1-Hydroxyethyl-2,3-Dimethylimidazolium Bis((Trifluoromethyl)Sulfonyl)Imide stands at the intersection of advanced ionic liquids and tailored functional materials. The long chemical name speaks to a complex structure, pairing an imidazolium-based cation with a robust, fluorinated sulfonyl imide anion. Chemists often look for materials like this when searching for safer and more stable electrolytes, specialty solvents, or unique additives in high-tech applications. Each part of the name reveals a story: the hydroxyethyl group adds polarity and hydrogen bonding ability, the dimethylimidazolium ring supplies thermal stability and charge delocalization, and the bis((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)imide anion keeps the molecule hydrophobic, chemically inert, and able to dissolve a range of substances. People working in advanced materials know how difficult it is to find a liquid or solid that manages both high chemical resistance and functional versatility, making this material valuable for applications which must perform in tough environments.
Manufacturers and researchers have seen the need to produce this compound in various forms. Powdered 1-hydroxyethyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide suits rapid dissolution and mixing in labs where quantities are weighed with precision. Flakes and pearls cater to workspaces where minimal dust, easy handling, and slower dissolution matter more. As a solid, it appears as fine, crystalline material with a color typically ranging from off-white to pale yellow, reflecting both purity and batch-specific nuances. Under certain conditions, particularly with slight water contamination or elevated temperature, the material flows as a viscous, colorless liquid. This is significant in battery research: prototyping often calls for pre-prepared liquid solutions. For bulk chemical processing, producers deliver the substance in drums or liter quantities—sometimes in solution, sometimes as a low-melting solid. Every form has its trade-off between stability, ease of use, and handling safety. Small-scale users favor solid, easily measurable powders, while commercial outfits invest in pre-blended solutions to streamline operations.
The molecular formula for 1-hydroxyethyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide stands as C8H13F6N3O5S2. This formula breaks down to an imidazolium ring with both hydroxyethyl and methyl groups at the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd positions, paired with an anion carrying two trifluoromethyl groups and two sulfonyl oxygens bound to a central nitrogen. Every scientist who has worked with ionic liquids recognizes the unique structural arrangement: a bulky, stable, and low-coordinating anion, a polar organic cation, altogether giving the substance its extraordinary properties. The crystal lattice in the solid state shows wide spacing between ions, enhancing both flow and solubility characteristics. That makes it a prime choice as a solvent and an additive in green chemistry, catalysis, and next-generation batteries. In solution, this molecule dissociates efficiently, supporting ionic conductivity and reducing the risk of unwanted reactions seen in more reactive or water-sensitive salts. The combination of fluorinated and hydroxyalkyl features is a deliberate balance of hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity—a sweet spot for many cutting-edge applications.
Density, melting point, viscosity, thermal stability, and solubility rank as the most significant physical identifiers for this material. At room temperature, the density typically ranges from 1.4 to 1.5 g/cm³, depending on exact purity and water content. Solid samples melt between 20°C and 45°C, worth noting for environments with variable temperature control. Viscosity is moderately high, especially in the pure liquid state, due to strong ion pairing and hydrogen bonding. The substance resists decomposition up to about 300°C, making it usable in settings where many other organic compounds would break down. Solubility is broad—highly soluble in polar aprotic solvents such as acetonitrile and dimethyl sulfoxide, partially soluble in water, and nearly insoluble in alkanes or non-polar solvents. Electrochemical stability is another highlight, supporting safe, long-lasting use in advanced battery systems and electroplating baths. Each of these properties pays dividends in downstream performance, whether in electrolytes or chemical synthesis, as anyone troubleshooting a stubborn reaction or leaky battery can attest.
Chemical safety always matters, and 1-hydroxyethyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide covers both low volatility and low flammability, offering a more benign profile than many organic solvents or lithium electrolyte components. Exposure risks come mainly through skin, eyes, or inhalation of fine dust. Protective gloves, goggles, and careful lab technique keep hazards low. Large-scale industrial users pay close attention to waste processing, since fluorinated compounds may persist in the environment. While the substance does not ignite easily and resists oxidation, its degradation products require specialized disposal to avoid groundwater contamination or accumulation in food chains. Personnel should consult the material safety data sheet and local chemical management guidelines, not just for the compound itself but also for any solutions, raw materials, or blends used alongside it. Some governments classify it as hazardous in bulk, reflecting long-term environmental concerns more than acute toxicity. Safe handling culture comes from repeated reminders and thorough training, not just paperwork, drawing lessons from past incidents where overlooked details led to costly clean-ups or lost productivity.
Batteries, supercapacitors, and electrochemical devices have driven most of the demand for this type of ionic liquid. Researchers value its high electrochemical window—meaning the amount of voltage it can withstand before breaking down, which often rises above 4.5 volts. Its stability benefits both lithium-ion and emerging sodium-ion designs, as well as fuel cell membranes and electroplating solutions. Pharmaceutical labs and green chemistry initiatives use it as a safer solvent, cutting down on dangerous emissions compared to older choices like DMF or chloroform. Specifications that matter most include molecular purity (above 99%), metal content (critical for sensitive electronic work), water content (below 0.1% for battery uses), and consistency of melting point. Raw materials trace back to alkylimidazoles, ethylene oxide, and sulfur fluoride chemistry, with most reputable suppliers publishing trace impurity profiles and batch-level test results. Shipping regulations follow the United Nations guidelines for hazardous chemicals, with the HS Code for this type of ionic liquid typically falling under codes for organic chemicals or special salts, subject to inspection at customs and points of entry. High-grade labs verify incoming material by NMR, mass spectrometry, and ion chromatography, learning from experience that quality slips lead to unexpected failures or hazards down the road.
Workers handling 1-hydroxyethyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide face both everyday and unusual hurdles. In production, moisture control challenges handling, since even low humidity introduces unwanted reactions or changes in melting point. Chemical engineers address this by using glove boxes, installing dehumidifiers, and designing sealed transfer lines—copying strategies from pharmaceutical and semiconductor factories. Transportation safety demands rugged, leak-proof packaging, with double-sealed drums and tamper-evident closures now standard for intercontinental freight. In the lab, error-proof labeling, explicit safety training, and buddy systems help avoid spills, cross-contamination, or accidental mixups, which in my own history have produced lost afternoons and wasted samples more often than major accidents. Waste disposal solutions include small-scale incineration units and specialized chemical waste vendors; careful log-keeping and tracking from bench to final dump site matter in holding teams accountable. Pushing for safer replacements remains a topic for chemical designers, though current performance and cost still favor ionic liquids like this one for battery and electrochemical work. Sharing best practices and revisiting protocols once a year can keep chemical risk low and product quality high, building a stronger safety and performance culture across teams and industries. For shipping, packing under nitrogen atmosphere and including moisture indicators in each drum has helped reduce the quality complaints that plagued early adopters. After all, incremental improvements beat flashy upgrades when it comes to dependable results in chemical processes.
