1-Vinyl-3-Butylimidazolium Trifluoromethanesulfonate stands out as a specialized ionic liquid, part of the imidazolium salt family, with growing interest in fields like organic synthesis, catalysis, battery electrolytes, and advanced material science. Companies in fine chemical manufacturing and research labs keep an eye on its properties for creating more efficient, sustainable processes. The structure includes a vinyl group and a butyl group attached to an imidazolium core, with trifluoromethanesulfonate as the accompanying anion, which gives it distinct physical and chemical traits demanded in high-tech and research settings.
The formula for this compound is C10H15F3N2O3S, which captures its carbon, hydrogen, fluorine, nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur content. The core imidazolium ring, coupled with vinyl and butyl chains, establishes stability and solubility, while the trifluoromethanesulfonate anion brings in chemical resistance and enhanced ionic conductivity. Structurally, the vinyl group linked to the imidazolium nitrogen opens possibilities for chemical modifications, and the bulky trifluoromethanesulfonate anion assures thermal stability and compatibility with other solvents or raw materials often present in advanced chemical processes.
Depending on temperature and purity, 1-Vinyl-3-Butylimidazolium Trifluoromethanesulfonate appears as a clear to pale yellow solid, sometimes showing as flakes, powder, or small crystals. In some cases, particularly if slightly warmed, it takes on a more viscous liquid or oily form. It remains soluble in water, alcohol, and polar organic solvents, thanks to the imidazolium backbone and the electron-withdrawing trifluoromethanesulfonate. Considering density, it ranges from about 1.1 to 1.3 g/cm³ at standard room temperature, giving it slightly more substance than water, which helps during mixing or measuring by liter in lab or plant settings. Melting points fall near 20–60°C, and choices between solid, powder, pearls, or liquid forms can depend on handling needs or the requirements of a given batch reaction.
Every batch comes with a purity specification, often 98% or higher for research and manufacturing. Moisture content must stay below 0.2% to support consistent performance in air-sensitive reactions or electronic applications. Color, clarity, and homogeneity tell the user a lot: high transparency and the absence of visible particles give confidence in quality, while any off-color hints at possible side products. Trace metals and residual solvents, if present at more than 100 ppm, can impact either downstream product stability or the performance of catalysts relying on the ionic liquid as a medium.
The Harmonized System (HS) Code for 1-Vinyl-3-Butylimidazolium Trifluoromethanesulfonate sits in the category for organic chemicals, frequently classified under 2921.19—the subclass used for quaternary salts and their derivatives. Consider safety as a top priority: this ionic liquid avoids the volatility of chlorinated solvents but still deserves respect in daily handling. Direct skin or eye contact may cause mild to moderate irritation, according to safety reports, so gloves and eye protection are seen as basic practice. Inhalation of vapors or mist, rare in well-ventilated spaces, can pose some risk, especially for workers with chemical sensitivities. If spilled, the material should be wiped up with absorbent paper and disposed of as chemical waste. The product doesn’t combust easily but decomposes above 200°C, releasing hazardous fumes such as HF or SOx gases. Firefighting demands appropriate chemical foam or CO₂ rather than water.
Ionic liquids like 1-Vinyl-3-Butylimidazolium Trifluoromethanesulfonate matter for more than their novelty. As a solvent or catalyst carrier, it joins the push toward greener chemistry, offering alternatives to traditional, more harmful organic solvents. I’ve worked in synthetic labs where the switch to ionic liquids reduced waste, cut exposure to odor and toxicity, and even made product isolations smoother. In the energy sector, this material features in lithium-ion and sodium-ion battery research, helping engineers fine-tune conductivity and cycle life. The unique molecular structure resists electrochemical decomposition, a trait that translates into longer battery life cycles and greater storage capacity. Chemical researchers value the vinyl group for its ability to enable polymerization, opening doors to hybrid materials with customized conductivity or selectivity, whether for sensors, membranes, or specialty coatings.
Sourcing the raw ingredients involves nitrogen-containing heterocycles for the imidazolium salt, plus butyl vinyl chloride derivatives and trifluoromethanesulfonic acid. Quality depends on each step: side reactions, unreacted starting material, or trace water all degrade overall product outcome. I’ve witnessed production runs get derailed by sloppy purification or moisture creeping in during storage—maintaining dry, inert conditions trumps almost every other variable when the end use includes high-purity battery or microelectronic substrates. Purified product reaches customers in drums or smaller sealed bottles, always packed under inert gas. Storage at ambient temperature suffices, provided direct sunlight and high humidity are kept at bay.
Every chemical carries downside as well as benefit, and 1-Vinyl-3-Butylimidazolium Trifluoromethanesulfonate deserves respect in the lab or on the shop floor. The relatively low vapor pressure keeps airborne exposure minimal, but if the powder form spills or the liquid leaks, cleanup means preventing the material from entering water systems—ionic liquids can persist, resisting breakdown, with consequences for aquatic flora and fauna. Waste disposal, whether solid, liquid, or as a contaminated solution, should go directly to licensed facilities. By working with proper safety data and paying attention to evolving environmental guidance, producers and users avoid persistent pollution, supporting safer adoption of innovative chemical technologies.
Understanding the link between structure and function helps unlock the potential of materials like this. The imidazolium ionic core assures strong solvation and resistance against unwanted side reactions. The bulky trifluoromethanesulfonate ion gives the material its stability across a broad range of temperatures and solvents. The vinyl group bolsters the compound’s usefulness in making specialty polymers—a real plus for both academic and industrial chemists. Density, state, and handling form matter more than ever, especially where every gram or milliliter carries cost and environmental impact. Chemical performance, whether judged by electrical conductivity, chemical reactivity, or process compatibility, springs from these molecular building blocks.
Having seen ionic liquids become must-have tools for modern labs, I know the buzz around 1-Vinyl-3-Butylimidazolium Trifluoromethanesulfonate goes beyond trend. Fine-tuning purity, structure, and physical form can turn a tough chemical step into a reliable method or a risky material into a sustainable, less harmful choice. Researchers who think about waste, solvent hazards, and product lifetime can use this material to do more good than harm. Push for well-organized supply chains, demand clear product specifications, and stay alert to evolving safety data—these steps make adoption practical rather than a shot in the dark. Innovation runs hand in hand with responsibility, and chemicals like this show that industry and research both have room for improvement—and tangible ways forward.
