1-Octodecyl-3-Methylimidazolium Bis((Trifluoromethyl)Sulfonyl)Imide stands out in the family of ionic liquids. At its core, the compound combines an imidazolium cation featuring a long octadecyl tail and a bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide anion. This mouthful brings both unique physical traits and chemical performance to the table. Many professionals in materials science, electrochemistry, and green chemistry know this material for its low volatility and remarkable thermal stability. The chemical formula for this compound is C28H51F6N3O4S2, and it has earned a well-deserved reputation for delivering tailored performance under a variety of demanding conditions.
One immediate thing I recognize in this compound is the balance between its long hydrocarbon chain and the heft of the fluorinated sulfonyl imide group. The result: a substance that can exist as a solid (flake or powder), but is often seen as a viscous or waxy material at room temperature. Molecular weight falls around 695.85 g/mol, meaning material handling often involves calculations for transport or experiment planning. Specific density sits near 1.2-1.3 g/cm³, which helps in predicting layering or solubility when dissolved with different solvents. Most suppliers provide the product as flakes, powder, or crystalline solids; sometimes, you’ll also see pearls or a thick liquid, depending on exact purity or ambient temperature.
Peering into the structure, the octodecyl group runs nearly the length of traditional hydrocarbon surfactants, lending a strong hydrophobic component to the molecule. The imidazolium ring, a familiar framework in innovative solvent and catalysis research, gives the cation backbone its character. Pairing it with bis((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)imide delivers an anion known for high chemical stability and low nucleophilicity. As for raw materials, you start with octadecylamine or octadecylbromide, methylimidazole, and trifluoromethanesulfonyl imide acid or its salts—carefully purified through multi-step reactions to avoid any unwanted byproducts or instability in the finished compound.
Specifications usually detail content by purity (greater than 98% by HPLC), water content (below 0.2%), appearance (off-white crystals, sometimes with a slight yellow or creaminess). HS Code assignment leans toward 2934999099, signaling its place among organic salts for international shipping and commerce. Uses range from electrolytes for advanced batteries and supercapacitors to solvents for catalytic transformations, lubricants, antistatic coatings, and more. People invested in cutting-edge green chemistry love this compound for its negligible vapor pressure and ability to replace harsh volatile organics in sensitive environments.
On the safety front, 1-Octodecyl-3-Methylimidazolium Bis((Trifluoromethyl)Sulfonyl)Imide requires careful handling. Direct contact with skin, eyes, or mucous membranes can cause irritation. In my experience, a full set of gloves, goggles, and lab coats is not just formality. Inhalation of any generated dust or mist triggers respiratory discomfort, even at low concentrations. Though nonflammable in most conditions, the material’s thermal breakdown releases hazardous gases, chiefly hydrogen fluoride and sulfur oxides, which demand well-ventilated fume hoods. Safety data sheets point out the need for rigorous labeling and storage protocols, since improper disposal contributes to environmental accumulation. Responsible chemical stewardship—like safe waste collection and regular safety training—minimizes adverse outcomes. Recent industry focus on green chemistry encourages continual review of the compound’s life cycle from raw materials to finished product and final disposal.
Handling large volumes calls for robust protocols. Dry storage in tightly sealed containers prevents moisture uptake, which could degrade performance or alter physicochemical properties. Each lot needs testing for residual solvents, ions, or unreacted precursors—particularly for use in high-spec applications like electrochemical cells or pharmaceutical processes. On a materials innovation level, the unique combination of hydrophobic and ionic features creates pathways for next-generation lubricants, surfactants, and stabilizers. The challenge, and opportunity, lies in tailoring the compound or its derivatives for both functional performance and long-term safety. Balancing advanced material design with sustainability means keeping up with regulatory requirements and striving for less hazardous synthesis pathways or improved recyclability. Moving forward, collaboration between academia, industry, and regulatory bodies will keep improving both the science and the impact of these versatile materials.
