1-Tetradecyl-2,3-Dimethylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate, also recognized by its formula C19H39BF4N2, stands out within the family of ionic liquids. The substance brings together a long alkyl chain, two methyl groups positioned on the imidazole ring, and a stable tetrafluoroborate anion, producing a salt with unique chemical and physical properties. In actual handling, the material ranges from solid flakes to powder, occasionally appearing as viscous liquid or even small pearls, depending on environmental temperature and purity. If the temperature in a workroom stays cool, this salt generally forms colorless to pale crystals, showing a solid nature not prone to quick melting. Across labs, handling this material means preparing for its mild, but notable, static cling and slight slipperiness—a trait operators account for, especially during weighing and mixing with solvents.
The density of 1-Tetradecyl-2,3-Dimethylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate typically lands between 1.15 and 1.22 g/cm3. Standard room temperature keeps it solid, but moderate heating helps its transition to an oil-like liquid, opening up different application possibilities. At high purity, this salt lets light through, sometimes with a glossy finish. The flakes or crystal forms pack tightly in storage containers but can easily shift to a fine powder if ground. These material forms call for airtight containers because the compound does not appreciate moisture—water can break down the salt, especially in open air, leading to clumping or chemical changes. In testing, a small batch dissolved in polar solvents like acetonitrile or dimethyl sulfoxide delivers consistent, low-viscosity solutions, whereas mixing with water delivers poorer results, hinting at hydrophobic character from the long alkyl tail.
A closer look at its structure makes the material’s properties clear. The imidazolium ring plays a major role in stabilizing positive charge, while the tetrafluoroborate anion supplies chemical inertness often wanted for reactive environments. The long tetradecyl chain (C14H29) extends from the imidazole nitrogen, and paired methyl groups add to the molecule’s bulk. The formula, C19H39BF4N2, describes a relatively large molecule within ionic liquid families. This unique combination of size, charge, and functional groups defines not just the solubility, but also the melting point, viscosity, and interaction with other chemicals. Hands-on users will comment on its oily texture once soft, yet the taste and smell come across as unremarkable, minimizing accidental inhalation or ingestion risks if handled by a careful operator.
When tackling industrial or laboratory tasks, the different forms, like powders, flakes, and solid blocks, meet different project needs. For example, powder offers faster dissolution rates in solvent-based operations due to increased surface area. Flake or pearl forms reduce dust creation, important for safer working conditions. In both cases, operators watch for clumping from excess air moisture. The density falls in line with other imidazolium salts, allowing direct volumetric measurements during dosing, especially useful for mixing batches in liters instead of relying on weight alone. For solution preparation, users expect this material to blend quickly with common polar organics, yet slow down in non-polar solvents or water-rich mixtures. Most applications keep the raw material concentration between 0.1 to 1 mol/L, balancing viscosity and chemical reactivity.
Importers and distributors caring about legal compliance look up the HS Code—generally 2933.39.9090 for imidazole-based salts—when moving this chemical across borders. This number distinguishes it from simpler organic salts, supporting smoother customs processing and proper hazardous classification. Sourcing raw materials for synthesis gets tied to purity and trace contaminant management; batches meant for industrial electrochemistry or catalysis need stringent impurity controls, including checking for water, metal ions, or extra halides from incomplete reactions. The base chemicals, imidazole and tetradecyl bromide, build the cationic core, and mixing with sodium tetrafluoroborate delivers the pure tetrafluoroborate salt. Stringent process controls minimize leftover contaminants, which directly translates to fewer downstream process headaches.
People in the chemical industry keep safety front and center—this compound fits in the "handle with care" crowd. Skin or eye exposure can lead to irritation, especially since the long alkyl chain acts as a mild surfactant, lingering on gloves or exposed skin. Inhalation hazards stay low in most scenarios, but powders or dust call for dust masks and good ventilation. If spilled, the compound has minimal volatility, meaning it does not evaporate and release fumes, making cleanup less urgent compared to volatile liquids. Still, the need to keep it away from food, skin, and vulnerable groups stays non-negotiable, since even minor contamination can cause rashes or stomach issues if ingested. Waste disposal calls for chemical-resistant containers and licensed hazardous waste contractors, as even trace environmental release impacts aquatic life. As part of regulatory compliance, every workplace stocking this material trains employees using detailed hazard communication standards and keeps up-to-date Safety Data Sheets (SDS) close by.
Labs and industry operations use 1-Tetradecyl-2,3-Dimethylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate for two main reasons: it serves both as an ionic liquid for catalysis and as a solvent in specialty separations. The oil and gas sector uses it during complex organic transformations, relying on low volatility and strong solvating power for polar organics and some transition metals. Researchers report fewer side products and better recycling from imidazolium-based salts compared to older organic solvents. In academic research, these ionic liquids help dissolve polymers, stabilize metal complexes, and form part of electrolytes for new battery types, with results often outperforming traditional solvents. Direct experience in a research lab shows its ability to reduce air and water pollution compared to regular volatile organic compounds. Still, any new process requires a look at side effects: with ionic liquids, even low toxicity does not erase the need for strong waste controls, collection, and recycling at the end of a process. Operators share that improper cleanup leads to expensive downtime and stricter audits.
As the chemical field moves toward sustainability, 1-Tetradecyl-2,3-Dimethylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate offers a starting point for designing safer chemical processes. The immiscibility with water means it can be separated and reused in extraction tasks, reducing solvent waste. Some projects now combine this material with biodegradable additives, making downstream treatment easier. Workplaces embracing green chemistry aim for closed-loop handling, collecting and recycling the salt through simple extraction or distillation, slashing both cost and environmental impact. Education and regular training push users to follow best practices, like using secondary containment, monitoring for leaks, and wearing protective equipment during both transfer and process work. This level of diligence, based on lessons from past chemical incidents, builds trust and supports safer production lines.
Deciding to use a specialty raw material like 1-Tetradecyl-2,3-Dimethylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate hinges on understanding the whole chain—from raw material sourcing, through handling and end-use, to final disposal. Each point on this chain benefits from hands-on knowledge, clear documentation, and up-to-date hazard communication. Teams working with this salt maintain high safety standards not because of regulations alone, but because past experience shows the real risks from lax practices. Lab workers, logistics handlers, and managers alike stake their reputation on maintaining clean, safe workplaces. This chemical, with its clear advantages for process chemistry and green solvent technology, brings both potential and responsibility into the modern lab and factory floor.
