1-Pentyl-3-Methylimidazolium Iodide has steadily gained attention in research labs and production circles wherever ionic liquids and advanced materials get serious discussion. Recognized by its molecular formula C9H17IN2, this compound features a unique imidazolium-based cation paired up with an iodide anion, opening a well of possibilities for chemists and engineers alike. Unlike common salts, this material defies straightforward categorization, existing in forms that blur the lines between crystalline solid, powder, flakes, and sometimes pearls, or readily dissolvable liquid phase. Folks driven by curiosity about new materials often notice the adaptability of 1-Pentyl-3-Methylimidazolium Iodide, especially thanks to its solubility, thermal stability, and the distinctive influence its iodide content exerts on chemical reactivity.
Every lab bench that’s handled 1-Pentyl-3-Methylimidazolium Iodide can tell stories about its changing forms. Sometimes you’ll see it as a white to off-white crystalline solid or powder. Certain manufacturers develop it into flakes, tiny pearls, or even viscous solutions for easier handling. Its molecular weight sits at about 296.15 g/mol, a detail that matters every time someone weighs a sample for synthesis or analysis. People searching for reliable sources should know the specific density lands around 1.38 g/cm³ at room temperature, setting it apart from many conventional organic salts or raw chemicals. In practical terms, a liter takes up a modest footprint, but the sheer heft compared to solvents or lighter salts stays noticeable during storage and shipping.
Global chemical commerce depends on more than a name and molecular formula; it also hinges on proper international identification. For shipping and regulatory purposes, the correct HS Code often falls under 2925190090, a category reserved for imidazole and derivatives, though reliance on correct regional classification remains essential. Purity usually sits north of 98%, with trace-level moisture content and tightly controlled impurities. Most batches ship with detailed certificates, listing physical appearance, density, melting point, solubility data, and even spectral purity metrics from NMR or IR for those seeking high-end applications. In practical supply chains, pack sizes stretch from gram-scale vials to multi-kilogram fiber drums, depending on whether a team handles it as a specialty research reagent or a routine raw material.
What keeps scientists hooked is how readily 1-Pentyl-3-Methylimidazolium Iodide integrates itself into complex syntheses and applications. Ionic strength and lipophilic–hydrophilic balance get a unique makeover with the pentyl substituted imidazolium ring. The iodide counterion offers strong nucleophilicity, influencing organocatalysis, halide exchange studies, and sometimes even electrochemical projects. Solubility trends favor polar solvents and water miscibility, making cleanup and post-reaction processing a bit easier than with old-school salts. Measured melting points generally hover between 60–90°C depending on crystalline form, a range that balances handling ease with storage safety. In actual use, the stability under both inert and oxidative conditions holds up reliably if sealed away from stray moisture and air—something every chemist who’s faced accidental hydrolysis or decomposition can appreciate.
Raw materials always deserve respect. 1-Pentyl-3-Methylimidazolium Iodide’s safety profile mirrors other ionic liquids, but the iodide ion calls for protective practices. While not volatile or particularly reactive at room temperature, accidental ingestion or skin contact should spark an immediate cleanup because exposure may trigger mild to moderate irritant effects. Direct inhalation of dust or finely divided powder proves unpleasant and, over extended exposure, potentially harmful. Personal protective equipment—gloves, goggles, lab coats, well-ventilated stations—remains non-negotiable. Spilled granules or pearl forms should be swept up, not brushed around, always collecting for hazardous waste disposal under local guidelines. Folks running scale-up operations or handling bulk packaging quickly appreciate comprehensive safety data sheets detailing toxicology, environmental persistence, and recommended first-aid practices.
There’s more than one reason why researchers, manufacturers, and sustainability enthusiasts chase after new ionic liquids like this compound. Its chemical playbook stretches from organic synthesis and biocatalysis to electrochemical devices, phase-transfer catalysis, and sometimes even solar cell or battery development. The iodide content tweaks the electronic and catalytic properties, offering tools that weren’t always possible with chloride or bromide siblings. The future of greener chemistry depends on reliable, customizable raw materials, and this compound’s adaptability to powders, solutions, and solid forms helps bridge the gap between laboratory trials and scalable commercial adoption.
Every breakthrough invites new headaches—be it supply consistency, purity assurances, or waste management. Direct partnerships with established chemical suppliers and routine batch testing make the difference. Efficient labeling and on-the-ground training keep safety front and center, avoiding costly incidents over time. For labs or companies scaling up, investment in moisture-resistant packaging and robust transport containers goes a long way, preventing waste and preserving usability. Creative researchers have repurposed waste or recycled spent material by converting iodide back to pure salt or harnessing the imidazolium backbone for mixed ionic liquid formulations, shrinking environmental impact while keeping costs down.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | 1-Pentyl-3-Methylimidazolium Iodide |
| Molecular Formula | C9H17IN2 |
| Molecular Weight | 296.15 g/mol |
| Appearance | Off-white to white solid, flakes, powder, pearls, liquid on rare occasions |
| Density | 1.38 g/cm³ (approximate at 25°C) |
| Melting Point | 60-90°C |
| HS Code | 2925190090 |
| Purity | >98% |
| Solubility | Miscible with polar solvents, water-soluble |
