1-Vinyl-3-Butylimidazolium Bis(Trifluoromethylsulfonyl)Imide, often shortened as [VBIm][NTf2], stands out as an ionic liquid tailored for advanced chemical and industrial applications. This compound brings together a vinyl-functionalized imidazolium ring and the highly stable bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide anion, resulting in a substance known for a rare blend of chemical stability, low volatility, and unique solvation properties. The structure features a vinyl group attached to the imidazole ring, giving it a distinct edge in polymerization processes, surface modification, and specialty synthesis. That vinyl group, not just a molecular ornament, makes the material reactive under certain conditions—turning this ionic liquid into more than just a bystander in the lab.
[VBIm][NTf2] doesn’t come off as a one-trick pony in terms of form—it typically appears as a colorless to pale yellow liquid at room temperature, sometimes forming crystals or semi-solid flakes under cooler conditions. Pour [VBIm][NTf2] into a beaker, and there’s a dense yet fluid feel, with a measured density usually falling between 1.3 and 1.4 g/cm³. The melting point generally sits below room temperature (often cited around 10–20 °C), which sets this material apart from traditional salts that form powders or rigid solids. Its hygroscopic nature means uncontrolled humidity changes how it behaves, so a well-sealed container keeps the material at its best. Some suppliers can deliver it as a free-flowing liquid by the liter, or as small pearly granules, depending on downstream needs, and this variability in consistency expands its industrial versatility.
Look closer, and the molecular formula, C13H18F6N4O4S2, points to a balance of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and fluorinated sulfonyl groups. The characteristic imidazolium cation connects to the vinyl chain and the butyl substituent, dancing with the NTf2 anion—one of the more chemically resistant counter-ions in ionic liquid chemistry. This dual structure explains a lot: excellent electrochemical stability, non-flammability, and a resistance to oxidation. From my hands-on work in electrochemistry, I’ve seen this particular balance translate to real-world advances in both laboratory and industrial settings.
Manufacturers typically produce [VBIm][NTf2] to a purity of at least 98%, wit tight moisture controls and low halide content—a key point for those chasing consistency in battery or catalyst R&D. Whether you’re ordering raw materials for synthesis or prepping a scale-up, knowing its Harmonized System (HS) Code matters for smooth import, export, and regulatory compliance. Typical designations include 2933.29 for imidazole derivatives, but country-specific searches secure the right code for customs paperwork. Solutions often range from pure liquefied forms to mixed concentrations for safer handling, and the flexibility helps supporting research or scale-up manufacturing.
Despite the chemistry behind its stability, [VBIm][NTf2] isn’t all sunshine from a safety angle. The NTf2 anion means you can’t pour this down the drain or onto soil. Chronic exposure may cause irritation to skin or mucous membranes—gloves and goggles find their purpose right away. During my time in chemical production, the push to keep spills contained meant using proper secondary containment and equipped fume hoods, because vapor buildup from heating can release small amounts of hazardous decomposition byproducts. In line with REACH and GHS standards, labeling, transport, and storage get factored into risk assessments, and in some territories, separate waste streams are required by law. Disposal isn't a trivial matter for ionic liquids—regenerating spent batches and minimizing cross-contamination turns waste into a resource loop, which is something industry really needs to adopt more broadly.
Electrolytes for advanced batteries, solvents for improving reaction selectivity, monomers for high-performance polymers—these represent just the front edge of where [VBIm][NTf2] shifts results. My own experience in polymer chemistry confirms the vinyl group participates in radical polymerization, imparting conductivity or unique solubility to resulting materials. In the laboratory, using [VBIm][NTf2] as a solvent opens doors to reactions previously tied to volatile organic compounds, and this transition lowers emissions, supports safer working conditions, and aligns well with current green chemistry goals. There’s also growing demand in separation technology: ionic liquids like this one pull double duty as selective extractants for rare earths, making recycling more efficient and less energy-intensive.
Access to high-quality imidazole rings and trifluoromethanesulfonyl intermediates forms the backbone of [VBIm][NTf2] production, so location and supplier reliability can become a real headache—or a competitive advantage. With the global push for secure supply chains, manufacturers who can source raw materials responsibly and transparently build valuable trust. I’ve seen sourcing struggles delay projects when hidden impurities or batch variability sneak past basic QA checks. Regular audits, third-party certification, and digital batch tracking now anchor procurement strategies, and any shift to sustainable feedstocks further boosts a company’s credibility.
Balancing performance, safety, and environmental responsibility around [VBIm][NTf2] means engineers, managers, and researchers weigh trade-offs with every order. The price of specialty ionic liquids can put strain on budget-constrained labs, leading to hesitance in full-scale adoption outside premium markets. Solutions often come from collaborative pilot projects—universities and private firms pool resources to prove benefits and drive down costs through volume. Government incentive structures, such as grants for green chemistry development or tax benefits for waste minimization, move the needle faster. Long-term, further research around degradation products and environmental persistence guides smarter regulation and safer handling, and the data demands transparency from both vendors and regulators.
1-Vinyl-3-Butylimidazolium Bis(Trifluoromethylsulfonyl)Imide stands out because of its ability to bridge functional monomer chemistry, advanced material science, and sustainable process development. It presents itself as a dense, slightly viscous liquid, shows chemical resistance in harsh environments, and handles both as a pure compound and in blended, application-specific solutions. The presence of reactive vinyl functionality, paired with the robust NTf2 anion, signals a future where custom molecular design triggers innovation—and keeps labs and production sites on their toes. Careful sourcing, responsible waste handling, and ongoing collaboration between buyers, chemists, and regulators push both market growth and safer, greener industrial practice.
