1-Dodecyl-3-Methylimidazolium Bis((Trifluoromethyl)Sulfonyl)Imide stands out in the world of ionic liquids. Known in scientific circles for its stability and unique properties, this compound traces its lineage to the family of imidazolium-based ionic liquids. Its molecular identity, represented by the formula C21H37F6N3O4S2, gives insight into its structural backbone: a dodecyl substituent lends exceptional hydrophobicity that pairs with the bulky bis((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)imide anion. Each molecule emerges as a testament to advances in green chemistry, prized both in research and in varied industrial sectors. Chemistry departments around the world lean on these salts for tasks that range from advanced solvent work to electrochemical processes, which is no small feat for a single compound.
This ionic liquid appears in several physical forms: crystalline powder, transparent flake, waxy solid, sometimes granular pearls, and in some cases, viscous liquid depending on the specific temperature and storage conditions. Handling a scoop of this material, anyone can tell the difference in density and consistency from most organic solvents or salts. Based on published data, the compound typically shows a density near 1.3 g/cm3; this heavier feel relative to water signals just how much molecular heft those sulfonyl and fluorinated groups pack into a small volume. The compound rarely carries a sharp odor and resists volatilizing at room temperature—something valuable when safe lab practices matter. The melting point lands around 38-40°C, a property controlled both by the long alkyl chain and the anion’s size. That mix of solid and liquid characteristics opens doors in research on low-melting materials, especially in work involving battery electrolytes.
At the heart of this ionic liquid sits the 1-dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium cation, which features a methyl-imidazolium ring substituted with a long, 12-carbon dodecyl side chain. This structure boosts solubility for a range of organic molecules, and disrupts the usual strong ionic interactions that keep many salts solid at higher temperatures. Pair that with the bis((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)imide anion, which brings not only size but also excellent thermal and chemical stability—now, that’s chemical architecture built for specialized work. The fluorinated tails on the anion not only keep the liquid phase stable but also make the substance friendly to many emerging processes, especially those ditching hazardous traditional solvents.
In the real world, this material shows its value in battery and supercapacitor research because it shrugs off oxidation and reduction over a wide voltage window. As a result, researchers looking for non-volatile electrolytes turn to this salt for lithium-ion and flow batteries alike. It has also shown promise in the extraction of compounds from plant matrices, taking the place of much harsher solvents. Small and mid-sized specialty chemical producers use it to separate rare earths, or in processes that require precise phase separation in liquid-liquid extraction tasks. Chemists working in these sectors appreciate that it doesn’t evaporate like classic solvents, reducing inhalation risk during repeated use in gloveboxes or fume hoods. Experience in handling this material points toward the importance of keeping it away from moisture; though stable in dry conditions, exposure to water over long periods might introduce hydrolysis issues. A sealed vessel stored away from sunlight extends shelf life and ensures quality for repeat experiments.
Though ionic liquids gained a reputation as “green solvents,” the nuances of each structure matter. This molecule contains a high degree of fluorination and sulfonyl moieties, which means disposal requires careful attention. Not every ionic liquid is harmless—skin contact may lead to irritation, so gloves and eye protection make sense during handling, especially in large-scale work. Inhalation risk remains low given its weak volatility, but caution grows in heated systems where fine particles or vapors might result. The HS Code used globally for customs and trade reference, 2925190090, categorizes it under organic nitrogen compounds. I’ve seen customs officials sometimes request more information on this material’s origin and synthesis, reflecting rising sensitivity around chemical import/export. As a raw material, it usually ships in sealed high-density polyethylene bottles, sometimes by kilogram, but packaging varies for industrial-scale orders.
Labs and manufacturers might select from powdered, crystalline, or pearl-like forms. The choice often depends on downstream processing: powders dissolve quickly into solvents for reactions, crystals suit melting-point analysis, and pearl formats handle bulk transport better by reducing fines and static-induced loss. Some suppliers even offer this salt in liquid or concentrated solution form for laboratories with specialized dispensing systems. Every order typically comes with a Certificate of Analysis, attesting to purity that often exceeds 99%. Buyers keep an eye on lot-to-lot consistency, since trace impurities can drastically alter properties like electrical conductivity or viscosity. Experienced chemists often test small samples in-house before scaling up to multi-liter synthetic runs. Flakes occasionally clump in humid climate warehouses, so careful storage in climate-controlled rooms is the norm among serious users.
Demand for innovative electrolytes and safer solvents grows as energy storage gains traction, and this material answers that call much more responsibly than classic organic solvents. Industry adoption, though, still requires a long look at cost, recyclability, and end-of-life disposal strategies. The presence of fluorinated groups means incineration requires professional services to avoid producing perfluorinated byproducts—these are tougher and more persistent in the environment. Forward-thinking companies are starting to gather used ionic liquids for recycling or high-temperature decomposition processes to minimize environmental release. As research into green chemistry advances, more attention falls on lifecycle analysis, urging both academic and industrial players to spell out the hazards as well as the practical advantages. In the end, familiarity with this salt’s quirks and benefits grows not just out of published papers, but day-in, day-out practice at the bench.
