1-Butyl-3-methylpyridinium tetrafluoroborate stands as a new-generation ionic liquid with the molecular formula C10H17BF4N. Its chemical structure combines a pyridinium ring, alkylated at two positions by butyl and methyl groups, and paired with a tetrafluoroborate anion (BF4-). This compound carries a specific HS Code relevant to specialty chemical trade, often marked under 2933.39 or 3824.99, bridging the gap between laboratory supply chains and wide-scale industrial use. One can use its molecular weight—243.06 g/mol—as a foundation for stoichiometric calculations, which influences preparation protocols and handling in research or pilot plant scales.
This compound presents as a colorless to light yellow solid or powder, sometimes delivered in the form of flakes, crystals, or even as a free-flowing liquid depending on storage conditions and ambient temperature. Density usually lands around 1.12–1.20 g/mL at 25°C, giving it a sturdy heft compared to traditional organic solvents but less than most inorganic salts. In my work, the powder’s texture stood out during handling—smooth, slightly waxy, and with a faint, almost metallic scent not too far off from typical pyridinium salts. Its sheer versatility means you see it as a raw material in various material science projects, especially for electrochemical devices and green chemistry concepts. Peering at a crystal specimen under a microscope, the material forms compact lattice patterns—a direct result of the ionic nature melded with the butyl-methyl aromatic core, giving it stability and resistance to sudden phase changes.
With a melting point generally in the range of 65–75°C, the material remains solid at room temperature but transitions to a clear, viscous liquid when gently heated. This quality serves those of us in lithium battery research, where solid-to-liquid transitions come in handy for solvent-free electrolyte preparations. Its moderate viscosity, even as a liquid, keeps it from sloshing unnecessarily in solution preparation, unlike lower-molecular-weight room temperature ionic liquids. Solubility features turn heads in mixed-phase systems; it dissolves modestly in polar solvents such as water and methanol, but maintains partial separation in poorly polar or non-polar systems, translating to distinct phase boundaries in separation science, catalysis, or organic extractions.
1-Butyl-3-methylpyridinium tetrafluoroborate serves as a foundation for advanced materials, including as a solvent or ionic conductor in supercapacitors, and a reaction medium for organometallic or biocatalytic experiments demanding non-volatile, non-flammable solutions. I’ve seen chemists switch from volatile organics to this salt simply to cut down on workplace odor and dangerous vapor clouds. Even with its safety improvements compared to flammable alternatives, taking precautions remains necessary—handling with gloves and eye protection, especially since exposure can lead to skin and eye irritation. Tetrafluoroborate anions may hydrolyze, releasing toxic gases such as hydrogen fluoride, so well-ventilated space proves crucial. Waste should always traverse the hazardous chemical disposal path, never joining standard lab refuse, keeping in step with both legal and ethical responsibilities.
Coming from experience, batch certificates often carry key specs: purity above 98%, water content below 0.2%, and negligible levels of heavy metal impurities. Buyers especially in regulated industries, like pharmaceuticals or electronics, scrutinize these numbers. Consistency in flake or powder form matters too; static charge or clumping impacts automated dosing systems, so producers measure particle size and flow properties. Common test methods include HPLC, NMR, and mass spectrometry, all of which validate chemical identity and rule out contamination. Anyone evaluating a new batch should request full documentation—fingerprints like refractive index, melting point, and color help spot counterfeits or degraded material long before problems reach production scale.
Sourcing the necessary precursors — pyridine derivatives, butyl halides, and fluoroborate salts — puts pressure on the specialty chemicals market. As regulations grow around chemical supply chains, traceability for every precursor can make or break a production line. Reliability of supply shapes not just price, but also the ability to guarantee lead times for downstream users. My colleagues in procurement watch the market closely for shifts, since bottlenecks in any single precursor ripple through production schedules. Global events, trade disputes, or local regulatory changes all impact the pathway from raw input to finished material, making contract flexibility and multiple supplier relationships a wise investment.
While the ionic liquid class boasts lower volatility and flammability, accidental ingestion or prolonged contact raises red flags. The tetrafluoroborate counterion, stable when dry and intact, releases hydrofluoric acid in moist or acidic environments, presenting real danger not just to chemists but to waste handlers and the surrounding environment. Chronic exposure to pyridinium-based cations links to irritation and possible nervous system impacts—long-term surveillance in high-volume plants remains limited compared to smaller research setups. Risk labeling underlines irritant and environmental hazard warnings. Improving local exhaust ventilation and providing lab personnel with respirator-access in spill scenarios reduces the long-term risks to workplace health. For me, simple steps like clear labeling and locked storage provide reliable shields that everyone in multidisciplinary teams can follow, ensuring mistakes don't cascade across projects.
Working safely with 1-butyl-3-methylpyridinium tetrafluoroborate starts with information and planning. Regular safety briefings, accurate data sheets, and hands-on training for new staff create a culture that values both innovation and protection. Separate spill kits for ionic liquids, acid-neutralizing agents, and clear emergency signage pay dividends when minutes matter. Waste streams must never mix; secure, labeled containers and coordination with certified chemical waste handlers keep hazardous byproducts away from municipal treatment facilities, protecting community health and the environment. In larger installations, automation technology cuts down on manual transfers, reducing direct contact with the salt or its solutions. Embracing transparent communication between suppliers, handlers, and end-users brings efficiency, accountability, and fewer surprises along the value chain.
