1-(Triethoxysilane)Propyl-3-Methylimidazolium Bis((Trifluoromethyl)Sulfonyl)Imide belongs to a class of ionic liquids that show a remarkable fusion of organic and inorganic chemical characteristics. This compound combines the imidazolium ring, known for its thermal stability and flexibility, with a bis((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)imide anion. The triethoxysilane moiety extends opportunities for chemical bonding with silica-based substrates, vital for surface modification, catalysis support, and sol-gel chemistry. Having seen the evolution of advanced materials, this particular structure fits demand for customizable, stable ionic environments in many research and industrial sectors. Such materials underpin progress in clean energy systems, advanced coating technologies, and high-precision chemical processes that require safe, tunable solvents with low volatility and ionic conductivity.
This material appears in various solid and semi-solid shapes, including flakes, powder, pearls, and occasionally as a viscous or crystalline liquid under ambient temperature. Its physical state often depends on storage, purity, and the precise molecular make-up, which makes practical experience vital for proper application in laboratories or industrial settings. The compound typically ranges from a glassy, hygroscopic solid to a translucent liquid. The density sits near 1.4–1.6 grams per cubic centimeter, with changes based on exact structural variations and water content. Scientists rely on both visual cues and quantitative measurements to identify shifts in form, as minor differences in storage or handling rapidly influence the physical manifestation. The unique molecular structure, especially the presence of the bulky, non-coordinating bis((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)imide anion, is a primary driver for its low melting point compared to traditional salts, while the triethoxysilane group imparts excellent bonding properties for in-situ functionalization with silica-based materials or glassware.
Molecularly, the imidazolium cation coupled through a propyl chain to a triethoxysilane group distinguishes this compound from simpler imidazolium salts. The core formula often appears as C16H31F6N3O7S2Si, although exact atom counts can shift slightly based on substitutions and manufacturing routes. This structure allows robust ionic interactions but also introduces significant stability with the perfluorinated bis-sulfonyl imide anion, known for its substantial resistance to hydrolysis and oxidative degradation. This kind of stability is prized in my lab work, especially where exposure to reactive gases, moisture, or rapid temperature changes render other salts unreliable or hazardous.
Manufacturers typically set purity at 98% or higher due to the reactivity of the triethoxysilane group, which otherwise may hydrolyze or slowly degrade over time. Quality assurance sometimes includes water content, acid value, and optical clarity, since these affect both safety and performance. The HS Code for this product often falls under 2934.99, aligning with other organic compounds with complex heterocyclic, nitrogen-containing structures and silicon-based functionalities. Consistency in molecular structure helps industries comply with customs and safety processes, avoiding pitfalls in cross-border shipping and regulatory assessments.
Any raw material combining silicon organics, imidazolium rings, and perfluorinated sulfonimides demands careful attention to safety. From direct experience in chemical storage and handling, I know strict moisture control and use of personal protective equipment are non-negotiable. Direct exposure can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract, especially due to potential release of acidic or organosilane byproducts. The fluorinated component, while very stable, raises environmental and chronic toxicity concerns, so accidental spills require containment and waste disposal according to local hazardous chemical guidelines. Even small quantities should not enter waterways, since bioaccumulation and long-term ecosystem damage remain poorly understood. Adequate storage in airtight, inert containers extends shelf life and maintains purity, which is especially important for users in laboratories or scale-up facilities aiming for reproducible product performance and regulatory compliance.
The best value in this compound comes from its use as a raw material for functional coatings, ionic conductive films, and surface grafting in silica-based sensors or separation membranes. The triethoxysilane group offers direct chemical anchoring onto glass, ceramics, or polymer composites, which increases durability or imparts hydrophobic or other surface-active properties. In lithium-ion battery research and catalysis, the stability and ionic conductivity granted by the bis((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)imide group substantially outperforms traditional chloride or tetrafluoroborate salts. Its balance of high thermal stability, low melting point, and resistance to chemical attack streamlines development of next-generation sensors, membranes, and electrochemical devices.
The raw materials sector faces pressure to mitigate environmental impact and ensure workplace safety. Possible solutions include adopting closed-loop production and recovery systems for ionic liquids, strict enforcement of spill and exposure protocols, and investment in research on safe degradation or recycling routes for perfluorinated anions. On the user side, reducing product loss in transfer, storing in low-humidity environments, and continuous worker training on chemical hazards lower the risk profile. Pushing suppliers toward cleaner synthesis pathways and digital traceability on specifications improves transparency and supports global trade compliance. Drawing from industry practice, providing clear hazard data and performance guidelines empowers both chemists and end-users to make informed choices about both the benefits and the risks connected to advanced materials like 1-(Triethoxysilane)Propyl-3-Methylimidazolium Bis((Trifluoromethyl)Sulfonyl)Imide.
