1-Ethyl-2,3-Dimethylimidazolium Bis((Trifluoromethyl)Sulfonyl)Imide shows up in labs and industries as a modern ionic liquid, drawing attention for its unique combination of physical and chemical properties. This material stands out due to its excellent thermal stability, low vapor pressure, and a real knack for dissolving a wide range of compounds. It always impresses with its ability to function under harsh conditions where other solvents quickly break down or evaporate. Chemists see it as a transparent to pale yellow substance, sometimes landing in their hands as a viscous liquid, other times as powder, flakes, pearls, or crystalline solid. Its consistency often depends on temperature, purity, or storage methods, turning it into a bit of a chameleon among specialty chemicals. Those familiar with ionic liquids recognize it for its signature trifluoromethyl groups, which lend it that stability and remarkable resistance to water or acids. This gives researchers working in green chemistry, battery technology, and advanced synthesis another tool that pushes projects over the edge from concept to scalable solution.
Each molecule of this chemical brings together the ethyl and dimethyl substituted imidazolium cation with the bis((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)imide anion. The molecular formula: C9H15F6N3O4S2. Its structural setup results in a nearly symmetrical, non-coordinating ion pair, letting it play well with others—metals, salts, and organic matter often dissolve into it smoothly. Those six fluorine atoms echo throughout the trifluoromethyl groups, serving as a shield against both heat and chemical attack. With a molecular weight close to 443.4 g/mol, density hovers around 1.4 to 1.5 g/cm³ at room temperature, depending on water content and grade. Boiling points stretch sky-high, with decomposition coming before you ever hit true boiling. Because of its robust structure, the substance rarely degrades unless pushed beyond the extremes of lab conditions, opening up a longer working life compared to old-fashioned organic solvents. As a result, it supports advanced applications where volatility and breakdown have long limited progress.
Depending on the manufacturer or purpose, you might spot this compound in solid crystalline form, powder, flakes, or poured as a viscous liquid—each variety offers advantages. Flakes and powders dissolve faster, crystals work best for high-purity applications, and the liquid variant packs versatility for mixing and dosing. Solubility gives it another edge. Water interacts only minimally, leaving it as a go-to for moisture-sensitive work. The raw material availability has improved dramatically over the years, with consistent QC processes driving higher purities and tighter specifications. This creates better reproducibility in research and commercial output. Whether someone cares about conductivity in energy storage or reaction medium quality in pharmaceutical synthesis, knowing the exact grade becomes central. HS Code 2933.29 often marks its identification for global trade, simplifying customs and regulatory tracking for those moving it across borders.
Putting this compound to use means exploiting its broad liquid range, chemical inertness, and low volatility—all critical for scientists looking to cut environmental costs or boost process safety. Labs testing battery electrolytes, for instance, crave ionic liquids because traditional solvents tend to evaporate or break down quickly at high voltage or temperature. This chemical's high thermal stability and negligible vapor pressure make it a reliable choice for safer, longer-lasting energy storage solutions. Its ability to dissolve polar, non-polar, organic, and inorganic compounds has sparked creative breakthroughs in fields from catalysis to material science. Industrial-scale extractions or separations may hinge on its unique solvation powers. Researchers turning to green chemistry see promise in cutting back on emissions and toxic waste—ionic liquids like this one offer a real shot at a cleaner process that still hits performance targets. In practice, I’ve seen how a compound like this opens up experiments that once stalled out due to solvent loss or degradation. Pinning hope on alternatives means staking research dollars on performance. This chemical keeps the faith, delivering consistent results even over repeated cycles.
Just because this chemical skips many hazards tied to volatile organic solvents doesn’t make it risk-free. Direct skin or eye exposure can hurt, and inhalation risks shouldn’t be ignored in industrial or tightly-packed research spaces. The dense, oily liquid can wet surfaces and resist easy cleanup, increasing accident risk if not stored with care. While traditional solvents might catch fire or give off dangerous fumes, this material keeps combustion risk low—but thermal breakdown could still yield decomposed byproducts that harm air quality or worker health. Anyone handling or transporting should work with proper gloves, eye protection, and ventilation. Globally recognized safety data sheets detail hazard information, disposal best practices, and emergency procedures, backing up regulatory compliance. Awareness and training can reduce risks, especially as new applications expand its use beyond the specialist crowd. I’ve worked through enough chemical safety briefings to know shortcuts end up costing more in the long run. Following protocols preserves both product and people, clearing a path for innovation instead of setbacks or lost time.
From the very start, finding the right raw materials has determined success in producing reliable, high-purity batches of this compound. Imidazole backbones, fluoroalkyl sulfonyl hydrides, and other organofluorine chemicals make up the foundation. Quality and sourcing matter, considering supply-chain disruption can easily throw research or production off course. Today, applications cut across new battery formulations, specialty catalysis, pharmaceutical synthesis, separation and extraction technologies, lubricants, and environmentally conscious cleaning methods. Novel research into green solvents hinges on these ionic liquids, leveraging low flammability, high chemical inertness, and excellent conductivity. Emerging tech, from carbon capture to advanced semiconductor and nanomaterial processing, continues to stretch what’s possible—often relying on this material to solve stubborn problems where conventional chemicals have come up short. From experience, seeing labs pivot a stalled project or scale a new product to market often means finding materials with this kind of flexibility, purity, and reliability. Strong sourcing partnerships and consistent quality standards make the difference between breakthrough and disappointment.
