1-Propyl-3-Methylimidazolium Bromide belongs to a class of compounds called imidazolium salts. These salts have found a growing place in chemical research, energy storage, and industrial processing over the past decade. The structure comes together with a core imidazolium ring, methyl attached at the third position, and a propyl group at the first position, linked with a bromide counterion. Many research labs keep this compound on hand because it’s part of the new wave of ionic liquids and solid-state electrolytes. Its robust physical profile delivers performance where volatile solvents fail, especially in applications demanding stability, high thermal resistance, and ion conductivity. There’s more to the name than just a string of syllables—it’s backed by changes in the chemical world, where greener, less hazardous materials draw increasing focus in practical chemistry.
1-Propyl-3-Methylimidazolium Bromide's molecular formula is C7H15BrN2, and its molecular weight measures around 207.12 g/mol. The structure itself—an imidazole core paired with flexible alkyl and methyl groups—ensures stable interactions, making it valuable for solvation and phase transfer tasks. At room temperature, this compound typically appears as white to off-white flakes or a crystalline solid. Under different processing conditions, it may show up in powder, pearls, or even a dense liquid state when exposed to certain environments, especially in the presence of moisture. Its melting point ranges widely, sometimes landing anywhere between 75°C and 120°C, influenced by purity and manufacturing process. The density tends to hover near 1.2 to 1.35 g/cm3, depending on how much moisture or solvent remains trapped in the bulk material. The sheer versatility in physical state and phase behavior opens doors for custom reaction optimization or unique electrochemical applications. The crystal structure, observed under X-ray diffraction methods, lays out a tight ionic packing that resists breakdown under harsh laboratory conditions.
Purity ranks high on the list for labs and manufacturers alike, with specifications regularly reaching above 98%. Some applications, like high-performance batteries or specialized extraction solvents, call for even tighter controls on water content and halide purity. Material frequently ships in moisture-proof packaging for that reason, and quality suppliers test for trace contaminants like chloride, heavy metals, and organics. Researchers look for consistent appearance: dry, lump-free flakes or crystals that dissolve without haze in water, DMSO, or methanol. Batch-to-batch consistency, minimal dust in powders, and statically neutral surfaces cut down on waste during measuring or transfer. Commercial volumes usually arrive as solid material in sealed drums or bottles, shipped under normal cargo regulations, since it's not classified as a dangerous good for transport. On a larger scale, product availability spans from laboratory vials to multi-kilogram lots for pilot production or process scale-up.
1-Propyl-3-Methylimidazolium Bromide falls under HS Code 29252900, which covers imidazole and its derivatives. Buyers and logistics staff check this code for smooth customs clearance, since global trade depends on clear classification. The code simplifies import processes and tax calculations in chemical commerce. Safety Data Sheets and regulatory documents list this code to satisfy compliance checks imposed by authorities like the European REACH system or US OSHA. While most suppliers locate themselves in Asia or Europe, the HS Code remains a common language across continents, cutting down on confusion about what’s in the crate or drum before it even leaves a warehouse.
Density defines many aspects of its daily use. With a measured value of 1.2 to 1.35 g/cm3, the compound sinks in water, although it dissolves readily. Solubility stretches to a range of polar solvents—water, alcohols, even some glycols—giving chemists plenty of room to choose working solutions for different reaction media. Full dissolution produces a clear solution, revealing high ionic mobility crucial to modern battery research or green catalysis. Handling remains fairly straightforward compared to more volatile analogs, since the solid form shows low vapor pressure, cutting back on inhalation risks during bench work. No special atmosphere is needed, but like most useful chemicals, 1-Propyl-3-Methylimidazolium Bromide benefits from dry storage in tightly sealed containers. Humidity control helps keep the product in its pure, powdery or flaky state.
Users should keep standard lab safety rules in mind. It meets the definition of a hazardous material mainly due to its irritant potential—skin and eye contact can trigger redness or mild swelling, and direct inhalation of dust should be avoided. Gloves, goggles, and fume hoods form the baseline for protection. Compared to traditional organic solvents, the toxicity profile looks relatively mild, but the compound’s toxicity to aquatic organisms receives attention in industrial work. Spills should get cleaned up with absorbent material and disposed of per local chemical waste guidelines. Fire and explosion risk is low thanks to the non-volatile nature of the imidazolium core, though users need to stay vigilant around strong oxidizers and acids, since side reactions could produce harmful byproducts. Safe chemical handling—good labeling, clear ventilation, and updated Safety Data Sheets—puts safety right up front.
1-Propyl-3-Methylimidazolium Bromide’s value grows each year. Chemists use it as a raw material for ionic liquid research, especially in the development of new electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries, double-layer capacitors, and advanced separation technologies. The compound steps into metal extraction, cellulose processing, and even catalysis of complex organic reactions, often outperforming traditional volatile solvents. Technicians and researchers appreciate that it holds up in harsh chemical environments and doesn’t break down under electric fields or thermal cycling. As society looks to reduce reliance on petroleum-derived and hazardous solvents, more of these imidazolium salts step up as serious replacements. Regulations and consumer demand now push manufacturers to prove the safety and recyclability of all raw materials, so 1-Propyl-3-Methylimidazolium Bromide offers a responsive answer to the need for safe, efficient, and reliable specialty chemicals.
