1-Octyl-3-Ethylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate, recognized in chemical circles by its formula C13H25BF4N2, stands out as a modern ionic liquid. This compound joins an imidazolium ring—substituted at position three with an octyl group and at position one with an ethyl group—with a tetrafluoroborate anion. Many folks refer to it as [Oeim][BF4]. The molecular structure blends both organic and inorganic elements, which gives it a unique set of physical and chemical properties valued across a wide range of industries. Peering down into the molecular shape, you find a long alkyl chain that sticks out from the imidazole core, helping shape solubility and interaction within various solvents, including water and many organic liquids.
This substance most often presents as a clear, colorless to light yellow liquid at room temperature, but it can crystallize under low temperatures. In its pure form, it appears both viscous and dense. Some batches turn up as powder, flakes, or even as pearl-like granules, depending on how they’re stored and processed. Its density hovers between 1.13 and 1.18 g/cm³, a value significantly higher than water. Folks in the lab know this weighty feel when pouring it. The melting point sits fairly low, typically below 10°C, so it can solidify in a cold room but easily liquefies under gentle warming. Its hygroscopic nature demands proper storage, as the liquid will absorb moisture from the air. Companies often provide it in tightly sealed bottles or lined drums to protect it from atmospheric exposure, which keeps the product reliable batch after batch.
Having worked around research labs, it’s clear why chemists like this compound: it stays thermally stable up to about 350°C, so it doesn’t break down under most lab conditions. Plus, it doesn’t evaporate easily, thanks to a very low vapor pressure. These features set it apart from volatile organic solvents, making it safer to manage in many settings. The imidazolium ring pairs with the fluorinated borate anion, giving it strong ionic conductivity and a robust electrochemical window. That’s a science way of saying electric current travels through it easily, and it won’t break apart if you push the voltage up. Former colleagues have put it to use as a solvent for chemical reactions, an additive for battery electrolytes, a finisher for nanomaterial production, and even as a cleaning fluid for tough organic contamination where normal solvents come up short.
Producers sell 1-Octyl-3-Ethylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate by the liter, kilogram, or custom volumes, as demanded by research, fine chemical work, or full-scale manufacturing. Purity usually comes in at 98% or higher since even a small amount of water or halide can disrupt how the ionic liquid behaves. High-grade product fetches a higher price, especially with low halide, chloride, and moisture levels. Laboratory analysis covers spectrometric data (like NMR), elemental composition, and water content, since too much of any impurity quickly skews experimental results. To keep the compound dry, you’ll often spot it sealed under argon or nitrogen, given how open air leads to hydrolysis of the tetrafluoroborate and formation of hazardous hydrofluoric acid, a known risk in careless handling. That’s why facilities store it in polypropylene or PTFE bottles lined with resistant materials and labeled with emergency measures at hand. Standard transport falls under HS Code 3824999999, which covers other prepared chemicals, and shipping manifests always flag its hazardous nature.
While the ionic liquid family presents a future-forward set of materials for tech and chemical manufacturing, safety ranks highest. 1-Octyl-3-Ethylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate counts as harmful if swallowed, touches skin, or lands in your eyes. Direct contact can cause burns, redness, and irritation. Inhalation of its vapors or decomposition products carries medium risk, mostly tied to handling it at high temperatures, which can split the molecule into toxic fragments. Plus, the tetrafluoroborate anion can react with water to generate hydrofluoric acid—one of the most potent corrosive and tissue-damaging acids known in industry. Even skilled users double-check their gloves and eye protection. A spill cleanup not only means ventilating the room but also following strict disposal procedures for both solid and liquid forms. On the environmental side, ionic liquids have long been marketed as “green” solvents, since they rarely evaporate into volatile organic compounds, but assessment of their true biodegradability shows mixed results. Spill prevention matters, as the compound’s long carbon chain resists natural breakdown, posing threats to water and soil life if large releases occur.
1-Octyl-3-Ethylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate finds its strongest demand in specialty fields. Labs use it as a solvent for challenging organic reactions, where it can dissolve salts and organic molecules alike—opening creative new pathways for chemical synthesis. In electrochemistry, its stable voltage window means companies looking to develop safe, powerful batteries rely on it as a component for electrolytes that outperform standard solutions. Material scientists harness its solvating power to assemble nanomaterials and conduct template-free syntheses of structured particles. Environmental researchers give it a try as an extractant for heavy metals or as an adjunct for breaking down old pollutants, although disposal rules can be strict. A decade spent working across green chemistry and process engineering brings constant exposure to the tug-of-war between performance and risk: 1-Octyl-3-Ethylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate scores high marks for technical performance, but it demands respect, tight oversight, and user education to make sure its benefits outweigh the clear and present hazards.
Making 1-Octyl-3-Ethylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate starts with imidazole, a widely available ring compound, then the sequence of alkylation—adding ethyl and octyl groups—produces the substituted imidazolium cation. The final pairing with tetrafluoroboric acid or another boron source yields the complete ionic salt. Most suppliers stick to tight quality control. Reagent purity, solvent quality, and storage conditions shape the final product, which means businesses must assess the credibility and track record of their chosen manufacturer. Synthetic procedures generate both toxic and corrosive byproducts, especially in the boron-fluorine coupling step, which leaves behind hydrofluoric acid risks and boron-containing waste. Choosing a supplier who follows modern, closed-loop handling and responsible waste management proves as important as the sticker price per kilogram. As regulatory and customer scrutiny rises, top makers share batch traceability, certification of analysis, and environmental compliance records, letting buyers feel confident about both worker safety and public health impacts linked to these raw materials.
