1-Nonyl-3-Methylimidazolium Bromide stands out as an ionic liquid with substantial versatility across chemical industries. Built on an imidazole ring, the compound sports a nonyl group at the nitrogen atom, adding a long carbon chain to the imidazolium core, and a methyl group anchoring at the other nitrogen position. This molecular combination forms a stable ionic liquid that professionals in labs and processing facilities recognize for its unique structure and flexibility. Its chemical formula, C13H25BrN2, paints a picture of a medium-sized organic salt.
This chemical commonly appears as a white to off-white solid, sometimes showing up as crystalline flakes, fine powder, or small pearls, depending on manufacturing conditions. In some settings, it can also be dissolved into solutions, typically with water or polar organic solvents, to capture its ionic character for use. The substance boasts a notable density, floating between 1.1 and 1.2 grams per cubic centimeter. Occasionally, depending on storage temperature and humidity, it may pick up a slightly oily texture, making handling gloves essential for an accurate lab setup.
Chemical structure always matters, especially with ionic liquids. 1-Nonyl-3-Methylimidazolium Bromide has a cation made from the imidazolium ring flanked by a nonyl and methyl group, and a bromide ion as the counterpart anion. The nine-carbon nonyl chain grants moderate hydrophobicity while maintaining some solubility in polar media, an uncommon trick for ionic salts. Its melting point often ranges from 70°C to 85°C, setting it apart from classic low-melting ionic liquids, yet still making it manageable without heavy process equipment. In its solid state, the compound lines up into neat crystals, which can be ground for use or kept chunky for controlled dissolving. Molecular weight lands at 289.25 grams per mole, which means even a small spoonful covers plenty of experiments or reactions.
Chemists prize this substance as a solvent, especially for organic transformations that struggle in water or other classic media. It plays a significant role in phase transfer catalysis, where it ferries reactants between otherwise immiscible liquids, all thanks to its amphiphilic structure. Extraction specialists lean on it for separating rare metals, since the bulky nonyl group pulls unique solutes out of tricky solutions. Its ability to form clear, stable liquids at moderate temperatures gives researchers a way to process sensitive materials without triggering degradation or unwanted side reactions. Some labs even test its antistatic and cleaning qualities, since its ionic nature breaks up grime at the molecular level.
Manufacturers often set strict specifications for 1-Nonyl-3-Methylimidazolium Bromide purity, usually north of 98%, since contaminants can disrupt desired reactions. Typical samples arrive with less than 1% moisture, as water impacts its role as a strong ionic solvent. HS Code 2921.39 slots the material with other organic nitrogen compounds for international customs tracking. Buyers look for certificates confirming correct identity by NMR or IR spectroscopy, locking down quality. Material Safety Data Sheets stress its powder or crystalline state at standard conditions, which helps prevent confusion during shipping and storage. Sometimes, suppliers deliver the compound pre-packed in glass bottles, to avoid unwanted reactions that can occur with plastic linings.
Working with 1-Nonyl-3-Methylimidazolium Bromide demands respect for both lab safety and the broader environment. While not explosively hazardous, this compound does carry risks, particularly if mishandled: contact may irritate skin or eyes, and its powder can get airborne without careful transfer. The bromide ion, reactive on its own, pushes users to follow established storage practices, keeping it sealed away from bases and oxidizing agents. Disposal means following chemical waste rules, as local wastewater treatment plants rarely neutralize substances with long-chain imidazolium salts. Proper labeling, storage at room temperature and dry conditions stop moisture absorption, and ventilation in the workspace keeps exposure to a minimum. Experience proves that small spills can become slippery or difficult to sweep, justifying quick cleanup with damp paper and secure disposal.
Over the years, reports from material safety offices and published case studies describe potential long-term risks associated with handling raw imidazolium salts. Some research points to mild aquatic toxicity and possible harmful effects if inhaled or accidentally swallowed. The compound itself does not qualify as a highly hazardous material, but its raw ingredients, both for the imidazole ring and bromide handling, should not be underestimated. Production facilities invest in closed handling systems and regular air monitoring, grounding these efforts in practical risk reduction. End users in research or industrial labs often build in additional steps such as spill containment mats and chemical neutralizers. Eye wash stations and gloves form part of the normal workflow for these substances, avoiding unplanned exposure.
Shifting away from casual storage or use, institutions now require supply-chain audits and paperwork tracing each batch from production to disposal. Manufacturers and importers set up training programs to share best practices—gloves, masks, and good ventilation, along with tracking, prevent lost or misused raw material. Bigger players in the field back research into greener versions of imidazolium salts, tweaking structures to break down faster once discarded, in a bid for lower ecological impact. Collecting and reusing spent solvents, particularly in larger chemical operations, chips away at the waste problem and stretches the value of every delivered kilogram. On an individual level, users read fresh Safety Data Sheets before every new shipment and participate in training, trading stories about unexpected handling quirks or spill recovery tricks that cut risk.
