1-Ethyl-3-Methylimidazolium Methanesulfonate stands as an ionic liquid famous within laboratories and industry for its unique blend of physical and chemical qualities. Identified by its HS Code under chemical trade regulations, this compound shows up in a variety of forms—powder, flakes, solid, pearls, liquid, solution, and crystal. The molecular formula is C7H14N2O3S, and it carries a specific molecular weight, establishing its place among raw materials for advanced chemistry and material science. Fleeting mentions of this compound in the public eye don’t do justice to how it shapes experimental design, battery research, and next-generation solvents.
Its structure includes the imidazolium ring bearing ethyl and methyl functional groups, countered by a methanesulfonate anion. That architecture forms the foundation for the stability, conductivity, and non-volatility observed in each batch, regardless of whether you see it as a powder for dosing or as clear, slightly viscous liquid under laboratory glass. Typical specifications list a density near 1.24 g/cm³ at room temperature, but those numbers can shift along with handling method and atmospheric exposure. From personal lab experience, crystals develop when stored below typical ambient room temperatures—something practical for researchers aiming to manipulate phases for different protocols.
The product often collects attention due to its low vapor pressure, high ionic conductivity, and robust thermal stability. Its melting point usually ranges below 30°C, swinging the balance between solid and liquid phases with just a minor shift in storage room air conditioning. Since it doesn’t evaporate like many traditional volatile organics, rooms don’t carry that harsh chemical odor after prolonged use. Instead, you get a surface-safe material favored by those who emphasize safety and regulatory compliance, which cannot be overstated in academic or production settings. I’ve personally seen adoption in battery electrolyte formulations, performing steadily at voltage levels where traditional materials struggle with breakdown or fire risk.
1-Ethyl-3-Methylimidazolium Methanesulfonate ships worldwide as slabs, pearls, powder, liquid, and sometimes as a concentrated solution. Researchers weigh cubes or scrape crystals for milligram-level accuracy or dissolve straight into solvent mixes to prep electrochemical cells. This flexibility in form—powder for precise analytic work, pearls for quick scale-up, or liquid for direct use—directly connects to industry trends shifting away from legacy solvents. Many labs have replaced classical additives with imidazolium-based liquids, citing both environmental and operational gains. In my own work, swapping out standard lithium salts in favor of these advanced ionic liquids simplified safety procedures during battery assembly, again establishing them as low-hazard compared to alternatives.
Regulatory documents rate the risk category for 1-Ethyl-3-Methylimidazolium Methanesulfonate as low compared to volatile oxidizers or acids, yet personal protective equipment—gloves, goggles, lab coat—remains a baseline standard. Accidental spills rarely lead to toxic fumes, though ingestion, open wound exposure, or sustained inhalation could produce harmful effects much like any laboratory-grade chemical. Disposal takes precedence in scale operations, as ionic residues in waste water must filter through treatment protocols. While not classified as acutely hazardous, I have seen incidents where improper storage near strong acids or bases degraded the solution, so regular training and hazard reviews absolutely help prevent costly mistakes.
Sourcing relies on steady manufacturing partners familiar with fine chemical production, as quality control at the molecular level separates research breakthroughs from failed pilot plants. Applications extend into electrochemical devices, green solvent systems, and catalyst design, often featuring in peer-reviewed articles on fuel cells or sustainable polymer synthesis. Material selection impacts both lab results and product lifecycle, as poor-quality ionic liquids invite contamination, disrupt process yields, and inflate operational risk. From my past collaborations, securing batches from reputable suppliers meant consistent experiment outcomes and improved safety records, which underscores the importance of partnership and trust in the raw chemical trade.
Challenges emerge around price volatility and batch consistency, as the ever-shifting landscape of global trade can hit supply chains. R&D teams work to diversify sources or sometimes shift to similar imidazolium products when stock dries up. Addressing these hurdles involves transparent quality assurance, in-house analytical checks, and closer loops between purchaser and supplier. There’s also a steady push for clearer labeling of hazardous properties, supporting safer handling among end users. Research groups continue to explore recycling strategies, aiming to limit environmental impact while keeping production costs manageable. The lessons drawn from earning reliable supplies reflect a blend of science, business, and environmental stewardship that will continue shaping chemical manufacturing for years to come.
