1-Butyl-3-vinylimidazolium bis((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)imide, also known by its molecular formula C13H16F6N3O4S2, belongs to the family of ionic liquids. These organic salts often remain in the liquid state at room temperature. The compound unites a butyl-vinylimidazolium cation and the bulky bis((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)imide anion, forming a structure that brings together low volatility, good thermal stability, and strong chemical resistance due to the electron-withdrawing trifluoromethyl groups.
The structure of this molecule combines the imidazolium ring, an established backbone in modern ionic liquid chemistry, with a vinyl side group for additional reactivity and functionalization potential. The butyl group increases hydrophobic character, impacting solubility and compatibility with other chemicals. The bis((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)imide counterion sports two sulfonyl (SO2) groups, each bearing a trifluoromethyl (CF3) tail, attached to a nitrogen (N), giving an anion of substantial size and delocalized charge. This delocalization helps suppress lattice energy, meaning the material avoids crystallization and remains either liquid or a soft solid over a broad temperature window.
This compound typically appears as an off-white or colorless solid, sometimes as a powder, flakes, or small crystalline pearls, depending on how it's processed and handled. In its pure form, it has low odor and does not fume readily, making it easier to handle in a standard laboratory or scaled-up industrial setting compared to many volatile organic solvents.
The density of 1-butyl-3-vinylimidazolium bis((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)imide at 25°C often measures between 1.4 and 1.5 g/cm³, fitting the general profile of ionic liquids with heavy perfluoroalkyl content. Its melting point sits below 100°C, sometimes approaching room temperature or lower if water is present or if purity is affected by trace impurities. In high-purity form, the compound can present as a dry, free-flowing powder or crystalline flakes. This flexibility in form supports a wide range of uses, from research labs in gram quantities to manufacturing facilities in multi-liter or multi-kilogram batches.
The product commonly comes in sealed bottles, vials, or drums depending on the amount. For solution use, it dissolves well in a range of polar aprotic solvents and can serve as a working electrolyte, a reactive component in polymerization, or a medium for synthesis where other liquids might fail due to volatility or incompatibility.
Modern electrochemical devices often employ this compound for its very low vapor pressure and excellent ionic conductivity. In batteries and capacitors, the unique properties of this ionic liquid allow researchers to push the limits of stability and operating temperature. The vinyl group opens up opportunities for polymerization, letting chemists anchor this salt into crosslinked networks or functional materials. The bis((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)imide anion’s bulkiness and electron-withdrawing nature help avoid undesired side reactions, so formulations containing this chemical often last longer and perform more reliably under stressful conditions.
As a raw material, it stands out in research into new conductive polymers, advanced lubricants, and heat transfer fluids. The combination of hydrophobic and hydrophilic moieties helps researchers tune interfaces, solubility, and electrochemical properties just by changing the ratio of ingredients or the length of alkyl tails in the imidazolium backbone.
For customs and trade purposes, most countries classify this ionic liquid under the HS Code 2933.99 as a heterocyclic compound, often specified more closely depending on end-use, purity, or chemical modification. Regulatory status can change based on intended application, so importers and exporters check not only the HS Code but also any obligations around handling perfluoroalkyl-containing substances, which have drawn attention for potential long-range transport in the environment.
The chemical’s low volatility means less risk of acute inhalation harm during standard handling, setting it apart from smaller, more volatile organic solvents. Its stability under heat and resistance to chemical attack add a measure of safety for routine procedures. Nevertheless, any substance carrying fluorinated moieties requires respect for long-term persistence and possible hazards in aquatic environments, since perfluorinated residues tend to resist biodegradation.
Direct skin or eye contact should be avoided, as with most chemicals of this type, because exposure over prolonged periods can cause irritation. Proper lab practices call for nitrile gloves, lab coats, and goggles. In industrial facilities, workers benefit from closed systems or gloveboxes, designed to prevent exposure while also avoiding contamination.
Spill containment and cleanup follow the guidelines for non-volatile organic chemicals. Dry materials sweep up well, while liquid spills depending on quantity may need absorbent pads or disposal as chemical waste per local regulations. Disposal routes should always meet environmental safety standards, especially given the persistence of perfluorinated materials in the environment.
Materials like 1-butyl-3-vinylimidazolium bis((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)imide offer real possibilities for advancing science, manufacturing, and technology. Experience shows that building careful sourcing, clear labelling, proper training, and long-term storage stability into production chains helps both research teams and commercial operations get the most benefit. Waste management, attention to long-term persistence in the environment, and searching for less hazardous analogs also keep innovation headed in the right direction. As regulatory frameworks grow, so does the possibility for safer, cleaner, and even more effective ionic liquids for the next generation of devices and processes.
