1-Tetradecyl-3-Methylimidazolium Bis((Trifluoromethyl)Sulfonyl)Imide belongs to the class of ionic liquids featuring a long tetradecyl alkyl chain bound to an imidazolium ring. This pairing with the highly fluorinated bis(trifluoromethyl)sulfonylimide anion defines a material distinguished by its unique combination of hydrophobic and electrochemical properties. The molecular formula is C23H39F6N3O4S2, and the overall molecular weight lands near the heavier side for typical organic chemicals. Chemists value this compound for its persistent liquid state at room temperature, as well as its chemical stability even under thermal stress. Its appearance ranges from off-white crystalline solid to pale, waxy flakes, and in some batches, pearl-like granules or powder form. Some suppliers prepare it as a viscous, clear solution, reliable across research or manufacturing setups.
The density of this material generally hovers between 1.3 and 1.4 g/cm³, higher than most classic organic solvents. It resists water and maintains low vapor pressure, which means evaporation loss during use is minimal. Unlike many traditional solvents, 1-Tetradecyl-3-Methylimidazolium Bis((Trifluoromethyl)Sulfonyl)Imide does not burn easily; its decomposition temperature comfortably exceeds 300°C. In practical terms, this means processes involving heat or vacuum face fewer disruptions due to volatility or hazardous fume release. The low conductivity compared to water-based systems becomes a big draw for battery research, supercapacitors, and solar cells, where the desire is always for ionic fluids that hold charge without corroding delicate parts or leading to short circuits.
The structure of this ionic liquid starts with the imidazolium core, a flat ring with nitrogen atoms, connected at the 1-position to a 14-carbon straight alkyl chain and a methyl group at the 3-position. The anion, bis(trifluoromethyl)sulfonylimide, introduces both size and strong electron-withdrawing sulfonyl groups, flanked by perfluoromethyl chains. Under the microscope, these ions arrange with significant free space, explaining why this material transforms from solid to liquid with such ease compared to other salts. The shape and the flexibility of the long chain help create ordered domains in the liquid, supporting use in self-assembly, microemulsions, and designer surfactants.
Manufacturers offer this ionic liquid in several purities, with the cleanest versions exceeding 99% purity by GC or NMR analysis. Each batch comes labeled with specific details: melting point (which often sits around room temperature), density, moisture content, appearance, and, for industrial ordering, the HS Code—commonly 2933.99, falling under heterocyclic compounds. The product comes in several forms: solid (crystalline or flakes), fine powder, bead-like pearls, or as a viscous clear or pale yellow liquid. Each form matches well to different processing needs. The bulk density or specific volume per liter should be checked against technical data sheets, ensuring proper storage space or vessel size. Shipments in liter-sized glass bottles, polyethylene drums, or vacuum-sealed bags eliminate risk of contact with air or moisture.
1-Tetradecyl-3-Methylimidazolium Bis((Trifluoromethyl)Sulfonyl)Imide calls for careful respect in the lab. The chemical resists rapid degradation, so skin or eye contact demands immediate cleaning. Extended inhalation or swallowing is harmful, with chronic exposure as yet not exhaustively studied. As the material incorporates fluorinated groups and sulfonamides, any thermal breakdown can produce corrosive and toxic gases. Gloves of nitrile or neoprene, eye shields, and splash-resistant coats should back up any direct handling. Waste channels into special chemical containers, never tossed into regular drains or bins. Emergency protocols for ionic liquids should be clear, given the rising use of such materials in advanced energy and biotech sectors.
This ionic liquid’s strong hydrophobicity, flexibility, and stability, combined with its low volatility, make it a favorite in electrochemical device research. Raw material suppliers anchor their marketing around its role as a solvent and electrolyte in lithium batteries and supercapacitors. Separation chemists use it to draw out specific molecules from complex mixtures, especially where normal solvents fail or cause too much environmental impact. Its resistance to high voltage and temperature make it an option for greener industrial processes—no more reliance on flammable, volatile chemicals. Some groups use it as a raw material in designing advanced surfactants for microfluidics and emulsion systems, exploiting its long alkyl chain and tuneable solubility. The wide window of electrochemical stability means safer operation in technologies where even small sparks might cause huge trouble.
Every batch of this ionic liquid traces back to petrochemical feedstocks for the imidazole base, fatty alcohol or alkyl halide sources for the tetradecyl chain, and highly engineered fluorinated reagents to build the sulfonylimide portion. Production requires strict moisture control, careful distillation, and, for high-purity grades, repeated recrystallization. The presence of fluorinated groups in the molecule raises questions about long-term persistence in the environment. Manufacturers address these risks by stressing closed-loop processes and safe disposal routes for byproducts. Researchers push for new synthetic chemistry using less aggressive reagents or exploring recycling of spent ionic liquids into raw materials for further batches. The push for sustainability in specialty chemicals keeps a close eye on how materials like this can serve advanced technology without leaving an undue mark on the planet.
