1-Hydroxyethyl-3-Methylimidazolium Dicyanamide stands out in the world of specialty chemicals. The compound draws attention not just for its unique name, but for the properties that designers and researchers find useful in both academic and industrial settings. This material, speaking from years of work with ionic liquids and specialty salts, forms the backbone of research into green chemistry and solvent systems. The chemical structure combines a hydroxyethyl group and a methyl group attached to an imidazolium ring, paired with a dicyanamide anion. The combination brings out a range of physical and chemical characteristics which support its use in various modern processes.
Chemists note 1-Hydroxyethyl-3-Methylimidazolium Dicyanamide with the formula C8H12N6O. The cationic part consists of an imidazolium ring, with distinct substituents: a hydroxyethyl and a methyl group that influence solubility and melting point. The dicyanamide anion (N(CN)2-) brings flexibility in its reactivity and coordination chemistry. In the lab, this compound often appears as pale, crystalline powder, or as clear, viscous liquid, depending on the temperature and hygroscopic exposure—a fact that anyone storing and handling it learns quickly. Its physical form responds to surrounding humidity, and the material sometimes develops as small flakes, pearls, or powder. The crystalline habit reflects purity and storage conditions more than anything else.
This chemical usually offers a density near 1.1–1.2 g/mL at room temperature. The specific density varies depending on packing and temperature, but for most solution preparations, this parameter gives a reliable benchmark. Labs may store it in glass jars, tightly sealed to avoid moisture uptake, as this cation brings hydrophilicity to the table. Commercial shipments sometimes arrive as flakes or pearls, offering easier weighing and dispensing than sticky liquids.
Industry catalogs and global supply chains rely on recognized classifications. 1-Hydroxyethyl-3-Methylimidazolium Dicyanamide registers under HS Code 2924299900. This code groups it among other organic compounds featuring imidazolium or pyridinium rings but sets it apart for customs and logistics teams who need to track and document hazardous materials. Typical purity standards for this compound exceed 98%, with water content kept well below 0.5% for critical applications, especially where reactivity and environmental tolerance matter.
Internal lab documentation lists color, melting point, solubility in water or organic solvents, and full NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) and mass spectrometry data. These characteristics matter when users scale up from milligrams for research to kilograms or larger amounts for pilot plants. Users comparing sources quickly spot any anomalies with these specifications, as differences in crystalline form frequently suggest impurity or degradation during storage.
For researchers and workers in chemical supply, understanding safety remains the most important part of dealing with this material. 1-Hydroxyethyl-3-Methylimidazolium Dicyanamide falls under the class of ionic liquids, which means traditional flammability risks drop dramatically; the flashpoint sits much higher than classic organic solvents. That said, the dicyanamide anion calls for special respect, since cyanides—whether in free or bonded form—can introduce toxicity if handled carelessly or if major spills enter groundwater. In practice, gloves, goggles, and well-ventilated lab spaces form non-negotiable parts of safe handling.
Industrial hygiene departments routinely require SDS (safety data sheet) records and proper disposal procedures that run alongside those for other cyanide derivatives. Researchers in environmental chemistry pay close attention to the fate of the dicyanamide group in wastewater, since breakdown products may present a disposal challenge. My own experience in process development reinforces the need to keep solid and powder forms contained and disposed through licensed chemical waste handlers.
Aside from the academic world, this material often acts as a green solvent or electrolyte, particularly for electrochemical devices or battery research. Ionic liquids like this offer low volatility, making them far less prone to create problematic vapors in a working environment. The hydroxyethyl substituent grants new options for solubilizing inorganic salts, polymers, or catalytic systems that fail in conventional organic solvents. Companies working on sustainable chemical processes turn to these materials in pursuit of safer, more robust solvents that sidestep the health hazards of volatile organics.
In my own work, the value of 1-Hydroxyethyl-3-Methylimidazolium Dicyanamide became clear in challenging separations that demanded both efficiency and minimal environmental footprint. This compound delivers performance without the headaches associated with traditional, flammable solvents. Areas for continued improvement remain—cost, scalability, even greater purification for specialized electronics roles. Researchers in materials science and green chemistry continue to look for ways to recycle and recover both the cation and the dicyanamide anion, closing the loop on chemical sustainability.
Manufacturers source raw materials from established chemical suppliers that produce the imidazolium core through alkylation and subsequent function with the hydroxyethyl group. Formation of the dicyanamide salt requires reliable supply of cyanamide derivatives and tight quality control to ensure no hazardous impurities slip through. International regulations shine a spotlight on the tracking and movement of this substance, especially because of the hazardous nature of cyanide-related chemistry in the broader context.
My experience driving purchasing decisions for a formulation lab highlights the importance of supplier transparency—knowing where and how each batch comes together helps prevent costly or dangerous surprises in later applications. Audit trails, container handling, and transportation logs add to the reliability and safety of this raw material through the supply chain.
