1-Tetradecyl-3-Methylimidazolium Chloride stands out as a specialty ionic liquid, widely recognized by the chemical formula C18H37ClN2. At its core, this compound brings together a long alkyl chain—the tetradecyl group—with a methylimidazolium ring, giving users access to an organic salt designed for serious lab work and demanding industrial projects. Like several imidazolium-based compounds, this raw material provides chemists with a useful bridge between classic organic solvents and cutting-edge green chemistry alternatives, bringing fresh options for synthesis, catalysis, materials research, and separation science.
Users meet this chloride in several physical presentations: needles and flakes for solid-state research, crystalline powder for blending or dosing, or viscous liquid form based on temperature and concentration. Pearls, beaded solids, and granular materials also make appearances, particularly for ease of handling and dosing in scaled-up or automated processes. Solutions in water or organic solvents unlock new application areas, notably in extraction, surfactant systems, ion exchange, and formulation science. Each form meets the strict processing requirements of industries handling specialty chemicals—ranging from pharmaceuticals and advanced polymers, to clean energy development and environmental remediation.
1-Tetradecyl-3-Methylimidazolium Chloride features a molecular weight of 317.96 g/mol. The structure—built around the C14H29 side chain, methyl substitution at the imidazolium core, and a chloride anion—gives this material pronounced amphiphilic character. Hydrogen bonding, van der Waals interactions, and ionic conductivity play central roles in its performance. In solution or in solid-state, the compound readily demonstrates thermal stability up to 200°C, maintains a broad liquidus range, and often appears as a white to off-white crystalline powder, whose density ranges between 0.85 to 0.95 g/cm³ at 20°C. The melting point sits between 30°C and 38°C, bridging the solid and liquid states for practical applications according to user requirements.
Moving this material through global supply chains calls for precise documentation: its international harmonized system (HS) code usually falls under specialty organic chemicals, with specific allocation depending on jurisdiction. Producers and handlers reference codes in the 2933.39.99 sequence, covering heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen hetero-atoms. Regulatory filings stress clear hazard communication and compliant storage, both for workplace safety and regulatory audits, due to the ionic nature and reactive imidazolium ring.
Solid samples of 1-Tetradecyl-3-Methylimidazolium Chloride present as dense flakes or finely divided powders. In heated environments, viscous liquid form prevails, especially above the melting point. In bulk, density averages near 0.85 g/cm³, according to batch specifications and ambient conditions. Handling involves grounded containers and dust-reducing protocols to ensure both quality and occupational safety. Storage in cool, dry spaces—away from incompatible materials like strong oxidizers—preserves substance integrity and extends shelf life. Packaging usually means airtight polyethylene bags, HDPE drums, or lined glass bottles for laboratory usage.
Though the chloride is generally stable under normal handling conditions, knowledge from the field stresses caution. Direct skin or eye contact triggers moderate to strong irritation due to the cationic imidazolium group and the chloride anion. Inhalation of powdered material risks respiratory discomfort. Appropriate PPE—gloves, goggles, face masks—remains standard, both in research and scale-up settings. Material safety data sheets specify the need for good ventilation, prompt incident response with soap and water for contaminated skin, and careful waste handling. The chemical demonstrates low volatility but reacts with strong reducing agents, producing hazardous decomposition products. Laboratories and facilities track inventory as a matter of process compliance, especially considering local regulations regarding ionic liquids and specialty salts.
Prolonged or repeated exposure—particularly in settings lacking adequate filtration or in poorly ventilated spaces—can lead to cumulative health effects, ranging from mild dermatitis to the possibility of chronic respiratory irritation. Wastewater disposal and spill management represent an important part of responsible use: unintentional release into groundwater or soil remains a core concern, as ionic liquids often resist standard biodegradation in municipal treatment systems. Labs and factories manage the material under specific chemical hygiene protocols, including secondary containment, label tracking, and regulatory reporting, to prevent persistent environmental contamination and comply with waste stream controls.
The molecular design, pairing a C14 alkyl tail with a methylated imidazolium core, delivers notable surface activity and self-assembly properties, supporting emulsification and micelle formation at low concentrations. This cation-anion structure lends itself to applications needing strong electrostatic interactions, including catalysis for CO2 uptake, ion transport in electrochemical cells, and tailored separations of rare earth elements or organic phases. Summary technical information: molecular formula C18H37ClN2, density around 0.85 g/cm³, melting point 30–38°C, appearance as powder, flake, or pearl, and water solubility moderate to high depending on temperature.
Global suppliers of 1-Tetradecyl-3-Methylimidazolium Chloride draw on robust synthetic chemistry networks—usually starting from 1-methylimidazole, long-chain alkyl halides, and purification by recrystallization or chromatography. Reliability in supply and tight control over trace contaminants set apart the best producers, a vital consideration for industries running pilot plants or scaling specialty products. Sample and bulk orders require personalized data sheets, consistent batch quality, and regulatory transparency so manufacturers, researchers, and end-users manage risks without hitting snags in production lines or laboratory protocols. The synthesis pathway aligns with rising demand for green solvents, battery electrolytes, and next-generation surfactants in a world seeking cleaner and high-performing chemical processes.
Concerns around health safety and environmental risk push both researchers and suppliers to look for ways to improve safety protocols and substitute safer alternatives or closed-loop waste management where possible. Growing awareness in chemical engineering circles encourages collaborative development of recovery and recycling methods, extending the working life of ionic liquids while reducing their ecological footprint. Investing in comprehensive training for chemical workers and transparency in documentation underpins responsible stewardship in this fast-evolving field. Towards future possibilities, advances in molecular design may offer new imidazolium products that retain function but lower toxicity and biodegradation challenges—bringing society closer to a balance between high performance and sustainability in everyday chemical processes.
