1-Decyl-3-Methylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate stands as a member of the ionic liquid family, attracting attention for its chemical and physical versatility. The compound forms from the combination of a long-chain decyl-substituted imidazolium cation and tetrafluoroborate anion, carrying the molecular formula C14H27BF4N2. Its structure—a robust imidazole ring attached to both a methyl and a decyl group—serves not only as a backbone for effective ion exchange but also shapes its role as a functional solvent in various chemical environments. The balance of hydrophobic alkyl chains and polar ionic groups guides key characteristics such as miscibility, solubility profile, and reactivity with other raw materials in laboratory or industrial procedures, all while making handling straightforward for chemists familiar with such media. The CAS number typically referenced for tracking and procurement sits at 79946-32-4, simplifying inventory and regulatory review.
Unlike many traditional solvents, 1-Decyl-3-Methylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate typically appears as a pale-yellow to colorless crystalline solid or as off-white flakes, depending on purity. At room temperature, samples often show a waxy or powdery consistency, softening to a viscous liquid at higher temperatures. Its melting point hovers in the range of 27–32°C, and its density usually falls around 1.04 g/cm3 at 25°C, making it denser than water and more manageable for separation tasks involving heavier or non-polar materials. The substance offers low vapor pressure compared to common molecular solvents, reducing odors and limiting exposure risk in the lab. With low volatility, accidental inhalation becomes less likely, which I value for day-to-day safety in crowded workspaces.
Structurally, the imidazolium ring stabilizes the positive charge and encourages exceptional ionic conductivity, a trait that suits electrochemical applications or separation processes. The decyl side chain lends hydrophobic character, allowing selective interaction with non-polar or amphiphilic species—a property that colleagues often exploit in extraction or phase-transfer catalysis. The tetrafluoroborate anion remains resistant to hydrolysis and oxidation, delivering stability under a range of temperatures and chemical environments. These qualities increase shelf-life and simplify logistics for both raw material procurement and finished product storage. The substance dissolves many organic and inorganic solutes, bypassing the limitations of water or short-chain alcohols for synthesis and formulation. I’ve seen researchers optimize yields or streamline synthetic routes simply by swapping in ionic liquids like this, without needing toxic chlorinated solvents.
Industrial and research supply chains usually offer 1-Decyl-3-Methylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate as flakes, crystalline granules, fine powders, or viscous liquids based on customer need. Bulk packaging ranges from sealed plastic drums and glass bottles to lined metal cans, limiting moisture and oxygen exposure during transit. For precision work, suppliers may deliver the chemical in sealed glass ampoules under inert gas, maintaining high purity for sensitive reactions. Typical purities reach 98% or above, but trace metal and water specifications often vary according to end-use—be it batteries, catalysis, or separation science. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) provide clear guidance on compatible storage conditions, commonly suggesting cool, dry, and well-ventilated spaces away from strong oxidizers or acids. Density, melting point, and handling characteristics are detailed on technical data sheets, helping users align material selection with application-specific needs.
Labs and factories put this compound to work as a green solvent for chemical synthesis, as an electrochemical medium, and for extracting target molecules from complex mixtures. The material’s ionic nature reduces flammability risk and practically eliminates air pollution, a marked benefit in scaled-up operations striving for safety and regulatory compliance. I have seen companies cut hazardous waste output when ionic liquids replaced older, highly evaporative organics in their protocols. Colleagues in separation technologies use the low viscosity—enhanced by moderate heating—to speed extractions, while the high thermal stability broadens applications in high-temperature process streams and pilot plant testing. Many find the chemical’s tuneable solubility means fewer steps for cleaning or downstream separation, economizing both time and labor.
For international trade, the HS Code most commonly applied sits at 2933.99, classifying the chemical as a heterocyclic organic compound within customs and export documentation. Importers and logistics professionals benefit from accurate code usage for streamlined processing through regulatory checkpoints. Safety-wise, the compound avoids classification as acutely toxic but deserves respect due to possible skin and eye irritation and the risk of chronic exposure from improper handling. In my experience, standard PPE—nitrile gloves, goggles, and lab coats—get the job done for routine work. Spillage demands careful attention, as residues may persist on surfaces and slowly hydrolyze, releasing minor amounts of hydrofluoric acid. Proper ventilation, designated storage zones, and thorough staff training contribute to safe, responsible material use, especially where high-purity chemicals mix with active pharmaceutical ingredients or environmentally sensitive compounds.
The push toward so-called “green chemistry” now includes ionic liquids like 1-Decyl-3-Methylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate, which sidestep many problems linked to traditional volatile organic compounds. The substance resists combustion, lowering fire risk and insurance requirements in some settings. Environmental chemists track degradation and waste management since disposal remains a critical challenge; the chemical’s persistence and breakdown products raise questions about aquatic toxicity and potential bioaccumulation. This drives interest in recovery and recycling—we see more operations capturing used ionic liquids, purifying for reuse, and slashing both raw material and disposal costs. Addressing these environmental and health issues calls for innovation at the process design level. Closed-loop systems and local distillation units make a difference, letting organizations keep their environmental impact in check while staying productive and competitive. Adoption of regenerative programs, solvent reactivation, and real-time monitoring could soon shift the industry standard, cutting waste at the source and limiting workplace exposure for everyone from lab techs to plant operators.
