1-Ethyl-3-Methylimidazolium Methylsulfate belongs to the family of ionic liquids. Chemists turn to it for its ability to dissolve a wide range of materials, both organic and inorganic. Its molecular formula is C7H14N2O4S. The structure features a methylsulfate anion paired with an imidazolium cation, combining stability with versatility. This liquid often shows up in research labs, clean tech projects, and next-stage manufacturing processes. It’s not just a specialty solvent; it’s a building block for advancing catalyst systems, electrochemistry, cellulose processing, extractive techniques, and more. Emim MS (as some chemists call it) displays a physical form that shifts between a low-viscosity liquid and a glassy solid depending on conditions, offering a unique edge over traditional molecular solvents.
On the bench, the compound usually comes as a clear to pale liquid, sometimes turning slightly viscous under cold temperatures. Density hovers near 1.27 g/cm³ at 20°C — heavier than water, lighter than most salts. A sharp, ionic scent stands out, similar to other sulfonic-based liquids. The crystal structure of the cation stacks tightly with the methylsulfate anion, stabilizing the liquid at room temperature. Chemists have noticed that its melting point sits just below room temperature, which means the same bottle could hold a thick, syrupy fluid on a summer day or a glossy, chunked solid in winter. You can find it in forms ranging from free-flowing liquid to chunky flakes and occasionally as tiny pearls or powder, depending on storage and production methods. Solubility stays high in most polar solvents — water-wet, alcohol-miscible, but it stands up well to high salt concentrations.
Spec sheets put purity levels above 99%, with strict control over water content and halide impurities. Commercial suppliers label and ship it under the HS Code 2905.59, which covers other unsaturated acyclic hydrocarbons. Bottles often range from 100 mL glass to full-liter HDPE jugs, sometimes arriving as crystalline solid if exposed to cold. Each package demands a tight seal because too much atmospheric moisture makes the liquid take on water and lose its performance edge. Bulk material must ride in protected drums, stored out of sunlight, and always away from oxidizers or strong acids to preserve shelf life and performance specifications.
Even though ionic liquids tend to be marketed as “green” chemistry materials, not every property lines up with that label. 1-Ethyl-3-Methylimidazolium Methylsulfate comes with several health and safety flags. Skin and eye contact leads to irritation, sometimes persistent, especially with repeated exposure. Inhalation of aerosols in a closed shop brings mild respiratory discomfort. Long-term studies on aquatic toxicity suggest a moderate hazard for fish and invertebrates, so spills must stay out of drains and natural waterways. Safety Data Sheets point out that methylsulfate ions can react with strong bases to create methanol and formaldehyde, so everything from waste treatment to clean-up must keep chemical compatibility in mind. Gloves, goggles, and well-ventilated hoods stand as basic requirements in any lab using this material. When it comes to disposal, trained professionals treat it as hazardous chemical waste, never dumping down municipal systems. The raw materials behind this ionic liquid — ethyl-imidazole, methylating agents, and sulfuric acid derivatives — push manufacturers to establish robust handling standards before the final product ever reaches research teams or factories.
Getting the most from 1-Ethyl-3-Methylimidazolium Methylsulfate takes a mix of chemical respect and hands-on experience. Liquid-handling pipettes or Teflon spatulas pick up the material best; steel tools quickly corrode. Chemists know this compound absorbs water from air, so they keep bottles in tight containers with desiccants, away from direct heat. Most who use it for synthesis or separations track water content, sometimes as low as 500 ppm — too much water knocks down its efficiency fast. Researchers in my field have learned to watch color; a clean, pale product means fresh material, while a yellow tint means contamination or decomposition. Safety teams always check for up-to-date labeling, especially on long-stored containers. I’ve seen projects stall just because a bottle turned solid from freezer storage or got sticky from excess ambient moisture, so stable storage conditions matter just as much as understanding molecular interactions.
The details around 1-Ethyl-3-Methylimidazolium Methylsulfate’s density, melting point, solubility, and hazard profile directly change how a chemist or engineer can use it. This compound gives access to reactions that older solvents just can’t match, unlocking paths in biomass refining and advanced separations without producing as much environmental waste. Real progress only happens if users respect both the innovation and limitations of ionic liquids. Safety protocols must adapt as more companies test these materials in upscaled flows — considering not only chronic health risks but wider environmental impacts from raw material sourcing to waste disposal. As the future pushes for greener, safer chemistry, understanding the full picture of what this chemical can and cannot do will make all the difference. Careful material selection, transparent communication about hazards, and investments in better on-site controls can help realize the full technical and sustainability promise of 1-Ethyl-3-Methylimidazolium Methylsulfate without turning a new solution into another chemical problem.
