1-Propyl-3-Methylimidazolium Methanesulfonate stands out as an ionic liquid, often explored for roles in specialized chemical processing and applied research. The chemical formula, C7H16N2O3S, points to a compound where the imidazolium core bonds with propyl and methyl groups. The methanesulfonate anion broadens its chemical and physical behaviour, shifting how it acts in water and organic systems. For labs and production lines, the CAS number identifies it globally. Many recognize this group of ionic liquids for their low volatility and capacity to dissolve a spectrum of organic, inorganic, and even some polymeric substances. I’ve seen this substance pop up where conventional solvents either degrade or corrode equipment, showing the value of a well-designed ionic liquid.
In practice, you’ll find 1-Propyl-3-Methylimidazolium Methanesulfonate as a solid at ambient temperature, though it turns liquid above 40°C. The density sits near 1.2 g/cm³, which matters during bulk storage and transport. Some suppliers ship it as solid flakes or a fine powder; others pack it in pearl-like granules to control flow. Under the scope, it forms distinct crystals, which might seem unremarkable but reflect solid intermolecular forces at play. There has been curiosity in its use for electrochemistry, where the wide electrochemical window and non-flammability give it a leg up over more volatile alternatives. The melting characteristics matter during process scale-up. This material won’t catch fire or evaporate under typical lab conditions. That makes it appealing on both safety and efficiency grounds, as operators don’t have to worry about inhalation risks or rapid vapor-phase losses.
For anyone importing or exporting chemical materials, the Harmonized System (HS) Code matters both for tariffs and regulatory compliance. 1-Propyl-3-Methylimidazolium Methanesulfonate often falls under ionic liquid categories, coded as 2933 or 3824 depending on the customs jurisdiction. Manufacturers may tweak the purity to meet research, production, or pilot-plant requirements. Some batches boast purities upwards of 99%, confirmed through NMR or ion chromatography. Moisture content and trace impurities can alter physicochemical properties, so labs and plants ask for detailed certificates of analysis. If you buy this product as a liquid solution, concentrations run from 20% up to the pure substance. Handling bulk raw material, I've learned that safe transport starts with transparent, universally accepted specification sheets matched to international code requirements.
The format you select depends on the job to be done. Flakes store well, resist caking, and pour with ease. Powders dissolve quickly in process streams where speed is crucial, but dust generation calls for better worker protection. Pearlized forms flow easily, which helps in fully automated environments demanding consistent feed. As a liquid, 1-Propyl-3-Methylimidazolium Methanesulfonate can serve in battery electrolytes or as a reactive medium in process reactors. Crystallized samples find their way to research teams, who probe structure-property relationships on the bench. I’ve met engineers who rely on the density and solubility data to dial in exactly how much to add per liter or kilogram of reaction medium. Experience shows that format selection shapes both workflow and safety profile.
Most safety data sheets for 1-Propyl-3-Methylimidazolium Methanesulfonate highlight low volatility and a favorable flammability profile, but no chemical escapes hazard consideration altogether. Spills can become sticky or cause minor irritation on contact. While this ionic liquid doesn’t vaporize readily, skin or eye exposure still calls for barrier gloves and goggles. Waste disposal rests on both hazard characterization and regulatory lists; some localities treat ionic liquids separately due to potential persistence in water systems. I’ve worked with teams who proactively design closed-loop processes, using solvent recovery or neutralization to manage impact. Though these efforts ask for upfront investment, they keep both workers and downstream communities safer in the long run.
This compound comes up in green chemistry circles aiming to replace organic solvents in syntheses. The industry leans on its stability and solvent properties to process fine chemicals, develop pharmaceuticals, and recycle polymers that resist other solvents. Battery research teams try out different ionic liquids to reduce hazards seen with older electrolyte systems. In academic research, the unique ionic mix helps unlock new catalysts and reaction pathways, which then feed back into commercial applications. Sourcing raw materials with documented provenance has grown critical, and I’ve watched companies score higher on audits by documenting every rung of the supply chain, from molecular manufacturing to final liter shipment.
One issue is disposal, and this is where industry can improve. Onsite recycling of ionic liquids brings both cost and environmental benefit, cutting the need for virgin material and shrinking waste streams. Engineering controls, like dust suppression and improved ventilation, keep production crews safe. I’ve learned that integrating in-line viscosity and density measurement not only boosts efficiency but sends a clear signal to quality auditors. To keep pace with regulatory expectations, suppliers have begun offering enhanced transparency around production processes, letting buyers make informed decisions. Strengthening safety, ensuring environmental soundness, and maintaining documentation all unlock wider, safer, and more responsible adoption across the branch of specialty materials that includes 1-Propyl-3-Methylimidazolium Methanesulfonate.
