1-Butyl-3-Methylimidazolium Dicyanamide, often known by its molecular formula C10H15N5, draws interest for its unique structure and behavior in chemical processes. As an ionic liquid, this compound stands out because it does not fit the mold of your everyday solvent or salt. In real-world scenarios, it appears in different forms such as flakes, solid chunks, fine powders, pearls, and sometimes as a viscous liquid. My experience in the laboratory working with similar ionic liquids reminds me that materials like this one support a vast range of chemical syntheses and research projects—including those which center on sustainable chemistry and next-generation materials science. Chemists and engineers often turn to it as a raw material thanks to its stability and striking solubility in both organic and aqueous solutions.
Speaking of its molecular structure, 1-Butyl-3-Methylimidazolium Dicyanamide features an imidazolium ion with one butyl and one methyl group bonded to the nitrogen atoms. In this compound, the dicyanamide anion brings a pair of nitrile (CN) groups, giving the overall salt a distinctive profile recognizable both by its molecular geometry and by a set of physical properties, such as melting point and density. Laboratory analysis shows the density typically sits near 1.06–1.08 g/cm3, which points to a heavier liquid in comparison with water. As a solid, it may appear crystalline, though in ambient lab conditions, it often presents as a clear to pale yellow liquid or a waxy, semi-transparent solid, varying depending on the temperature and humidity.
The product takes on several physical forms. Sometimes you run into it as powder or crystals; other times, manufacturers package it as small pearls or as a solid mass. The substance’s physical state influences how people handle, store, and use it. For tasks in synthesis where precise measurement matters, working with powder or pearl forms eases weighing and mixing. Speaking from the bench, handling a viscous liquid always calls for care with pipetting or pouring, especially since ionic liquids often resist evaporation or rapid mixing with water or nonpolar solvents.
As for specifications, purity matters. Most reliable suppliers provide details on the minimum purity percentage, moisture content, and whether traces of hazardous byproducts linger. Consistently high chemical purity ensures predictable performance in applications, such as electrolytes or as solvents in catalytic reactions. Transport and shipping fall under the purview of the HS Code 2934999099, which tracks organic compounds used in industrial chemistry. Besides purity, density checks and crystal habit details guide safe and successful industrial application, from the scale of a lab beaker up to bulk liter preparations in manufacturing setups.
Using this material safely calls for informed practice—a point that comes up often in chemical handling. Despite being less volatile and flammable than many traditional solvents, 1-Butyl-3-Methylimidazolium Dicyanamide brings its own health and environmental warnings. Prolonged skin contact can cause irritation, while accidental ingestion or inhalation may trigger issues due to the reactivity of dicyanamide ions. Safe storage means sealed containers, away from strong oxidizers, acids, and high humidity. Safety data sheets flag it as hazardous under many regulatory systems, and the use of gloves, goggles, and fume hoods stays standard in all direct-handling scenarios. Anyone responsible for these solvents must manage waste disposal in line with chemical regulations—to keep both people and ecosystems out of harm’s way.
In terms of behavior, the molecular structure supports high thermal stability. Many ionic liquids tend to have low vapor pressure, so they won’t evaporate quickly, a factor that comes in handy during reactions requiring heat or long duration. Their polarity and solubility profiles mean that researchers can dissolve a range of organic, inorganic, and even polymeric materials, which spells out advantages in fields like battery research, carbon capture, and green chemistry solutions—a firsthand observation echoed throughout the chemical industry as companies press for safer, non-volatile alternatives.
Industry often relies on 1-Butyl-3-Methylimidazolium Dicyanamide as a raw material to prep advanced functional solutions. Its use in lithium-ion battery electrolytes, ion-exchange membranes, and organic synthesis comes from the steady behavior and compatibility with both highly polar and non-polar components. While preparing a working solution to a target molarity, keeping tabs on density ensures concentration accuracy—especially in research that demands reproducibility. In my own research undertakings, ionic liquids such as this have offered clear-cut benefits over conventional solvents by providing unique solubility and reaction control—simplifying both separation and isolation of products.
People looking for alternatives to volatile organic solvents land on this compound as a practical answer. The molecule’s dual organic and ionic nature means it interacts strongly with a wide range of substrates, which keeps the door open to innovation in sustainable manufacturing and efficient chemical transformations.
This compound’s uses keep growing as more industries acknowledge the shortcomings of older solvents and reactive agents. While its low volatility and thermal stability mark a step forward, hurdles still exist. Cost and sourcing sometimes slow the switch from legacy chemicals to these newer, greener materials. Upgrading waste handling procedures and improving worker training can boost safety and lower risk—especially for facilities scaling up from bench chemistry to full-scale production. Ongoing discussions about toxicity and long-term exposure remind us that even promising chemicals come with environmental considerations. Investments in re-use systems and robust lifecycle assessments could tip the balance in favor of more responsible, closed-loop chemistry involving materials like 1-Butyl-3-Methylimidazolium Dicyanamide.
