1-Carboxyethyl-3-Methylimidazolium Chloride belongs to a family of ionic liquids built around the imidazolium core, a five-membered ring structure with two nitrogen atoms and three carbons. This particular compound holds a carboxyethyl group at the first position and a methyl group at the third. The molecule partners with a simple chloride anion, resulting in a strong ionic character. Researchers have turned to imidazolium-based salts for a long list of reasons: they often stay stable under heating, show low volatility, and dissolve many materials that common solvents won’t touch.
The structural formula for 1-Carboxyethyl-3-Methylimidazolium Chloride is C7H11ClN2O2. At a glance, you can picture that imidazolium ring at the center, which influences how this compound behaves in different settings. The carboxyethyl side chain makes the molecule more polar than the standard imidazolium salts, changing its interactions with water or other polar solvents. The molecular weight pushes up to about 190 grams per mole. With the chloride ion balancing charge, the molecule keeps an overall neutral net charge but still carries the full weight of being an ionic compound. This makes it interesting for both organic and inorganic chemists seeking unique chemistry.
1-Carboxyethyl-3-Methylimidazolium Chloride shows up in several physical forms, depending on conditions such as temperature and humidity. In dry, cool conditions, it can be found as solid flakes, powder, or sometimes glassy pearls. Occasionally, if humidity is high, the compound absorbs water quickly, turning sticky or forming a viscous liquid. Crystal samples appear under the microscope as chunky, transparent grains or even white crystalline masses. The density of the solid falls in the range of 1.2 to 1.3 grams per cubic centimeter. This density lines up with the expectation for many imidazolium-based compounds that tend to pack closely, thanks to strong ionic lattices.
Solubility stands out as a key property for users. In my own work, finding a solvent mix that keeps this material in solution mattered more than just about any other property. It dissolves well in water and many alcohols, opening up routes for further chemical reactions or blending with other industrial fluids. Compared to raw materials like sodium chloride or potassium bromide, it’s much more versatile. Still, storage in a dry place is essential, since the compound likes to absorb moisture from the air—a common trait for many ionic liquids or salts bearing carboxyl groups.
Labs and manufacturers track purity with high-performance liquid chromatography along with checks for water content and chloride. The best batches offer over 98% purity, with minimal contamination from other imidazolium salts, and only a trace of unreacted starting materials. Testing sometimes includes melting point analysis; pure samples usually begin to melt above 100°C and decompose soon above that, depending on atmospheric conditions. I’ve noticed small impurities can shift the melting behavior, affecting how smoothly the compound flows or blends. These minor details often matter during scale-up, whether someone is trying to use it as a reaction solvent or as a raw material for specialty polymers.
Shipping and trade rely on international classification codes. For 1-Carboxyethyl-3-Methylimidazolium Chloride, the Harmonized System (HS) Code is generally within the range for organic compounds or specific quaternary ammonium salts. Most chemical suppliers place it in the catchall 2921.19, which covers various derivatives of imidazole and related structures. This classification influences tariffs and documentation required for cross-border movement. My own experience with chemical logistics highlights how small changes in HS code assignment can create weeks of delay at customs—so proper documentation here streamlines operations for buyers and sellers alike.
Working with 1-Carboxyethyl-3-Methylimidazolium Chloride requires attention to safety, much like any new chemical. Direct skin contact sometimes causes mild irritation, especially for people with sensitive skin or open cuts. Laboratory safety data sheets list this compound as “harmful if swallowed or inhaled.” Larger quantities generate more airborne dust, which can irritate eyes or the respiratory tract. Protective equipment—nitrile gloves, safety glasses, and a fume hood—fit into the routine handling procedure. From my own lab work, cleaning up any spilled material right away with a damp towel or vacuum avoids the dust issue.
Disposal and accidents get trickier. The chloride ion component can cause minor corrosion of metals if a spill goes unchecked. Environmental impact, though less severe than some organic solvents, still demands responsibility. It does not break down quickly in the wild and shouldn’t go down the regular drain. Local waste treatment services classify it as chemical waste and need specially marked containers for disposal. This wasn’t always common knowledge among new lab personnel, but clear safety protocols limit accidents and keep the workspace secure.
The broad versatility of 1-Carboxyethyl-3-Methylimidazolium Chloride anchors its use in both academic research and industry. Chemists grab it as a solvent for reactions demanding a polar medium yet minimal evaporation or VOC emissions—features essential for green chemistry approaches. It stands up well as a raw material for ionic polymers, helps solubilize tough-to-dissolve metals, and can act as a phase-transfer catalyst. In my own projects, this compound allowed successful functionalization of rare earth elements, thanks to its ionic environment and unique hydrogen-bonding pattern.
Problems with clumping or water uptake show up frequently, especially in open storage. Preventing these issues starts with airtight glassware or sealed polymer containers, along with packets of silica gel to fend off humidity. Bulk buyers sometimes ask for desiccant-packed drums just to avoid surprise liquefaction after shipping. Another challenge centers on the safe scaling of processes. Managing electrostatic buildup during transfer of the dry powder means grounding containers and wearing antistatic gear. These practical solutions don’t just protect workers; they keep the material flowing smoothly through every stage, from factory to research bench.
For anyone exploring safer or greener alternatives to toxic solvents and traditional raw materials, 1-Carboxyethyl-3-Methylimidazolium Chloride presents a compelling candidate. Its strong ionic nature, wide solubility, and impressive chemical stability lay a foundation for uses that stretch well beyond one field or factory floor. Tackling the known handling hazards and making the most of its functional strengths, producers and users together move toward better safety, environmental responsibility, and scientific innovation.
