1-Vinyl-3-Dodecylimidazolium Bromide combines an imidazolium ring with a vinyl group and a dodecyl (twelve-carbon) chain, forming a compound with unique surface-active properties. People who work in chemical manufacturing, advanced materials, and research labs recognize this molecule for its strong ionic character and tunable reactivity. Usually described by the molecular formula C21H39BrN2, it features a bromide counter-ion that shapes many of its physical qualities and behavior in different situations.
The structure of 1-Vinyl-3-Dodecylimidazolium Bromide places a dodecyl side chain at the third position of the imidazolium ring and a vinyl group at the first position. This arrangement changes the way this compound dissolves, forms crystals, and interacts with other organic and inorganic materials. Lab workers find that it often appears as a white to off-white solid, sometimes taking the form of flakes, crystalline powder, or even as small pearls. These different forms all point to its moderate melting point and a tendency to form stable, dry solid material under normal storage conditions. Density usually ranges between 1.03 and 1.12 g/cm3, depending on form and purity, which matters for scientists looking to weigh out precise amounts.
Its molecular weight rests around 399.46 g/mol. This figure substantially shapes stoichiometric calculations during research and production. The molecule’s structure, featuring a large hydrophobic dodecyl group and a hydrophilic imidazolium-vinyl head, allows it to act as a surfactant or as a precursor for ionic polymer design. In most cases, it appears as a non-volatile solid at room temperature. Despite a moderate solubility in organic solvents such as methanol, ethanol, and dimethyl sulfoxide, it usually remains stable, giving researchers more freedom in choosing process solvents. The bromide content brings additional ionic behavior, often enhancing electrical conductivity in ionic liquid applications.
Over the last decade, demand for raw materials like 1-Vinyl-3-Dodecylimidazolium Bromide has spread across research fields and industrial applications. Scientists appreciate its use as a building block for creating poly(ionic liquid)s, which have attracted attention for use in advanced batteries, separation membranes, and even drug delivery matrices. The vinyl group allows for direct radical polymerization, resulting in robust polymer chains that retain the favorable ionic properties of the imidazolium salt. People in the surfactant sector often blend it with more traditional surfactants for custom emulsions and detergents, benefitting from its unique amphiphilic character. The dodecyl chain improves compatibility with long-chain hydrocarbons and organic media, which opens new routes for chemical modification and advanced synthesis.
In my own work with laboratory formulations, this specific imidazolium salt often comes up as a functional ingredient for custom-designed ionic liquids. For those curious about international sourcing, the official Harmonized System Code (HS Code) for this class of quaternary ammonium compounds likely falls under 2923.90. Others in the field cite this code when shipping or complying with regional chemical regulations.
Depending on synthesis and purification strategy, 1-Vinyl-3-Dodecylimidazolium Bromide either looks like coarse white flakes, fine powders, or crystallized pearls. Each form keeps its properties, but handling experience can vary. Powders may clump over time and need careful weighing. Flakes store easily and allow for convenient measuring in larger batches. Sometimes, researchers dissolve the compound in organic solvents to make concentrated solutions, especially for lab-scale polymerization. In every setting, dry, cool storage, away from strong oxidizers or acids, extends shelf life and helps avoid unwanted reactions.
With broad chemical handling experience, I tend to double-check the safety profile of quaternary ammonium salts like this. While many imidazolium-based materials offer exciting properties, it’s important to treat them with respect. 1-Vinyl-3-Dodecylimidazolium Bromide may irritate skin and eyes, which means gloves and goggles always come out before opening any container. Prolonged inhalation or accidental ingestion could cause more severe reactions, so a well-ventilated lab bench and careful tool use make sense. In my lab, spill clean-up kits get used more often than you’d expect, and this material requires standard solvent-neutralizing techniques and disposal protocols. Any label marked “Hazardous” or “Harmful” isn’t just bureaucratic—it usually matches real-world risk, especially when quantities scale up. Safety Data Sheets suggest keeping the compound well away from strong acids, bases, and oxidizers to prevent toxic byproducts or fire risk. Fire departments and environmental regulators often want up-to-date chemical inventories, so tracking usage and following proper reporting laws keeps operations smooth.
Every year, more customers and suppliers ask about sustainability. Raw materials like 1-Vinyl-3-Dodecylimidazolium Bromide often arrive from large chemical manufacturers with complex supply chains. I’ve found that working with reputable suppliers and verifying purity data before purchase reduces waste and costly mistakes. Some researchers look into “greener” alternatives or recovery strategies for spent imidazolium salts, trying to keep hazardous waste out of groundwater and incinerators. Closed-loop recycling or simple crystallization from spent process streams can reclaim much of the compound without major loss in quality, but these steps demand strict lab management and extra diligence. The chemical industry continues to evolve with more focus on biodegradable or less toxic analogs, yet for now, users need to stay sharp on labeling, storage, and final disposal for every batch in use.
1-Vinyl-3-Dodecylimidazolium Bromide, with formula C21H39BrN2 and HS Code 2923.90, stands out for its robust molecular structure, broad solubility profile, and ease of polymerization. Its common appearance as a white to off-white powder, flakes, or pearls makes it familiar to researchers and industry workers. Handling safety and careful storage matter most, given its potential hazards and regulatory requirements. As science and technology race forward, demand for materials with both strong performance and safety grows alongside the need for best practices in sustainability and sourcing. Understanding every angle—from practical form to long-term impact—empowers both buyers and users to make smart, safe, and effective decisions in their projects.
