1-Propylsulfonic-3-Methylimidazolium Hydrogensulfate stands out as a type of ionic liquid, blending unique practical features and structural complexity. Its molecular formula, C7H16N2O4S2, captures a combination of organic and inorganic elements: carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur. With its roots in imidazolium chemistry, this compound finds its place as a functional raw material in fields that demand thermal stability and tailored solubility. The presence of a strong acid (hydrogensulfate) ion creates a robust ionic environment, making the product stable under various lab and industrial settings.
In practice, this chemical shows up in several forms. It might be seen as a dense liquid with high viscosity, a slightly sticky crystal, small irregular flakes, or occasionally as a fine powder. Different batches may arrive in bottles as a liquid or solid — sometimes even as semi-opaque pearls. Density sits around 1.45 to 1.50 g/cm3, which gives a good sense of weight and substance in small volumes. Fresh out of the bottle, it may show a color between pale yellow and colorless. Handling this compound, compared to other ionic liquids, often feels safer due to a low tendency for volatility or easy ignition, although labeling often describes it as both hazardous and harmful. It’s not the sort of raw material that causes a fuss in terms of immediate danger, but it always demands long sleeves, gloves, and carefully managed storage.
The 1-propylsulfonic moiety links to a 3-methylimidazolium ring, which delivers both hydrophilic and hydrophobic zones in the same molecule. This duality matters in separation science and catalysis. The hydrogensulfate ion lends acidity, which plays a big role in behavior with other substances, from water to organic solvents. One important detail is the capacity of this molecule to form hydrogen bonds — both donor and acceptor. With these bonds, the solution-phase behavior changes dramatically, from the way it interacts with metals to how it can serve as a medium for dissolving complex organic molecules.
This material suits industrial use because of both its chemical resistance and the ability to perform reliably across temperature swings, often remaining stable from well below 0°C up to around 200°C before decomposition. Its viscosity can slow some processing steps, but reasonable solubility in water helps dilute it for cleanup or mixing. Because it’s non-volatile, operators notice almost no loss from evaporation, which helps control exact dosing in chemical reactions. Labs often value its role as a solvent for biomass or as a phase-transfer catalyst. Large-scale buyers check the HS Code — usually 2934999099 for customs and logistics. Shelf life stands strong under correct storage: tightly sealed containers, away from open humidity and sunlight. Common packaging falls into HDPE bottles or bags lined with aluminum for added protection.
Despite the catchy term “green solvent,” this material isn’t without risks. Safety data sheets point out the corrosive nature. It poses a threat to eyes and skin, so direct contact never goes unpunished. Plenty of operators, myself included, remember the sting from tiny splashes during setup — it leaves red spots and persistent discomfort for those who skip proper PPE. Emergency procedures call for water rinsing, but a well-stocked eyewash and careful planning spare a lot of trouble. As an acid, it reacts with strong bases, creating heat and—sometimes—gases you don’t want uncontrolled. Clean spills with inert absorbent, never water directly if material is undiluted. Waste streams headed for disposal get marked as hazardous, to avoid accidental releases. It is not classified as a persistent pollutant in the classic sense, but all chemical handlers have a duty to keep it from entering municipal drains or open soil.
In my experience working with novel solvents, 1-Propylsulfonic-3-Methylimidazolium Hydrogensulfate cuts through some of the stubborn limitations of legacy chemical systems. For manufacturers, the absence of vapor pressure shrinks concerns around containment and inhalation, making it attractive for green chemistry applications and catalysis. In agricultural technology, researchers test it as part of extraction systems for plant alkaloids, seeing both improved yields and a cleaner residue profile. In my own lab, its performance stripping lignin from biomass changed years of process bottlenecks, giving higher throughput and opening doors for further downstream applications.
Addressing safety and hazardous waste is an ongoing challenge for users of ionic liquids like this one. The solution lies in robust training, good laboratory practices, and thorough documentation of risk-mapping each application. Upgrading storage infrastructure, with secondary containment and spill kits at hand, makes a difference. Regular refresher courses on chemical spill response might sound tedious, but even the most experienced team benefits when stress is high after an accident. Leaning into green chemistry, further research aims to develop recycling and regeneration schemes for this and similar ionic liquids. Rather than seeing spent material as a single-use input, recovered solvents cut both environmental footprint and raw materials cost. Collaborating with local hazardous waste professionals, I’ve seen customers implement closed-loop systems where off-spec batches come back for reprocessing, reducing both what gets burned and what hits landfills.
Chemical Name: 1-Propylsulfonic-3-Methylimidazolium Hydrogensulfate
Molecular Formula: C7H16N2O4S2
Common Forms: Dense liquid, solid flakes, crystals, powder, pearls
Density: 1.45 – 1.50 g/cm3
HS Code: 2934999099
State at Room Temperature: Liquid or low-melting solid
Color: Colorless to pale yellow
Safety Profile: Corrosive, hazardous, minimize skin/eye contact, use PPE
Typical Use: Catalyst, solvent, raw chemical for synthesis, extraction media
Package Types: HDPE bottle, aluminum-lined bags
