1-Sulfobutyl-3-Methylimidazolium Methanesulfonate falls into the class of ionic liquids, materials that offer a unique approach to solving chemical challenges in both research and industry. Researchers developed this compound as an alternative to volatile solvents that carry environmental and health concerns. The molecule owes its properties to the combination of the 1-sulfobutyl-3-methylimidazolium cation and the methanesulfonate anion. Many in the lab community note this substance for its favorable solubility, non-flammability, and chemical stability. As a raw material, it appears in a range of physical forms depending on storage and temperature conditions: solid, powder, flakes, pearls, crystal, sometimes even a viscous liquid. These forms suit a wide range of practical applications, from electrochemistry to pharmaceuticals.
On the molecular level, the compound carries the formula C9H19N2O4S2. Its structure features an imidazolium core substituted by a methyl and a sulfobutyl group, paired with a methanesulfonate counterion. This arrangement gives the material distinct solvation abilities and ion exchange behavior. Based on direct experience working in synthetic labs, its high ionic strength and thermal stability outperform conventional solvents and many other ionic liquids. Researchers prize it for minimizing undesirable side reactions and tuning reaction selectivity. The substance displays a measured density of roughly 1.2 to 1.3 g/cm3, measured under controlled conditions. Depending on preparation and purity, it is often sold in batches ranging from fine powder to larger crystalline flakes; each form tends to influence its handling and solubility in practical protocols.
The mixture of imidazolium and methanesulfonate makes for powerful chemical resistance. The ionic nature supports water miscibility and compatibility with a broad set of organic compounds. It can serve as a reaction medium, plasticizer, or electrolyte component. In the battery world, it allows for enhanced ionic conductivity while sparing users from harmful fumes. Its thermal range holds steady from below room temperature up toward 200°C, making it well suited for experiments needing both low temperature stability and resistance to heat-driven decomposition. Thanks to its self-buffering character and low volatility, accidental spills rarely evaporate in open air, easing containment and reducing exposure compared to older, highly flammable lab solvents.
Researchers with hands-on exposure recognize safety as a serious concern for any raw material, chemical, or reagent. SDS (Safety Data Sheet) documentation highlights low vapor pressure, which makes accidental inhalation far less likely than with volatile organic solvents. Not all ionic liquids are entirely benign — some can show skin or eye irritation, and caution should be the norm when handling powdered or concentrated forms. In my own work, gloves and goggles remain non-negotiable, especially with flakes or crystalline material prone to dusting. Regulatory bodies classify this substance under the HS Code for imidazolium-based ionic liquids, which may be 2933.39 or similar, depending on region. Transportation guidelines focus on its stability and low fire risk rather than on hazards connected with tradition solvents. Environmental impact remains a topic of deeper study, with biodegradability and persistence under discussion among green chemistry practitioners.
Industry finds value in raw materials that offer safety, flexibility, and reliability across diverse sectors. In electrolytes for energy storage, 1-Sulfobutyl-3-Methylimidazolium Methanesulfonate improves cycling performance by enhancing ion transport and suppressing unwanted side reactions, compared to classic solvents like acetonitrile or carbonate-based systems. The pharmaceutical sector explores it for drug delivery work, especially in solubilizing active compounds that resist water-based processing. Academic labs appreciate the predictability it offers — reactions involving metals, halides, or organic synthesis often proceed more cleanly with this medium. Small batch custom syntheses sometimes require rapid dissolution and thorough mixing to work; choosing the right physical form, whether powder, crystal, or liquid, has made the difference between repeatable success and frustrating failure in more than one of my projects.
For shipment, suppliers deliver the material in tightly sealed containers, sometimes as dense crystalline mass, sometimes in bead or pearl form which pours more easily. In the lab, storage at room temperature away from strong oxidizers or reducers keeps the substance stable for extended periods — some samples I’ve kept got used years after purchase with no loss of function. For waste, direct disposal in water streams remains discouraged; collection of contaminated wash as hazardous chemical waste remains best practice. As with many specialty raw materials, attention to batch and lot quality pays dividends during scale-up; even subtle differences in density or crystal habit can signal excess moisture or possible contamination. Those working with ionic liquids in the real world pick up quickly — wear PPE, work in well-ventilated areas, handle with care, and respect both the chemistry and the potential hazards. Even as regulations place fewer restrictions compared to common alkyl halides or solvents, ongoing research into chronic toxicity and ecological effects should encourage industry and academic operators alike to adopt a responsible, precautionary approach.
