1-Sulfobutyl-3-Butylimidazolium Chloride belongs to a class of ionic liquids that draw interest for their distinctive balance between solvency and stability. This compound features a molecular structure where an imidazolium ring links to both a butyl group and a sulfobutyl group, with chloride as the anionic partner. Its chemical formula stands as C11H21ClN2O3S, giving it a relatively high molecular weight. This molecular arrangement gives rise to several properties that labs and industry pay close attention to, especially when they hope to steer clear of volatile organic solvents. Over recent years, places keen on greening their chemistry workflows have started turning to this class of salts as safer options compared to traditional solvents.
In its pure form, 1-Sulfobutyl-3-Butylimidazolium Chloride usually appears as a white to off-white solid, with physical forms ranging from small crystalline flakes to a free-flowing powder. Its density typically falls near 1.18 g/cm3 at room temperature—a fair bit higher than conventional organic solvents, showing that this material packs its molecules tight. The ionic structure accounts for its stability under normal conditions, and the shift from solid to liquid occurs around 120-130°C. Once it melts, it produces a clear, highly viscous liquid. Even though this compound dissolves in water and a number of polar solvents, its solubility profile offers a good mix between mixing ability and controlled separation, especially useful for extraction work. The scent is mild, almost unnoticeable, which comes as a relief in a field filled with strong-smelling counterparts.
Looking closer at the molecule, the imidazolium core provides the backbone for ionic interaction, while the butyl and sulfobutyl groups modify both solubility and physical characteristics. The chloride component ensures charge balance, making the overall material stable yet reactive under the right conditions. As a raw material, you’ll usually find it in solid flakes, fine powders, rough crystalline lumps, or sometimes as pearl-like beads. Its consistency feels slightly waxy or gritty, not prone to clumping like some hygroscopic salts. Some suppliers ship it in a ready-to-use aqueous solution, which saves prep time and cuts the risk of static dust explosions, a hazard that arises more with dry powders.
Navigating commercial customs checkpoints, the HS Code for 1-Sulfobutyl-3-Butylimidazolium Chloride often reads as 2921.90, tracking with other organic nitrogen compounds. Material specifications, including particle size, purity levels (usually above 98%), and residual water content, matter for product reproducibility and safe storage. To put it plainly: the fewer the impurities and the more controlled the water content, the longer shelf life you can expect—plus fewer surprises in sensitive syntheses or separations. In my hands-on lab experience, improper storage invites clumping and inconsistent dosing, making batches unpredictable. I’ve also seen undertrained staff underestimate its mild corrosive effect on certain metals, mainly due to the chloride ion. Even though toxicity sits lower compared to stronger acids or halogen donors, dust and splashes shouldn’t land on skin or eyes without proper gear, as irritation follows fast.
Some take for granted that being an “ionic liquid” means total safety. In truth, while flammability risk stays low, you still face chemical hazards. Prolonged contact causes harm to soft tissues; inhaling dust can spark respiratory discomfort. Those who handle it should always wear gloves, goggles, and—if pouring powders—work under a local exhaust hood to avoid accidental inhalation. Spill management revolves around containment and diluting with water, followed by neutralization. Disposal requires a careful approach, as sulfobutyl and chloride breakdown products burden water treatment plants if volumes go unchecked. Tracking volumes and having spill response ready is crucial for both labs and manufacturing settings. Bigger outfits often have an on-site neutralization unit, which can bring levels down before solution hits the main waste stream.
Raw material selection shapes outcomes in research and production environments. Relying on reputable suppliers with clear batch records and purity certifications goes a long way: rogue entries with unknown origins may carry risky side reactions, sometimes leading to failed syntheses or regulatory headaches. From my own procurement cycles, a tight line on quality checks and supplier audits paid off. You learn to read beyond the basic certificate and to ask for independent verification—little things that ultimately make the downstream work less stressful. Keeping a well-documented chain of custody, plus a record of in-house tests (melting point, IR spectra, residue on ignition) closes the loop from raw input to final application.
Industry and academic labs have found plenty of use for 1-Sulfobutyl-3-Butylimidazolium Chloride, mainly for separation science, advanced catalysis, and electrochemical devices. Its high ionic conductivity and low vapor pressure allow it to serve as a safer alternative in electrolyte formulations for batteries, especially where thermal stability matters. Extraction teams use it for selective removal of metals and organics—a cleaner, quicker process compared to older, more hazardous methods. Because its structure is tunable, research keeps yielding derivatives that can outperform many classics, all the while reducing fire, explosion, and toxicity risk in the workplace. Looking ahead, a mixed approach—combining traditional know-how with green chemistry—lets users push performance forward while cutting environmental impact.
