1-Sulfobutyl-3-butylimidazolium hydrosulfate belongs to the family of ionic liquids, a newer class of compounds grabbing the attention of researchers and manufacturers alike. This material combines the imidazolium ion with a specially modified sulfonate group, joining them through a four-carbon butyl linker and finishing off with a hydrosulfate anion. This unique structure equips the compound with a set of properties that go far beyond those of ordinary salts. It takes on forms ranging from solid, white flakes to powder or even a viscous, clear liquid, depending on temperature and storage. Some suppliers deliver it as solid pearls or as a solution for laboratory convenience. Technically speaking, its molecular formula is C11H22N2O4S2, which translates to a molecular weight right around 326.4 g/mol.
Folks working in a chemical lab pay close attention to details such as density and solubility. This hydrosulfate stands out with a density clocking in around 1.2 to 1.3 grams per cubic centimeter at 20°C. Its moisture-loving, or hygroscopic, character means it pulls water from the air and dissolves easily. The melting point typically falls in the range of 80°C, putting it among the ionic liquids that don't always act like ordinary organic substances. An important thing people in warehouses and laboratories notice is how this material goes between solid and liquid states depending on its water content and ambient conditions. As a solution, it mixes well with both water and some organic solvents, making it much easier to handle for synthesis or electrochemical use.
Peeking into its structure, the butyl groups on the imidazolium ring work with the sulfonate tail to change the way this material behaves. The ionic bond between the imidazolium cation and hydrosulphate anion encourages high ionic conductivity and thermal stability. More scientists and engineers are eyeing this compound for its strong electrochemical stability window. In practice, this allows reactions, separations, or charge transfer processes that stutter or fail in standard organic solvents or water. This is one of the main reasons behind its growing attention.
Manufacturers rely on 1-sulfobutyl-3-butylimidazolium hydrosulfate due to its raw material consistency and reliability. In battery or capacitor development, the ionic conductivity offers an upgrade over more pedestrian electrolytes. Other fields take advantage of its solvent capabilities, especially in catalysts, green chemistry setups, and extractions, since the compound can dissolve both polar and non-polar substances. That benefit lets process engineers skip more hazardous mixtures and even recycle the compound after use, cutting down on material costs and waste streams.
While some ionic liquids have a reputation for safety, this doesn’t always mean “harmless.” The hydrosulfate brings its own set of risks. Skin and eye contact should be avoided; wearing gloves, goggles, and a lab coat remains non-negotiable in professional settings. If a spill happens, technicians don’t just mop it up but contain and properly dispose of it as a hazardous chemical. The substance does not pose a high volatility risk, so inhalation risks stay lower than many traditional organic solvents, but direct exposure can still be harmful. This class of chemicals often resists breakdown in the environment, and improper disposal can trigger regulatory headaches. Storage should always happen in airtight containers, dry and cool, protected from incompatible substances or open flames.
For customs and international shipping, this chemical typically moves under HS Code 2933.99, reserved for heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen hetero-atom(s) only. Shippers check safety data sheets and usually require specific paperwork detailing hazard class and transit conditions. Any business trading or importing this material expects to comply with all hazard communication standards, which means full transparency on labeling, classification, and worker safety training.
Markets sell 1-sulfobutyl-3-butylimidazolium hydrosulfate in a variety of forms, according to intended use. Some users need it as fluffy flakes, while others seek denser powder or reconstitute it from solid pearls. Laboratory supply catalogs often list options with clear purity grades—commonly 98% or higher. Bulk shipments generally come in airtight drums or HDPE containers, ensuring no moisture sneaks in and triggers caking or liquification. For liquid forms or solutions, glass or polypropylene bottles hold up best, and all must be kept sealed tightly between uses. Low temperature and zero sunlight preserve its performance, especially important for research applications where trace water or decomposition could mess up results.
Many companies dig deep for more sustainable chemical solutions. The push to replace volatile and flammable organic solvents with ionic liquids like 1-sulfobutyl-3-butylimidazolium hydrosulfate grows every year. This chemical steps up as a potential go-to, thanks to its lower toxicity profile and fire resistance. Challenges still exist on the waste and recycling side. Recovery and purification systems often require investment, but the cost can balance out against traditional solvent losses, environmental fines, or regulatory reporting burdens. Companies that loop ionic liquids back through a process rather than dumping them often find themselves ahead—financially and in reputation.
Years of lab work have shown that new materials only succeed if people respect their power. Training workers to handle even “safe” chemicals like 1-sulfobutyl-3-butylimidazolium hydrosulfate with diligence makes a difference, not just for individual safety but for the whole project’s efficiency and credibility. The rise in use of this material tells a broader story about chemistry’s shift toward functionality paired with responsibility. By blending careful stewardship of raw materials and a commitment to proper storage, handling, and final disposal, companies and researchers shape a more sustainable and innovative future for industrial chemicals.
