1-Dodecyl-3-Methylimidazolium Iodinide steps well beyond a basic addition to the growing family of ionic liquids. Built on the imidazolium core, one arm stretches into a dodecyl chain, while the other branches with a methyl group. The iodide anion completes the formula. Many research labs and industries look to this substance because it brings a stable ionic matrix and consistent ion transport behavior. It arrives as a solid in many labs, but this chemical can appear as flakes, powder, or even pearls depending on processing and storage temperature.
The chemical formula for 1-Dodecyl-3-Methylimidazolium Iodinide reads as C16H31IN2. This molecule stands out with a pronounced alkyl tail—the dodecyl substituent—adding viscosity and hydrophobic character not always seen in shorter chain analogs. Its crystal structure often packs in lattices with strong ionic interactions, directly affected by the size and polarizability of the iodide ion. With a molecular weight of roughly 394.34 g/mol, this material commands attention in applications where ion-pairing and controlled solubility matter. Density often hovers in the range of 0.98 to 1.10 g/cm³, depending on polymorph and purity, with subtle shifts in color and appearance correlated to trace water content or impurities.
On the bench, 1-Dodecyl-3-Methylimidazolium Iodinide usually appears as a white or light yellow powder. Sometimes, storage or slight warming gives it a waxy or flake form. In labs that keep the environment bone-dry, the crystalline form leaps out for its clarity. Some suppliers provide this material as coarse pearls, making it easier to handle in bulk quantities and to control dosing. In solution, especially in polar organics or water at low concentrations, the liquid form gives a faint yellow tint. That color flags the presence of iodide—an unmistakable signature no analyst misses in a UV-vis scan.
Purity levels sold for laboratory use push upwards of 98%, with water content typically lower than 0.5%. At room temperature, melting points trend toward 56°C to 60°C due to the long alkyl chain. Solubility runs broad: easy in water, most alcohols, and some esters, thanks to the charged groups and flexible carbon tails. Many value its electrical conductivity, which sits in the low millisiemens per centimeter in molten state, but jumps under forcing fields or in certain solvent matrices. Handling density, manufacturers often quote the direct range, so end users can plan solution preparations to tight tolerances. The HS Code tied to this material (often 2933.39) designates it in customs as a heterocyclic compound, vital for smooth import and export documentation.
1-Dodecyl-3-Methylimidazolium Iodinide presents potential hazards common to many ionic liquids. Its long-chain imidazolium structure does not volatilize under normal conditions, cutting down on inhalation risks compared to low-weight halides, but it can cause skin and eye irritation if handled without gloves and goggles. Some studies suggest that, in high concentrations, ionic liquids with bigger alkyl chains take longer to biodegrade in aquatic systems and may show toxicity to some organisms. The iodide counterion can pose an additional risk in poorly ventilated environments, as thermal decomposition releases iodine vapors, a well-known respiratory irritant. MSDS guides show the material as eye-irritant, skin-irritant, harmful if swallowed in quantity, and hazardous to aquatic life. Storing this material in sealed poly or glass containers, away from strong oxidizers and moisture, helps minimize these dangers.
Sourcing raw materials for 1-Dodecyl-3-Methylimidazolium Iodinide is not always straightforward. The imidazole precursor, methyl halides, and the lengthy dodecyl halide feedstock all feed into its synthesis, with the final iodide anion swap often handled by simple metathesis. This feeds into quality concerns: purity of starting materials sharply influences final properties like conductivity and melting point, especially when the product is used in sensitive electrochemical experiments or as a supporting electrolyte in battery R&D. Material cost, contamination with unreacted halides, or undeclared alkane impurities slows down further adoption in some sectors. On the user end, easily measured density and solubility keep protocols reproducible, so scalers and solution mixers can rely on published data with little guesswork.
The unique molecular structure shapes how this ionic liquid fits into industrial and research pipelines. For example, electrochemical sensors, dye-sensitized solar cells, or phase transfer catalysis—each benefits from the twin worlds of hydrophobic and charged behavior offered by the long alkyl tail and polar ring. Stability in high-voltage environments without rapid breakdown extends catalyst lifetimes or improves consistency in battery test cells. Material scientists love the ability to tune melting and recrystallization simply by shifting storage temperature or solvent blend, and chemists find a tough solvent that supports challenging reactions. Knowledge of density, thermal response, and solubility gives a robust toolkit for those designing next-gen materials.
A few persistent knots remain: disposal and safe handling. Ionic liquids offer better volatility profiles than old-school organic solvents, but slow breakdown and aquatic toxicity need tight waste management. Simple filtration or distillation won’t cut it for clean-ups. Industry turns to stabilization with bio-based imidazolium derivatives or more robust recycling protocols, keeping environmental impact in check and closing the material loop. Safer material transfer, using pre-dosed pearls or flakes, cuts down on accidental spills. Improving the purity of starting raw materials not only tightens specifications but trims down hazardous byproducts. For research groups, real-time monitoring of solutions—watching density and phase behavior—can stop contamination before it spreads, saving both money and headaches. A responsive supply chain, tighter regulatory tracking with clear HS Code designation, and industry transparency on potential hazards all help keep this innovative material on sound ethical and environmental ground.
