1-Hydroxyethyl-3-Methylimidazolium Acetate stands out as an ionic liquid with a growing role across chemical, pharmaceutical, and materials industries. Its molecular structure consists of the 1-hydroxyethyl-3-methylimidazolium cation paired with the acetate anion, offering unique characteristics for reaction media and solvent systems. The chemical formula C8H14N2O3 captures its core structure, where a hydroxyethyl side-chain joins the imidazolium ring, delivering both strong polarity and hydrogen-bonding ability. With a molecular weight of 186.21 g/mol, this compound’s practical features include efficient dissolution of polymers, biomass, and cellulose.
Among ionic liquids, this compound distinguishes itself by its density, viscosity, phase behavior, and crystal morphology. At room temperature, 1-hydroxyethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate often exists as a clear, colorless, or pale-yellow liquid. Under certain conditions, it can solidify, appearing as white or off-white crystals, flakes, powders, or pearl-like beads. Average density hovers around 1.10 to 1.15 g/cm3 at 25°C, a property relied on by engineers for process calculations. It brings low melting points, often below 50°C, compared to traditional salts. Solubility characterizes its reputation; it dissolves well in water, alcohols, and many polar solvents. Because of its hygroscopic nature, handling in a dry environment is a must for labs aiming at purity and reliable results. Its thermal stability extends usefulness to temperatures upwards of 150°C without decomposition, so it can withstand most mild industrial conditions.
The acetate anion helps the liquid act as an efficient hydrogen bond acceptor, a property exploited in catalysis and extraction processes. Saponification or esterification steps often require solvents that do not interfere with delicate reactions, so this compound finds a welcome seat in those process flows. Sourced from standard raw materials like imidazole derivatives and acetic acid, its synthetic route involves careful titration and purification. Quality control labs check for water content, acid value, and ionic purity to certify shipments for customer usage. Laboratories have reported strong solvating action against lignocellulosic material, making it prime for green chemistry workflows.
Suppliers deliver 1-hydroxyethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate in a variety of specifications, addressing needs from milliliter-scale research bottles to drum-sized industrial orders measured in liters. Specifications take account of purity (typically above 98%), appearance, melting point, water content (commonly below 1%), and any particulate or impurity checks. Flakes, solid beads, microcrystals, or concentrated liquid solutions are available for different modes of dosing or blending. The HS Code most often applied in customs documents runs as 2925290090, matching its classification as a heterocyclic compound with nitrogen heteroatom(s).
Physicochemical properties mean a lot for safe handling and processing. Density between 1.10 and 1.15 g/cm3 calls for corrosion-resistant pumps and suitable piping in industrial environments. Users store the chemical in sealed containers, in cool, dry areas. As a raw material, 1-hydroxyethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate does not carry acute reactivity or flammability risks found in many chlorinated or aromatic solvents. Still, it deserves mindful consideration: contact with strong acids, oxidizers, or open flame may lead to decomposition and potentially hazardous off-gassing. The substance carries a hazard label for skin and eye irritancy, but chronic toxicity reports remain low. Laboratory personnel use gloves, goggles, and solid ventilation, mirroring best practices in modern chemical hygiene. Spill cleanup requires absorbent material and careful waste segregation.
In my own work, the biggest challenge always arrives at the interface between technical need and responsible sourcing. This compound answers the call for safer, greener reaction media, especially in cellulose dissolution for biofuel research or pharmaceuticals. Customers appreciate its ability to solubilize tough organic substrates without the environmental lash-back associated with traditional solvents. Researchers measure performance against properties: viscosity, miscibility, chemical compatibility with reagents, and eventual recyclability. One glaring issue—cost remains high because of the purity requirements and sometimes labor-intensive manufacturing routes. Producers, though, explore bulk synthesis, closed-cycle purification, and dedicated recycling campaigns to drive down expense without losing quality. Regulatory frameworks catch up, outlining safe transport as a non-hazardous chemical by air or ground, provided packaging and labeling are clear. The path forward depends on reliable supply chains, stricter purity controls, and the search for less-harmful substitution possibilities, for industries both big and small.
