1-Carboxymethyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate, commonly shortened in research circles as a specialized ionic liquid, stands out thanks to its unique chemical structure and the properties it brings to the table. The chemical formula, C7H9F3N2O5S2, highlights a balance of organic imidazolium ring paired with robust trifluoromethanesulfonate anion. Most folks looking for advanced materials for catalysis, electrochemistry, or extraction processes pay close attention to this compound. The structure shows a five-membered imidazole ring substituted at one position with a carboxymethyl group and at another with a methyl group. Linking up with the trifluoromethanesulfonate counterion, the molecule displays a smart arrangement of electron-withdrawing groups making it stable under a range of lab conditions.
Digging deeper into the physical characteristics, the compound’s density lands around 1.50–1.60 g/cm³ at room temperature, depending on hydration and purity. It generally appears as a solid at standard lab temperatures, but with low melting points, you could observe it as a powder, fine crystal, or granule. Under the right conditions, it’ll even dissolve in water to form a clear, homogenous solution with strong ionic conductivity, something that makes it a good fit for electrochemical devices or reaction media. In some settings, flakes or pearl-like solid forms emerge from solvent evaporation or controlled crystallization.
Commercial users and academic labs handle this substance in a range of forms. Powdered and flake options suit processes demanding rapid dissolution or dispersion, while larger crystalline and solid blocks help with applications involving slow release or long-term stability. Logistical needs influence packaging, which starts from small vials and moves to bulk containers measured by kilogram or liter. Some folks order it dissolved as a stock solution, useful for system calibration or pilot trials. Purity specs land from 97% up to 99.9%, a critical fac-tor for consistent outcomes in research and development projects. Raw materials draw on high-purity imidazole and sulfonic acid derivatives, so trace contaminants remain low.
The proper Harmonized System (HS) code to use for customs classification falls under “2933 – Heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen hetero-atom(s) only.” Expert shippers and customs brokers recognize its place among research chemicals and advanced intermediates. Now, safety facts can’t be overlooked. As with many imidazolium-based ionic liquids, it does not emit significant vapor or fumes but direct handling exposes skin and eyes to irritation risk. Long-term studies suggest low volatility minimizes inhalation exposure, though splashes or powder inhalation call for prompt eyewash or rinsing with water. Storage asks for dry, cool, and well-ventilated shelves away from oxidizers or acids. Spills require damp cloth clean-up rather than sweeping to keep airborne dust to a minimum.
Nobody wants to find out the hard way about hazardous properties, so a closer look matters. The molecule stays thermally stable up to moderate heat, decomposing only at higher temperatures, which mostly releases smaller organic fragments and fluorinated gases. The compound is not recognized as acutely toxic by ingestion, but repeated exposure or improper use could build up issues, as shown in long-term data about related materials. Waste management deserves respect—ionic liquids can linger in urban water supplies if not handled right. Disposal ought to go through solvent recovery or incineration under expert protocols.
Personal experience shows that working with this type of ionic liquid brings precision to processes like metal extraction, pharmaceutical synthesis, and electrochemical studies. In batteries and supercapacitors, high thermal stability and ionic conductivity help boost device lifespan. Researchers have published successful use in transition metal catalysis, with fewer side-products than standard organic solvents. Others point out the value in controlled crystallization experiments and specialty coatings where non-halogenated choices remain thin on the ground. The upfront cost per gram often turns off newcomers; lower failure risk and improved performance often sweeten the deal at scale.
Looking to the future, labs and manufacturers make the call to further minimize health risks by refining how raw materials are sourced and prepped. A case for greener alternatives often involves tweaking the trifluoromethanesulfonate moiety to limit legacy environmental hazards. Better labeling, simple safety data access, and higher automation in handling cut down on operator error. New workers appreciate training on glove and mask protocols, and managers who invest here see fewer accidents and less downtime. Engineers keep pushing for higher purity and lower cost, feeding back results to research teams willing to share lessons across boundaries.
