1-Octyl-3-Methylimidazolium Bromide stands out as a type of ionic liquid, with its main appeal being its versatility in both academic and commercial settings. This compound has the chemical formula C12H23BrN2, reflecting an imidazole ring where one nitrogen is bonded to a methyl group and another to an octyl chain — eight carbon atoms in a straight line. As for the structure, the long hydrophobic octyl tail and the polar imidazolium head give it unique amphiphilic character. Such ionic liquids do not vaporize at room temperature, making them handy in labs concerned with hazardous fumes. The combination of specific cation and bromide anion shapes its solubility and reactivity, which makes this material a go-to choice for certain synthesis and extraction applications.
Products based on 1-Octyl-3-Methylimidazolium Bromide come in a range of physical forms. Most commonly, it takes shape as a waxy solid or as white to off-white flakes or crystalline powder. At slightly higher room temperatures or with a gentle touch of heat, it can become a viscous, colorless to pale yellow liquid. The density hovers around 1.1 to 1.3 grams per cubic centimeter, varying a little depending on purity and hydration. In the palm, the powder feels fine—much like confectioner’s sugar—with a tendency to clump if exposed to a humid environment. Larger-scale shipments occasionally come as small pearls or pellets, which help with dosing and ease of handling. The crystalline variety sparkles faintly under light, while the liquid format pours slowly, behaving like syrup rather than water.
This ionic liquid’s molecular weight stands at approximately 279.23 g/mol, which influences its handling in larger scale operations. The octyl and methyl groups attached to the imidazolium ring confer good solubility in both water and some organic solvents, making it valuable as a phase transfer agent. Its melting point sits between 42 and 45°C for a pure sample, which speaks to its balance between rigidity and flow. In contrast to many traditional salts, this material will dissolve in both polar and non-polar solutions, an unusual trait that opens up options in mixed solvent chemistry. Its relatively high thermal stability allows reactions to run at moderate heat without the fear of decomposition that plagues more fragile organics. In electrochemistry, the broad electrochemical window of this ionic liquid gets attention for possible energy storage and transfer devices.
On a molecular level, what stands out is the clear charge separation between the cation and anion. The imidazolium ring, central to the cation, interacts through electrostatics with bromide, making for a robust crystal lattice in the solid state. This lattice breaks down easily upon contact with water, which accounts for the compound’s well-known hygroscopic nature. Users often comment on the way trace moisture alters both the texture and flowability. Its amphiphilic structure lets it influence micelle formation and stabilize certain emulsions. The long alkyl side chain provides surface activity, while the charged center lines up for specific anion exchanges or selective binding jobs in separation science. As a tool for green chemistry, it offers a lower toxicity alternative to volatile organic solvents in dozens of published protocols.
For those working through customs or managing bulk imports, the HS Code for 1-Octyl-3-Methylimidazolium Bromide typically falls under 2933.99, which groups it among heterocyclic organic compounds with nitrogen hetero-atoms. Packaging generally marks molecular formula and weight, along with physical state, batch number, and purity — important for traceability and regulatory compliance. Material provided as a solution includes specified concentrations, starting at 0.1 M up to saturated levels, to suit various research and process needs. Lot certifications list water content, melting point, and density at 20°C, aligning with REACH and GHS guidelines for labeling and hazard management. Most suppliers offer material safety data sheets outlining safe handling and recommended storage — cool, dry, and away from oxidizers.
No chemical escapes scrutiny around safety, and 1-Octyl-3-Methylimidazolium Bromide is no exception. Classified as harmful if swallowed or inhaled, with mild skin and eye irritant properties, its safety profile looks stronger than many traditional organic solvents but still calls for respect. Gloves and goggles represent must-haves, especially given its ability to absorb through skin or mucous membranes. Toxicity studies show limited acute harm, though longer term environmental data urge moderate use, given persistence in water systems. Waste management focuses on preventing release into the sewage or groundwater. The compound’s limited volatility keeps air concentrations low, sidestepping many inhalation hazards, but lab ventilation remains important to curb dust and accidental exposure during weighing or transfer. Manufacturers lean toward reusable, corrosion-resistant packaging — typically high-density polyethylene jugs or airtight sealable pouches — to minimize leaks or spills during shipping and storage.
1-Octyl-3-Methylimidazolium Bromide evolves from raw materials through alkylation, with the imidazole nucleus built up from simple organic feedstocks before functionalization. The final product enters workflows in dozen different guises. It runs in analytical labs as an efficient solvent or as a phase modifier in liquid-liquid extractions. In chemical synthesis, its job might involve acting as a non-volatile medium or stabilizer for sensitive catalytic systems. The pharmaceutical industry sometimes explores it as a carrier in drug delivery studies because of its ability to dissolve both water-loving and oil-loving actives. It slices through interfacial tension and helps build supramolecular assemblies, as seen in some recent nanomaterial research. Research and development teams with access to high-purity raw materials find that careful sourcing and QC on the input reagents (e.g., imidazole, octyl bromide) ensures the best yields and lowest unwanted side products in the final ionic liquid.
People who work with 1-Octyl-3-Methylimidazolium Bromide usually point out how it changes routines in the lab. Its stability, versatility, and relatively low toxicity offer a practical edge in everything from extraction to advanced synthesis. At the same time, real care around storage and waste, plus attention to water solubility and persistence, shows respect for both colleagues and the environment. As innovation around ionic liquids speeds up, especially those using more sustainable raw materials or integrating into closed-loop industrial processes, the hope is to keep dialing up benefits while cutting down on risk — for researchers and the world outside the lab.
