1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium methanesulfonate stands out in laboratories and chemical industries for its versatility and unique physical properties. Shaped by its imidazolium-based structure, this compound offers more than just another item on a shelf. Used as a raw material across various research and industrial environments, you might find it in the form of a solid, powder, liquid, or even in crystalline states. With many chemicals, the behaviors can get unpredictable, but here, the material typically shows good stability and remains easy to handle, making storage and transportation less of a headache. The application window runs wide, from catalysis and materials science to green chemistry protocols, especially where conventional solvents fall short due to volatility or toxicity.
The molecular formula for 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium methanesulfonate is C8H16N2O3S. At a glance, the molecule blends an alkyl-imidazolium cation with a methanesulfonate anion. The structure balances ionic and organic features, which means it fits into environments needing tunable solubility or specific ion-pairing behavior. Three nitrogen atoms provide adaptable sites, while the sulfonate lends hydrophilicity. Its molar mass stands around 220.29 g/mol, making calculations straightforward for most synthetic or analytical tasks in the lab. Physical form, whether as flakes, pearls, or as a solution, traces back to its purity, water content, and any stabilizing agents used during manufacturing.
The physical state of 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium methanesulfonate can swing from white solid to viscous crystal or even clear liquid depending on room temperature and humidity levels during storage. Density remains a key indicator for users aiming to optimize process conditions; you often see values hovering close to 1.15 g/cm³ at 20°C. In solution, density will flex based on concentration and any secondary additives present. This chemical does not give off strong fumes like some traditional solvents, so anyone working long hours in a fume hood catches a break. Melting points typically land below 50°C, allowing easy phase changes for process needs. Water solubility and miscibility with organic solvents open up options for custom mixtures or blends, often extending its application into electrochemistry or organic synthesis projects that rely on fine-tuned solvent behavior.
User safety starts with solid information, not guesswork or assumptions. 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium methanesulfonate shows low volatility and, compared with classic organic solvents, brings a reduced risk of inhalation hazards during normal lab operations. Its toxicity profile, based on available studies, signifies low acute toxicity for skin or eye contact, though users should never drop their guard. Gloves, goggles, and a well-ventilated workspace guard against accidental spills or long-term exposure. I’ve seen colleagues neglect safety data on “greener” chemicals, only to encounter skin irritation or mild respiratory issues—basic PPE solves nearly every issue here. Materials safety data sheets highlight the importance of avoiding exposure to strong oxidizing agents and keeping the product away from heat sources. Disposal should follow standard hazardous chemical protocols, with waste containers labeled and stored away from incompatible materials. Any accidental release, especially when the compound is in powder or pearl form, calls for careful collection using non-reactive tools and appropriate protective wear.
Suppliers generally offer 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium methanesulfonate in a range of packaging formats, from small resealable polyethylene bottles for gram-scale research to larger barrels meant for industrial runs. Flakes, powder, pearls, and crystal material—each form speaks to different needs; powders dissolve efficiently for solution preparation, while crystals help keep track of moisture content and minimize clumping during long-term storage. Lab users prefer smaller bottles for easy opening and resealing, cutting down on exposure and contamination risk. Larger operations may run through several liters, drawing on drums fitted with liquid-tight seals. Custom solutions, pre-mixed to a precise concentration or with selected additives, meet the requirements for scale-up or specialized experimentation, providing both consistency and reliability.
International shipping and import rules lean on the Harmonized System (HS) code for precise classification. For 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium methanesulfonate, common entries fall within the code group for organic chemicals, specifically ionic liquids. Accurate declaration avoids customs holdups and ensures traceability through the supply chain. Regulations shift between regions, with some authorities flagging ionic liquids for closer review due to novel environmental behavior, so having correct documentation in place eliminates confusion. Chemical inventories in the EU, United States, and Asia-Pacific zones might ask for additional product registration details before clearing larger shipments.
Inside the lab or plant, this compound brings special advantages as a raw material. Its ionic nature grants unique solvation power and electrochemical window, putting it front and center in research projects on supercapacitors, battery electrolytes, or enzyme catalysis systems. Chemists prize its high thermal stability, which keeps reactions steady even at elevated temperatures. The ability to switch between solid and liquid states under moderate conditions gives process engineers options for recyclability and low-waste workflows—especially compared to volatile organic solvents that require energy-intensive recovery steps. Experienced users tend to value flexibility: the same bottle handles green catalysis, metal extraction, and polymer synthesis, leading to real savings and less clutter in chemical storage rooms.
Any discussion about ionic liquids belongs firmly within the ongoing debate over green chemistry and sustainability. 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium methanesulfonate earns a place as less hazardous compared to traditional chlorinated or aromatic solvents, with researchers noting its reduced emissions and limited formation of hazardous byproducts under typical process conditions. Disposal practices, though simplified compared to older chemicals, still need to follow hazardous material rules to protect water sources and soil quality. The environmental footprint, from manufacture to end-use, shapes purchasing decisions for many teams focused on responsible sourcing. Long-term health impact studies continue to evolve, but what current data show lines up with careful optimism so long as standard chemical hygiene protocols stay in use. Taking action means investing in good training and solid infrastructure, not simply replacing one raw material with another.
Specification data on 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium methanesulfonate, typically shared as a technical sheet, aid end-users in quickly spotting batch quality or purity issues. Essential figures on these sheets include molecular formula (C8H16N2O3S), CAS number, purity percentage (often up to 99% for high-grade material), melting point, specific density, appearance (solid, powder, flakes, pearls, crystal, or solution), moisture content, storage recommendations, and shelf life. Presence of spectral data, FTIR, NMR, and elemental analysis in these documents helps professionals carry out independent verification and avoid unexpected setbacks during synthesis or processing.
