1-Octyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium Bromide is a specialty ionic liquid often discussed in chemical research and manufacturing for its unique structure and multipurpose qualities. The compound forms from the combination of an octyl chain, two methyl groups at the imidazolium ring, and a bromide anion. Its molecular formula stands as C13H25BrN2, which means every molecule holds thirteen carbons, twenty-five hydrogens, one bromine atom, and two nitrogens. Each ingredient plays a part in shaping its chemical behavior and the practical attributes that draw attention to this material in both laboratory and industrial settings.
1-Octyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium Bromide displays a set of notable characteristics. Its physical state shifts depending on temperature and purity, coming as a solid at room conditions, with options for flakes, powder, pearls, or even crystals. Some batches look more liquid-like due to preparation methods or absorbed moisture. Density usually lands near 1.10–1.15 g/cm3, supporting its designation as an ionic liquid with moderate viscosity. Color usually ranges from colorless to pale yellow, and the compound releases little to no odor. Solubility stands out, since it dissolves well in water, as well as polar organic solvents. High thermal stability means it resists decomposition under moderate laboratory conditions, enabling safe heating in synthesis or production work. As anyone regularly handling chemicals will agree, details like melting point, boiling point, and hygroscopicity all matter, especially for technique-sensitive tasks or when storing product for months at a time.
The specialty structure of 1-Octyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium Bromide shapes its reactivity. The imidazolium ring forms the backbone, as chemists will quickly recognize, and the octyl side chain tacks on extra lipophilicity. Two methyl groups at positions 2 and 3 along the ring add steric bulk, shifting both solubility and stability. The accompanying bromide ion does more than just keep the charge balanced — it affects possible exchange reactions, and this can influence which raw materials vendors choose or which downstream reactions work best. Standard chemical supply specifications often set purity at or above 98%. Fine dust or particulate size can impact mixing with other raw materials, and any batch at scale gets tested for water content, since trace moisture sometimes throws off sensitive syntheses or causes clumping during long-term storage.
For international trade and customs, 1-Octyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium Bromide uses the HS Code 2933.99, which covers heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen hetero-atom(s) only. Looking this up in customs databases makes cross-border shipping much easier, letting importers avoid confusion or delay. Officials need this information to check for limits on chemical hazards or controlled substances, and chemical buyers rely on these codes to meet compliance requirements set by governments worldwide.
Over the years in chemical labs and pilot plants, I’ve seen 1-Octyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium Bromide supplied as a crystalline powder most frequently, sometimes as larger pearls for easier weighing and slower absorption of humidity from the air. Sometimes the solid shows as irregular flakes, which makes handling a little messier but can be preferable for high-volume automation or when loading hoppers. Bulk storage in sealed drums, with desiccant packs and moisture-barrier liners, helps extend shelf life and reduce caking. For certain research uses, you’ll see it dissolved in water or alcohol, supplied as a ready-made solution at a given molarity per liter. Going this route speeds up prep in labs and guarantees consistent results, especially where precision or repeatability matter.
Workers, students, and lab professionals know that safety can’t take a back seat. 1-Octyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium Bromide handles fairly safely for an ionic liquid, though it carries risk like any specialty organic salt. Eye, skin, or inhalation exposure should always be avoided — gloves, goggles, and a chemical hood remain standard, even during simple weighing or solution making. Some toxicological reports suggest low acute oral toxicity, but that doesn’t mean careless use comes without consequence. Spills call for immediate cleanup, since even small residues may remain slippery or cause irritation if dust clouds kick up. Waste needs collection per hazardous guidelines, often routed as halogenated organic waste in university and industry settings. Proper training turns potential accidents into manageable events, and every bench chemist benefits from clear hazard signage. It’s not a chemical that poses catastrophic risks, but respect for possible harmful reactions always pays dividends in accident prevention.
Use cases span from green chemistry solvent and electrolytes in advanced batteries to extractive media for metal recovery or catalysis. The unique ionic nature, paired with a tunable hydrophobicity from the octyl chain and the ready reactivity of the imidazolium core, gives research teams room to experiment with phase-transfer applications, separations, or environmental remediation. Raw ingredients behind this material include N-methylimidazole, 1-bromooctane, and methylating agents, plus solvents and purification steps that ensure the resulting product stands up to molecular and safety analysis. I’ve seen teams struggle with upstream synthesis that leaves halide impurities or excess organic residues, so anyone chasing high-purity batches pays close attention to reaction pathways and selected reagents.
Specialty chemicals like 1-Octyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium Bromide show why product details don’t just support catalog listings — they drive real-world outcomes. The right batch density helps downstream engineers accurately measure out ingredients. Reliable thermal properties give researchers confidence that an ionic liquid won’t decompose mid-experiment. Safety and hazard transparency, with clear regulatory and HS Code data, lets logistics teams make tight shipment deadlines while staying within bounds of science and law. For anyone blending raw materials, careful screening for crystal form and logistics-ready packaging reduces downtime and makes scaling up a realistic prospect. Each property means fewer surprises later, smoother day-to-day work, and a safer workplace for staff, students, or career researchers alike.
