize for imidazole derivatives.
The core imidazole ring stands at the heart of its physicochemical properties, flanked by a butyl group at the 1-position and an ethyl group at the 3-position, with a bromide anion balancing the charge. The structure endows it with greater thermal and electrochemical stability than many simple organic salts, opening the door for its application in diverse lab and industrial settings. Its crystalline lattice reflects a robust molecular interaction network, responsible for solidifying its status as a reliable ionic material in research.
1-Butyl-3-ethylimidazolium bromide offers a measured density ranging from 1.1 to 1.2 g/cm³, speaking to its compact structure and stable packing. Its melting point commonly falls between 70 and 80°C. When spread on a lab bench as a powder or as transparent crystals, it dissolves freely in water and a wide range of polar solvents, thanks to the ionic nature of both the cation and the bromide anion. Such wide solubility underpins its use as a solvent, catalyst base, and reaction medium. The compound rarely emits dust under normal handling, lessening issues with airborne particulates—an experience welcomed by many researchers seeking safety.
Laboratories and pilot plants choose 1-Butyl-3-ethylimidazolium bromide for its ability to mediate reactions as an ionic liquid or phase transfer agent. It creates stable environments for organic synthesis, electrochemistry, and catalysis. Due to its ionic nature, it supports higher electrical conductivity than solvents grounded only in covalent molecules. In my own experiences running synthetic reactions, this salt brings consistent performance, minimal odor interference, and manageable viscosity, making it more convenient than some traditional organic bases or alkylating agents.
Responsibility ranks high when managing chemicals, and 1-Butyl-3-ethylimidazolium bromide fits that bill. It does not give off toxic vapors or severe irritation under typical conditions, but skin or eye contact should be avoided as with all bromide salts. Accidental ingestion or significant skin exposure could pose mild hazards, mainly due to the presence of bromide ions and imidazole derivatives. While not classified as highly toxic, following basic industrial hygiene—using gloves, goggles, and dust masks—ensures health during handling. Cleanup is straightforward with routine spill procedures for solids or solutions, though proper disposal complies with local regulations covering organic bromides and nitrogen heterocycles.
In solution, 1-butyl-3-ethylimidazolium bromide offers valuable properties for dissolving transition metals, organic polymers, and even biomolecules without causing decomposition or side reactions at moderate temperatures. The combination of hydrophilicity from the bromide and lipophilicity from the alkyl chains creates a tunable solvent. Electrochemists appreciate its low volatility and stability during long trials. Those designing new product syntheses or polymerizations turn to it for a convenient reaction matrix.
Production kicks off from 1-ethylimidazole and 1-bromobutane, both raw materials widely available in the chemical supply chain. These precursors undergo quaternization in controlled reactors, with the resulting product purified and dried for use. Ensuring purity and consistency matters, so reputable suppliers supply documentation and batch testing as standard. Interacting with customs, logistics professionals, or regulatory agencies becomes easier using the HS Code and proper labeling in every shipment, keeping shipments fast and compliant.
While 1-butyl-3-ethylimidazolium bromide rates low on acute hazards, its disposal and handling deserve thought. Many labs opt for secondary containment, leak-proof containers, and routine safety audits to limit risk. Training technicians and students on the mild risks of imidazolium salts helps keep incidents rare. In my view, broader education and improved labeling prevent most mishaps and boost trust in these specialty chemicals. Seeking out suppliers who offer detailed Safety Data Sheets, third-party quality certification, and documented traceability goes a long way in building a safe chemist’s bench and keeping materials traceable.
This salt keeps showing up on chemical shelves across sectors because it gets the job done—stable as a solid, ready as a powder or crystal for solution preparation, and handy as a safe, low-hazard chemical when used with common sense. Whether poured into a flask for a catalytic run or weighed for conductivity measurements, it reflects how practical chemistry can get with the right materials on hand.
