1-Hydroxyethyl-3-Methylimidazolium Bis((Trifluoromethyl)Sulfonyl)Imide stands out as a modern ionic liquid recognized for unique chemical and physical characteristics. This compound carries a reputation for stable performance in demanding laboratory and industrial settings. Chemists and engineers often call upon it as a high-performance solvent, an electrolyte solution, or even as a base for advanced materials due to its strong chemical resistance, robust thermal stability, and flexible solvation capabilities. This salt blends an organic cation, the 1-Hydroxyethyl-3-Methylimidazolium, with a fluorinated sulfonyl imide anion, creating a compound that stays liquid at or near room temperature. These features drive its adoption in electrochemistry, separation science, and green chemistry applications aiming for safer, more effective alternatives to traditional volatile organic solvents. The international trading system classifies it with a Harmonized System (HS) Code in the chemicals category, while most suppliers ensure batch-specific documentation on purity and compliance, minimizing unexpected hazards.
Products containing this ionic liquid come in forms that adapt to laboratory and industrial demands. Researchers might find 1-Hydroxyethyl-3-Methylimidazolium Bis((Trifluoromethyl)Sulfonyl)Imide as a clear to pale-yellow liquid or solid, supplied as flakes, fine powder, pearls, or crystalline material. Its versatility traces back to careful synthesis routines, using imidazole as a building block reacted with methylating and hydroxyethylating agents, then exchanging anions with bis((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)imide precursors. Producers focusing on consistency pay attention to every step, since small impurities can throw off downstream experiments or industrial processes. Bulk orders favor stable, easily handled forms like solid flakes, where packaging with moisture protection cost-effectively maintains shelf life during storage or shipping. Small-quantity labs may choose a ready-to-use liquid in glass vials for minimal contamination. This variety keeps it top of mind for technologists developing electrolytes, lubricants, or even sample prep media in analytical chemistry.
Molecular structure determines so much of what makes this ionic liquid special. The cation features a five-membered imidazolium ring substituted with a methyl group at nitrogen and a hydroxyethyl group, contributing hydrophilicity and hydrogen-bonding character. The anion, covered in fluorinated alkyl groups, deters both nucleophiles and water, giving the salt excellent hydrophobic behavior. That combination gives a chemical formula typically written as C8H13F6N3O5S2. Its molar mass ranges around 419 grams per mole, depending on isotopic content. Researchers often see melting points close to room temperature, with liquid varieties boasting high viscosity yet low volatility. Density usually registers in the range of 1.4 to 1.6 grams per cubic centimeter, influenced by water uptake or temperature, so those running precise processes keep close tabs on moisture levels in their samples. This liquid’s ionic conductivity, tunable through composition, opens pathways in energy storage, where high cation and anion mobility can outperform conventional non-aqueous electrolytes.
Safe handling of 1-Hydroxyethyl-3-Methylimidazolium Bis((Trifluoromethyl)Sulfonyl)Imide demands respect for its chemical power. Ionic liquids like this tend to dodge the flammable risks that plague low-molecular-weight organics. Yet, the trifluoromethylsulfonylimide anion presents unique risks if improperly disposed, particularly concerns about breakdown products under strong oxidation or combustion. Prolonged contact, whether solid or liquid, may irritate skin or eyes, so gloves, goggles, and ventilation usually stay on the bench. Chronic effects remain under research, but inhalation of dust, especially from powder or flakes, calls for respiratory protection in production lines. Environmental stewardship suggests recycling or professional waste disposal since persistent fluorinated products pose bioaccumulation risk. Manufacturers follow international regulations, often shipping under chemical codes that mandate warning labels about possible harmful exposure. The community of chemists and plant operators, recognizing the value and pitfalls, keeps evolving best practices, making small improvements in how workers measure, transfer, and store these materials for safer, more sustainable use.
The experience of working with this ionic liquid hits hardest in practical tasks: density measurements demand temperature control, as the high molecular weight and compact ion packing set this salt apart from aqueous or hydrocarbon analogs. Because 1-Hydroxyethyl-3-Methylimidazolium Bis((Trifluoromethyl)Sulfonyl)Imide dissolves a wide spectrum of inorganic and organic solutes, choosing concentrations for solutions requires calibration, not guesswork. This compound stands up to high-voltage gradients in cells, doesn’t evaporate under reduced pressure, and resists breakdown. Quality-conscious labs order by purity, with premium grades touting below 50 ppm water and halide content, supporting the rise of sensitive electrodeposition or analytical protocols. Pack sizes range from liter bottles for high-throughput setups to tiny ampoules for one-time experiments. Reproducible results stem from supplier documentation—material safety data sheets, batch analyses, and lot tracking let buyers judge whether every bit of the compound will behave in line with expectations. Every specification comes from a blend of practical experience and regulatory compliance, supporting both demanding research and process consistency in chemical manufacturing.
