1-(Methoxycarbonyl)Methyl-3-Methylimidazolium Chloride belongs to the class of imidazolium-based salts. Its chemical structure features an imidazolium core ring with specific methyl and methoxycarbonylmethyl substitutions that give the molecule a distinctive balance of ionic and non-ionic character. The formula is C8H13ClN2O2, and its molecular weight comes in at about 204.66 g/mol. In daily lab use, this compound shows up most often as a white to off-white solid, flake, crystalline powder, or fine pearls, depending on the raw material preparation and filtering steps during synthesis. Many people recognize it as a stable ionic compound that stands up to moderate moisture, remaining dense, granular, yet easy to dissolve in water and many polar solvents.
Its physical properties make it appealing for chemists interested in ionic liquids and specialty solvents. The density clocks in near 1.2 g/cm³, a sign of the tightly packed ionic arrangement. 1-(Methoxycarbonyl)Methyl-3-Methylimidazolium Chloride usually appears as a solid at room temperature, but, in a high-purity state, the material can form free-flowing powders or crystalline flakes. The appearance sometimes shifts with humidity because of its hygroscopic nature. Bulk quantities often yield fine powders. Smaller-batch syntheses mess with crystal shape, letting manufacturers get flakes, pearls, or even a viscous liquid, depending on hydration. This flexibility can help with scaling up or adjusting to process needs. Liters of solution—often prepared at concentrations of 10% to 50% w/v—look clear and miscible in water, supporting various chemical applications or further formulation as needed.
The structure of 1-(Methoxycarbonyl)Methyl-3-Methylimidazolium Chloride centers around its imidazolium core and a chloride counterion. Each molecule consists of a five-membered imidazole ring where a methyl group and a methoxycarbonylmethyl group bind at positions one and three. The chloride ion balances the positive charge built up by the imidazolium skeleton. With this arrangement, it can act as a moderate ionic solute, holding up through a range of pH environments and showing compatibility with many other ions. This chemical backbone positions it as a handy intermediate for organic synthesis, ionic liquid design, and catalytic work where strong, stable ionic fields help drive reaction mechanisms. Its polar nature means it mixes easily in water, methanol, ethanol, and other polar solvents, and stays solid, powdery, or crystalline under dry conditions.
International trade for 1-(Methoxycarbonyl)Methyl-3-Methylimidazolium Chloride uses the HS Code 2925.29, which falls under quaternary ammonium and imidazolium compounds. This classification helps sellers and buyers identify the compound quickly during shipping, export, and import, streamlining logistics from chemical factories to academic labs or production plants. Specifications for higher-grade raw materials usually demand chemical purity above 98%, low moisture below 0.5%, and strong batch-to-batch consistency in appearance, melting point, and absence of reactive impurities. Raw materials typically begin with methylimidazole cores, mesyl chloride for alkylation, and careful purification steps to yield a safe, reliable final product without hazardous byproducts.
People use this chemical for more than just bench chemistry. It's valued in advanced material science, as a precursor or additive for ionic liquids, a medium for catalysis in green chemistry processes, or an electrolyte in special batteries and sensors. Some labs experiment with it for solvent extractions, dissolved in measured liters or concentrated blends, precisely because it moves ions efficiently through solution. This utility doesn't come without caution, though. The chloride content and imidazolium backbone demand proper handling. Extended exposure or careless storage can let it absorb water or react with other chemicals, introducing potential hazards. While not as reactive as some harsher alkylating agents, 1-(Methoxycarbonyl)Methyl-3-Methylimidazolium Chloride can irritate skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Safe working protocols call for gloves, eye protection, and, in industrial settings, local exhaust ventilation and spill kits equipped for handling powders or spilled crystals. SDS sheets back this up, outlining the need for secure, dry storage and regulated air monitoring in production-scale setups.
Concerns over hazardous exposure highlight a bigger issue facing chemical labs everywhere: balancing performance with safety. Improving the training for people who work with ionic imidazolium compounds makes a world of difference. Regular use of personal protective equipment, better air exchange in confined lab spaces, and standardized spill protocols help limit accidental exposures and encourage responsible usage. Upstream, sourcing high-purity batches with clear labeling and modern QR-traceability cuts down on counterfeiting or supply chain confusion. More companies now supply 1-(Methoxycarbonyl)Methyl-3-Methylimidazolium Chloride in stable, moisture-barrier containers, with batch-specific density, crystal shape, and purity listed front and center for users. This shift reduces risk to new workers and pushes back against accidents that would have slipped through the cracks a decade ago. For future material design, chemists can look at tweaking ring substitutions or considering bio-derived feedstocks to further cut down environmental impact, making every step—from raw material procurement to final use—a bit safer, smarter, and more transparent for everyone involved in the chemical supply chain.
