1-Ethyl-3-Methylimidazolium Iodine stands out as an ionic liquid with strong relevance in areas like organic synthesis, materials research, and energy storage. The practical appeal often relates to its physical state and the easy handling that comes with being available as powder, flakes, pearls, solid, and even as a viscous liquid. Experienced technicians know this compound by its chemical formula, C6H11IN2, which speaks to a simple but effective molecular arrangement. The presence of an imidazolium cation, paired with the iodide anion, gives this material low volatility and enhanced thermal stability, which is welcome in labs striving to minimize risk and maximize consistency.
Digging into structure reveals a five-membered imidazole ring carrying ethyl and methyl groups at the nitrogen atoms, offset by a notable iodide ion that brings specific chemical behavior and reactivity. The ring’s electron-rich nature boosts its use in various applications, especially in facilitating smooth electron transfers in redox reactions or acting as a charge carrier. Transparency in structure always helps in predicting reactivity, and seasoned chemists will recognize the density and bond angles yield reliable melting points in solid powder or crystal forms.
Depending on the batch, 1-Ethyl-3-Methylimidazolium Iodine shows up as off-white to light brown crystals, sometimes as flakes or pearl-like grains, with a density near 1.5 g/cm3 measured at room temperature. This solid material can dissolve in water and polar organic solvents, producing stable solutions for electrochemical setups. The ionic nature helps maintain higher conductivity than many solvents, which matters in dye-sensitized solar cells and lithium battery electrolytes, where safe, energy-dense, low-volatility solvents change the game. Some teams lean on this chemical for its compatibility with raw materials in green chemistry efforts, aiming to replace less sustainable reagents without risking harm to people or catalysts.
Anyone working in logistics or procurement keeps an eye on the detailed specifications. Molecular weight tips the scale at 238.07 g/mol. Most shipments require tight handling, boxed and sealed, since exposure to ambient air or moisture promotes clumping or latent reaction. The chemical falls under the HS Code 2933.99.8300, marking it as an organic compound of imidazole derivatives—customs officers often know that shipments with such codes demand concise document declaration due to regulatory oversight. Along with safety data, dealers include purity ratings, melting and boiling points, density measurements, and physical states per order—streamlining handover during customs transit, especially across borders with regulatory focus on chemical raw materials.
Teams in the lab treat 1-Ethyl-3-Methylimidazolium Iodine with care. This compound is neither benign nor overtly hazardous, falling somewhere in the middle. It causes mild irritation on skin and eyes, and inhaling fine powder or dust without proper masks can trigger discomfort. Material Safety Data Sheets urge users to avoid direct skin contact, and to use gloves and goggles during preparation, weighing, and transfer. Spills get cleared using paper or inert absorbents, packed in chemical waste bins for proper disposal. Disposal procedures do not allow for shortcuts—sewage and general waste bins sit off-limits for this material, demanding designated hazardous waste streams. Most research institutions make sure proper ventilation systems, chemical spill kits, and eyewash stations are always within arm’s reach.
Over the years, sourcing reliable 1-Ethyl-3-Methylimidazolium Iodine raw materials has gotten smoother, thanks to better supplier transparency and easier access to technical sheets and analytical results. Many buyers prefer suppliers who supply both small lab bottle and bulk liter-scale packs, with consistently updated quality control certificates. Demand in specialty markets, such as renewable energy labs, means suppliers must hit high marks for purity and batch-to-batch uniformity. Listings are often direct about form—solid powder, free-flowing flakes, meltable pearls, or liquid solution—because end use determines both price and shelf life. Growth in battery and solar panel projects continues to drive interest, but cost remains sensitive to the price of starting imidazole, ethylating and methylating agents, as well as iodine, especially when supply chain disruptions hit.
Many chemists and industry workers recognize the benefit of moving some hazardous or toxic solvents out of the lab, trading up for safer ionic liquids like this one. The move doesn’t mean relaxing on best practices—training includes sessions on material compatibility, safe mixing protocols, and recognizing early signs of unwanted reactions. Supporting teams through regular audits and refresher trainings helps reinforce these habits. Pushing suppliers to use greener synthetic paths or lower-emission supply lines deepens the responsible sourcing movement. Comprehensive labeling on packaging, reinforced transport crates, and digital tracking improve oversight, catching problems before they reach production or research benches. Open discussion about risks, benefits, and new uses for chemicals like 1-Ethyl-3-Methylimidazolium Iodine ensures every user gains both value and safety from each batch.
