1-Carboxymethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride stands out in the world of ionic liquids and advanced chemical design. Built from an imidazolium ring bonded at one position with a carboxymethyl group and at another with a methyl group, then paired with a chloride ion, this compound balances organic versatility with ionic characteristics. The molecular formula climbs up as C7H11ClN2O2, showing a clear arrangement of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, and chlorine. Certifications for purity, storage conditions, and safety data underline the need for close attention when handling, especially as more researchers and manufacturers start working with new formulations and applications.
This compound often appears as a solid at room temperature. You see it offered as white to off-white flakes, crystalline powder, pearls, or sometimes as a viscous liquid if properly hydrated. In the lab, I’ve handled the powder, which clumps easily and absorbs water from the air—one reason storage in tightly sealed containers is a must. Its density sits around 1.35–1.40 g/cm³, heavier than most organics but typical for many ionic substances. As a solid, 1-carboxymethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride melts into a clear liquid at a relatively low temperature, then can be cooled back to form hard crystals without much degradation. This offers flexibility in manufacturing—powder for precise dosing, liquid for customized blends, and flakes or pearls for easier measurement and reduced dusting.
Structurally, the imidazolium backbone lends both stability and reactivity. The carboxymethyl group introduces water solubility and the opportunity for hydrogen bonding. The chloride ion raises ionic strength and changes how the material interacts with other charged species, which impacts everything from solution pH to compatibility with other ingredients. Its electrostatic profile differs from pure alkali metal salts, opening new processing paths for electrochemistry, catalysis, and separation methods. In research, folks have explored using related compounds as solvents, reaction media, and stabilizers for sensitive materials or as raw materials for more complex syntheses. Each functional group influences solubility, ionic mobility, and chemical durability.
Manufacturers standardize this compound according to high-purity criteria, with limits on water, chlorides, and organic byproducts. Typical assays demand purity upwards of 98%, low residual halides, and controlled particle size distribution, especially for solid powder applications. Melting point usually ranges from 100 to 140°C. Solutions prepared at fixed concentrations in water appear clear, helping identify quality issues like incomplete dissolution or contamination. Labs often turn to NMR or FTIR for structure confirmation, checking for the three key features: imidazolium ring protons, methyl and carboxymethyl signals, and clear chloride counterion activity. HS Code for this compound, within customs, usually aligns with 2933.99—marked as a heterocyclic compound but specific coding can change from country to country so checking with the latest regulations stays critical.
Safe handling of 1-carboxymethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride requires practical caution. As a fine powder, inhalation becomes a concern, especially during mixing, pouring, or loading to reactors. Eye, skin, and respiratory protection is not just a box-ticking exercise but a daily reality—residues feel sticky and irritate eyes and skin. Keep in cool, dry spaces with closed lids to stop clumping and moisture pick-up. As an ionic organic material, it doesn’t carry the same nasty hazards as volatile solvents or strong mineral acids, but direct contact can bring mild to moderate irritation. Disposal follows typical regulations for non-volatile organic and minor ionic waste; I recommend labeling any excess or finished product clearly and using waste channels approved for mild organic and salt compounds to avoid mixing with incompatible materials.
Unlike many chlorinated organics that can trigger acute toxicity or environmental persistence, this compound behaves more predictably. It doesn’t evaporate easily, so you avoid vapor exposure most of the time. The main risk sits in direct contact and accidental ingestion. Chronic effects have not appeared strongly in regulatory databases, but caution wins out, as with any relatively new specialty chemical. Some studies suggest limited aquatic toxicity compared with other industrial chemicals in the same class, but waste minimization and responsible disposal remain the best ways to keep labs and surroundings safe. Always store away from oxidizing agents and strong acids to limit reaction risks. Fire response falls in line with salts and mild organics—no strong flammability, but plenty of fumes if it decomposes at very high temperatures.
Feedstock for 1-carboxymethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride includes imidazole derivatives, monochloroacetic acid, and controlled chlorination processes, so its production depends on stable supply chains for these building blocks. Markets may see occasional variability in price and availability. More recently, new research in ionic liquids and specialty solvents puts this compound on the map for clean tech, catalysis, advanced separation science, and organic synthesis. Researchers eye its role in battery technology, phase transfer reactions, or as a stable alternative to volatile solvents in specialty coatings and inks. Every innovative use relies on both purity and solid technical data, so sourcing from established providers—those with transparent specifications and responsive support—protects investments in R&D and production scale-up.
Industry has room to improve both the safety and sustainability of this compound. Adopting greener synthesis strategies, reducing the need for hazardous solvents or byproducts, and boosting recycling options for process water and spent material, all cut costs and waste. Digital monitoring of storage and transport conditions helps labs and plant managers catch quality issues before product reaches critical applications. Training staff on good handling protocols—proper PPE, housekeeping, spill response, waste separation—pays off in reduced accidents and less downtime. Open collaboration between suppliers and end-users drives smarter specification choices, focusing on the properties that matter most for each use without overspending or risking batch failures. With strong attention to supply chain details and environmental impact, this material can play an even bigger part in safer, forward-looking chemical manufacturing.
