1-Vinyl-3-Ethylimidazolium Bis((Trifluoromethyl)Sulfonyl)Imide, often called [VEIM][TFSI], stands out as an ionic liquid developed for modern chemical processes. With my own background in laboratory work and industrial applications, I’ve found this material isn’t just another specialty chemical. It’s a compound valued for its tailored physical and chemical properties, especially in solvent systems, organic synthesis, electrochemistry, and materials research. The cation features a vinyl group and an ethyl substitution on the imidazolium ring, while the anion comes from bis((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)imide. Its structure delivers outstanding thermal and electrochemical stability, which becomes a game changer for engineers, chemists, and anyone pushing the boundaries in advanced materials.
You can source 1-Vinyl-3-Ethylimidazolium Bis((Trifluoromethyl)Sulfonyl)Imide as clear liquids, colorless solids, flakes, crystalline powders, small pearls, and as concentrated solutions. Over years of handling ionic liquids in solid and liquid states, I’ve noticed the physical appearance can signal levels of moisture or purity: crystals often point to high purity, while an oily liquid signals relatively low water content. This material’s ability to hold shape as flakes or function as a free-flowing powder has made it attractive for dry-mixing steps and as a raw material to dilute or dissolve. The liquid format pours easily and blends with various co-solvents used in chemical syntheses or battery electrolytes. These different forms mean purchasing or handling doesn’t lock users into one workflow—labs and factories can adjust based on needs for dosing, storage, or process compatibility.
The molecular formula for this compound is C9H13F6N3O4S2. Structurally, the imidazolium ring stabilizes the molecule while the vinyl group offers points for polymerization or further chemical transformation. The bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide anion (commonly written as TFSI) supports a wide electrochemical window and enables strong charge delocalization within the salt. This structure often provides ionic liquids like [VEIM][TFSI] with low melting points and high ionic mobility, both necessary features for solvent-free reactions and electrolyte formulations. Chemists aiming for forward-thinking green chemistry applications sometimes favor this molecular design to avoid volatile organic solvents and reduce environmental impact.
Density for this ionic liquid hovers around 1.4 to 1.5 g/cm3 at room temperature, a little denser than water, which assists with prediction of phase separation and dosing accuracy in reaction setups. It generally appears as a colorless or slightly pale solid or extremely viscous liquid below or at room temperature. Certain lots, especially higher purity crystalline batches, reveal a brilliant transparency under proper lighting. My colleagues in battery prototyping notice it remains stable under both acidic and basic conditions, rarely degrading in the presence of typical process contaminants. Its thermal stability, often holding up to 350°C or higher before significant decomposition, provides confidence in high-temperature procedures.
Buyers often seek detailed verification for purity and contaminants, with reference to spectroscopic and chromatographic analysis. Specifications typically emphasize purity (>98%), residual water (below 0.5%), and chloride content (kept minimal to avoid electronics or catalytic issues). Those new to cross-border trade can use the HS Code 2933.99, which helps customs and regulators identify the commodity as an organic nitrogen compound. Knowing this code prevents delays at international shipping terminals and helps buyers estimate duties.
Attention to safety and well-being stands front and center with any chemical. Direct contact with skin or eyes causes moderate irritation, especially for those sensitive to imidazolium compounds. Proper lab coats, gloves, and goggles remain necessary, echoing best practice developed from years of safe laboratory work. Inhalation of powdered dust or mist from the solution can irritate the respiratory system. Handling protocols should include adequately ventilated areas and avoidance of open flames, despite the material’s high thermal stability, as combustion can yield toxic gases like HF and SO2. Spills clean up easily because the compound doesn’t evaporate quickly—it often requires dilution, gentle scrubbing, and comprehensive rinsing. Environmentalists and regulatory bodies have flagged persistent fluorinated compounds for closer scrutiny, so waste collection, disposal, and documentation must follow local hazardous waste guidelines, avoiding the drain and uncontrolled release.
This ionic liquid crops up in numerous advanced applications. It enables ion-conducting polymer electrolytes, smart solvents for catalyst transfer, and supports green chemistry innovations in organic synthesis where traditional, more hazardous chemicals would end up in the waste stream. Many labs and companies choose this material for lithium battery research since it improves stability, electrochemical window, and suppresses dendrite growth on lithium metal. Polymer scientists harness the vinyl group to graft onto chains or manufacture novel ionomers. As part of my own research, solvent power and thermal resilience made it a key candidate for dissolving polymers and supporting catalytic cycles that regular organics could destroy. For industries seeking materials with unique profiles—high conductivity, low volatility, strong solvent ability, and better ecological outcomes—integrating this compound can open doors to new products, cleaner processes, and regulatory compliance.
The making of 1-Vinyl-3-Ethylimidazolium Bis((Trifluoromethyl)Sulfonyl)Imide usually depends on quality-controlled feedstocks. The imidazole ring starts from basic organic building blocks such as glyoxal and ethylamine, with successive functionalization for the vinyl and ethyl groups. Anion exchange introduces the bis(trifluoromethyl)sulfonylimide, often sourced as the lithium or potassium salt, to allow precipitation or crystallization of the ionic liquid. Reliable sourcing of raw materials affects not only price but also lot consistency—this matters for pharmaceutical and electronics manufacturers where purity drives downstream performance. By drawing on my experience in global procurement, I’ve found that documenting origin, synthesis protocols, and chain of custody fosters trust and ensures batches fit both in-house and regulatory expectations.
At this point, market trends and regulatory frameworks call for greater transparency and sustainability in specialty chemicals. Investing in greener synthesis routes for the TFSI anion, using renewable energy, and improving end-of-life reclamation can lower the footprint of this and related ionic liquids. Collaboration between suppliers and users on safer handling guides, excess inventory programs, and recycling infrastructure could reduce waste and operating costs. Digital monitoring of chemical batches, chain of custody systems, and accessible regulatory documentation move the industry toward improved trust and lower barriers for smart chemical adoption. Above all, users benefit from staying up-to-date on safety, regulations, and environmental outcomes—ongoing dialogue across the supply chain brings safer and greener practices within reach.
