1-Butylsulfonic-3-Methylimidazolium Dihydrogen Phosphate carries intriguing potential for research and manufacturing across sectors like green chemistry, pharmaceuticals, and materials science. With the molecular formula C8H17N2O4PS2 and a molecular weight hovering around 316.3 g/mol, this ionic liquid displays versatility thanks to its unique structure. The core features a 3-methylimidazolium ring with a butylsulfonic group, creating sites for functional interactions and ion conduction. The dihydrogen phosphate anion lends acidity and hydrogen-bonding capability, making the substance useful as a catalyst or solvent for specialty chemical synthesis or in electrochemical applications such as battery electrolytes. Ionic liquids rarely act the same in solutions as standard organic solvents and that’s where a formulation like this stands apart.
The compound shows up in various forms: colorless to light yellow liquid, crystalline solid, flakes, and sometimes powder due to how it crystallizes and the conditions under which it is handled. The density lands near 1.3–1.4 g/cm³ at room temperature, which means it will not evaporate or dissipate quickly. In labs and industrial settings, its solubility in water eases processing, and viscosity remains high enough to support stable film formation or ionic conduction. This material withstands moderate heating up to about 150°C before it starts to decompose, and doesn’t ignite or release volatile organic compounds during normal handling. Chemically, it’s stable against common acids and bases, but prolonged exposure to very strong agents breaks apart the imidazolium ring.
Producers offer 1-Butylsulfonic-3-Methylimidazolium Dihydrogen Phosphate as flakes, pearls, or solidified mass, generally in larger drums for industrial synthesis or in bottles for lab analysis. Common purity standards run above 98%, since moisture or trace organics impact both reactivity and the physical properties. Density, viscosity, and melting point usually appear on data sheets, with typical values ranging from 1.30 g/cm³ for density, a melting point just below 40°C, and moderate viscosity when compared to water or ethanol. Lot-specific analysis follows, often supplementing product certificates with information on residual chloride, phosphate, or metal impurities since these could interfere with downstream reactions or catalyst lifetime.
Molecules of 1-Butylsulfonic-3-Methylimidazolium Dihydrogen Phosphate organize themselves through strong ionic and hydrogen bonds, which impacts everything from solubility to thermal stability. The core imidazolium group manages charge distribution, while the butylsulfonic side chain increases the fluid’s capacity to dissolve both polar and some nonpolar species. Dihydrogen phosphate often acts as a Brønsted acid, encouraging esterification or isomerization amid organic synthesis. Unlike many traditional solvents or acids, ionic liquids like this barely vaporize, so they can deliver environmentally friendlier options for closed-loop reactions or for situations demanding low emission of hazardous substances.
The Harmonized System (HS) code usually references “Other Organic Compounds” (often under 2933 for heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen hetero-atom(s) only). Safety profiles command attention: even though this compound ranks safer than many classic strong acids or halogenated solvents, lengthy skin or eye contact still irritates, while ingestion leads to discomfort. MSDS specifies safe handling: gloves, safety glasses, lab coats, and shade from sunlight when storing, since extended exposure can degrade sensitive molecules. No heavy metal, mutagenicity, or persistent organic pollutant tags appear during standard handling, but disposal ideally follows local chemical waste regulations or national frameworks, as the phosphate anion may pose eutrophication risks if funneled into water streams unchecked. Recirculating, reusing, and recycling within process loops not only saves cost but aligns with current green chemistry mandates.
Raw material sourcing for 1-Butylsulfonic-3-Methylimidazolium Dihydrogen Phosphate draws on methylimidazole, butanesulfonic acid, and phosphoric acid derivatives. Each comes with its own environmental footprint; continuous strides in supply chain transparency and the use of renewable feedstocks determine long-term sustainability credentials. The substance’s minimal vapor pressure improves workplace safety relative to volatile organic solvents, slashing fire risk and hazardous emissions. Companies striving for ISO 14001 or comparable certifications find ionic liquids like this appealing for cleaner process lines. Downstream, the material’s nonflammable, nonvolatile nature benefits those running processes at elevated temperatures or pressures—it supports both safer upscaling and easier regulatory compliance for emissions.
Working with any chemical brings risk; 1-Butylsulfonic-3-Methylimidazolium Dihydrogen Phosphate is no exception. The product does not burn skin on a quick touch, but frequent or high-dose exposure raises the risk of dermatitis, and eye splashes trigger serious irritation fast. A fume hood, gloves, and goggles should always be nearby. Though less acutely toxic than many mineral acids, swallowing can still bring nausea or an upset stomach. If spilled, the viscous liquid forms slippery films over most lab benches or manufacturing floors, requiring neutral absorbent powder for complete clean-up. Specialized handling can minimize release into drains or public treatment streams, protecting aquatic wildlife from excess phosphates—an issue known to accelerate algal blooms and disrupt local ecosystems.
Smart manufacturing minds lean into closed-loop systems, where spent ionic liquid gets purified and reused, not thrown away. Company chemists often pioneer filter-based reuse, distillation, or membrane cleanup to make operations more circular. For labs, quantified tracking on use, storage, and disposal stops small leaks from escalating to environmental headaches. Substituting 1-Butylsulfonic-3-Methylimidazolium Dihydrogen Phosphate for more hazardous acids or solvents cuts out several traditional risks, but this depends on proper education and compliance by all staff. Batch records, ongoing employee training, and responsible disposal all add up to safer, cleaner labs and factories—and a healthier local community as a result.
