1-Dodecyl-2,3-Dimethylimidazolium Bromide belongs to the family of ionic liquids and specialty surfactant chemicals. It carries a long dodecyl group on the imidazolium ring, giving it interesting solubility and detergent traits. The molecule forms from the reaction involving 2,3-dimethylimidazole and a dodecyl halide, then purified to its final crystalline bromide salt. Technical-grade lots often appear as a fine, white solid or crystalline flakes. You might also spot pearls and even powder forms on the raw material market for custom formulations. The HS Code depends on how importers declare imidazolium salts, usually under code 2925299090 for customs purposes.
At the molecular level, this compound consists of a core imidazolium cation bearing methyl groups at the 2 and 3 positions. The 1-position sports a dodecyl (C12H25) chain, making the molecule both hydrophobic and hydrophilic. The paired counter-ion comes in as bromide. Molecular formula stays consistent: C17H33N2Br, with a molecular weight around 361.36 g/mol. The long alkyl chain shapes both its solubility and interfacial behavior. Chemists quickly spot the structure’s amphiphilicity, opening doors for roles in emulsification, liquid crystals, and as intermediates for ionic liquids. Solid samples show a melting point typically above 65°C, and crystalline product can sometimes look oily if kept above this threshold.
The physical properties of 1-Dodecyl-2,3-Dimethylimidazolium Bromide set it apart in surfactant research. Density hovers close to 1.05 g/cm3 in solid form. Upon storage, exposure to humidity draws moisture in, so dry, airtight containers work best. Solubility in water is good thanks to the ionic nature, but the alkyl tail means it dissolves just as well in certain organic solvents. In solution, the compound lends itself to forming micelles and even organized liquid crystalline phases. Texture and appearance vary: pure product often forms as clear, glassy flakes or pearlescent powder, but bulk supply sometimes settles into off-white chunks or even semi-crystalline cakes if handled roughly during shipping. Crystal forms shine under polarized light — a trait valued when studying mesophase transitions or self-assembly behavior.
Handling 1-Dodecyl-2,3-Dimethylimidazolium Bromide requires basic chemical hygiene. Direct skin contact may cause mild irritation, and fine powder can become airborne, so a dust mask and gloves remain standard gear in the lab or warehouse. No smoking or food around open containers — the compound, like many synthetic organic salts, lacks food approval and enters the body only at risk. Inhalation should be avoided; in case of accidental ingestion or eye exposure, rinsing and medical attention matter. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) specify it as hazardous in bulk: not acutely toxic, but persistent exposure leads to cumulative irritation. Users should ensure good ventilation and closed transfer systems for liquid or solution forms, because accidental release leads to slippery surfaces and contamination risk. Waste disposal should follow local hazardous chemical rules, preferably through incineration at approved sites.
Practical uses for this compound stretch across several industries. It serves as a core raw material in the synthesis of ionic liquids — useful in green chemistry for solvent systems or catalysis. Its surfactant power finds a home in pharmaceutical research, helping solubilize stubborn hydrophobic molecules or drive the self-assembly of nanoscale materials. In analytical chemistry, this salt acts as a phase modifier or ion pair reagent, tweaking solvent properties or supporting the separation of chemical species. Chemical engineers often look to its stable structure for use as a template in liquid crystal research or as a conditioning agent in coatings and specialty lubricants. Functionalities derive both from the long hydrocarbon tail (wetting, dispersion, emulsification) and the charged imidazolium ring (polarity tuning, conductivity).
Suppliers provide detailed specification sheets listing assay purity (typically over 98% for lab-grade), moisture content, and residual halide levels. Bulk lots sometimes include particle size distribution if ordered as powder or flakes — smaller particles disperse faster in solution, a trait buyers targeting quick dissolution consider. Storage should stick to dry rooms with temperatures below 30°C, away from direct sunlight or incompatible chemicals like strong bases or reducing agents. Material ships in sealed polyethylene or glass bottles for small lots, while barrels or lined fiber drums protect bulk orders. Buyers in the chemical sector often request solution-phase deliveries up to 30% w/v in water or alcohol blends, skipping dust and melting concerns altogether. Delivery always requires UN-approved labeling for hazardous goods in most jurisdictions.
The key chemical property of this substance lies in its thermostability and reactivity profile. As a quaternary ammonium salt, 1-Dodecyl-2,3-Dimethylimidazolium Bromide resists decomposition at modest temperatures and shows weak acid-base character, sticking to stability in neutral or slightly acidic environments. In aqueous solution, its ionic dissociation allows for conductive applications or electrostatic interactions with biopolymers, membranes, and colloids. The surfactant nature means it drops surface tension when dissolved, and its self-association at higher concentrations forms micellar or vesicle aggregates useful in drug delivery or catalysis studies. Despite the robust core, strong reducing agents or prolonged heat above 200°C cause decomposition; bromide release creates corrosive vapors, warranting care if running heat-intensive experiments.
Impact on human health or the environment stands out as a talking point for any quaternary salt. While this compound isn’t classified as persistent organic pollutant, large-scale environmental release can threaten aquatic life due to surfactant-activity and potential bioaccumulation. To reduce environmental load, research into biodegradation pathways and greener alternatives is ongoing; some labs look into imidazolium salts with faster breakdown times or use of enzymatic treatments. Users in industry get tasked with secondary containment, improved effluent treatment (activated carbon, reverse osmosis), and closed-loop recycling whenever scale ramps up. On the personal level, using protective gear and closed handling, as well as rapid cleanup for spills, limits the risks in both work and educational settings.
1-Dodecyl-2,3-Dimethylimidazolium Bromide brings a unique set of properties to specialty chemistry, from controlled amphiphilic structure right down to its solid-state handling traits. Its utility, marked by strong interfacial behavior and versatile solubility, keeps it in demand across research, material science, and applied chemistry sectors. Balancing performance with safety and environmental responsibility remains key. Those who work with such chemicals every day appreciate clear, specific specification documents, reliable material consistency, and tight control of supply chain and regulatory paperwork. By focusing on proper handling, waste minimization, and safer alternative exploration, both users and manufacturers reduce risks and improve outcomes across applications.
