This compound, known in scientific circles for its unique cation-anion structure, combines an imidazolium backbone with a tetrafluoroborate counterion. Recognized under the HS Code for specialty chemicals, it draws attention in laboratories and industry for several reasons. The formula, C8H13BF4N2O2, points to a medium-weight molecule featuring a central imidazole ring, methyl and methoxycarbonyl functional groups, and a borate anion surrounded by fluorine atoms. Each part brings a functional facet—solubility in polar environments, ionic conductivity, and chemical resilience.
Exposure to the pure form reveals a material that can appear as flakes, crystalline powder, or a shiny solid, depending on purity, synthesis routes, and storage. Some preparations yield near-white pearls, while others produce fine, hygroscopic powder. Density typically sits around 1.3 g/cm³ at room temperature, though environmental factors nudge this number slightly. Handling the chemical shows a subtle touch—some samples clump due to atmospheric moisture. As a liquid, which emerges above its melting range (usually around 110°C), the compound demonstrates a smooth, low-viscosity flow. Transparency remains high in the melt, reminiscent of imidazolium salts’ reputation for forming colorless to faintly yellow solutions in water and organic solvents.
Glancing at its molecular layout, one sees the five-membered imidazolium ring at the nucleus, one nitrogen bonded to a methoxycarbonyl methyl group, another holding a methyl group. The tetrafluoroborate anion confers non-coordinating features, promoting ion mobility—valuable in electrochemistry or as a solvent in catalytic reactions. As a raw material, it stands up to moderate acid/base conditions, remaining largely unreactive below temperatures that break down organic cations. Noteworthy are its ionic characteristics, giving it low volatility and a relatively low melting point compared to traditional salts or inorganics. Direct sunlight or strong oxidizers slowly degrade its organic backbone but, under sealed storage, shelf life stretches out without noticeable change in color or texture.
Working safely with 1-(Methoxycarbonyl)Methyl-3-Methylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate means recognizing its chemical and physical properties. The compound rates as a low-to-moderate irritant; one ought to use gloves, eyewear, and a lab coat when transferring the crystals or powder. Direct skin or eye contact leads to stinging or redness—nothing catastrophic, but uncomfortable enough to demand proper precautions. Dust forms can float; carefully weigh and dissolve only in ventilated areas. Heat decomposition generates hazardous fumes, particularly due to the boron and fluorine content, so process in a fume hood. Standard waste procedures for fluorinated organics apply. Ingestion is not recommended, though dermal or respiratory absorption remains low if regulations are followed. No chronic hazard signals exist in the literature presently, but as with all imidazolium-based materials, avoid heating above 200°C to prevent breakdown.
Labs and manufacturing centers look for this ionic liquid in batteries, electrochemical cells, and as a non-volatile solvent for niche syntheses. The compound’s solubility in alcohols, ethers, or water plays a critical role in formulation science. Broadly, any scenario requiring non-halogenated, stable carriers benefits from its inclusion. I’ve watched chemists appreciate the lack of strong odor and the relatively smooth pouring action, whether transferring flakes from jar to beaker or dissolving pearls straight into a reaction vessel. Supply sources usually ship the raw material as sealed bottles or double-layer bags, minimizing moisture uptake—a vital move, since even small humidity changes modify mass and density. Some research groups use 1-(Methoxycarbonyl)Methyl-3-Methylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate to design safer electrolytes, reducing flammability or toxicity compared to traditional organic solvents. In these labs, every specification—melting point, density, particle size—matters when scaling from grams to multi-liter batches.
The shift toward more sustainable and less hazardous materials brings these ionic liquids under the spotlight. While 1-(Methoxycarbonyl)Methyl-3-Methylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate offers reduced vapor pressure and improved thermal stability, the fluoroborate content triggers environmental considerations. Disposal involves careful handling; boron and fluorine ions threaten ecosystems if allowed to reach soil or water untreated. Production teams can design workflows using recovery and recycling steps, collecting waste streams for specialist disposal. I’ve noticed success where companies partner with chemical recyclers, minimizing risk and aligning with new regulations. Transitioning toward greener salts, like replacing borates with other anions, remains a live field of inquiry. At the application level, sticking to recommended concentrations and ventilation safeguards cut hazard potential. Safety datasheets, updated regularly, ensure that users keep every step traceable and clean, protecting health and environment while benefiting from the compound’s technical perks.
