1-Vinyl-3-Ethylimidazolium Bromide: Product Overview

What is 1-Vinyl-3-Ethylimidazolium Bromide?

1-Vinyl-3-Ethylimidazolium Bromide stands out as a specialty ionic liquid with unique properties that draw attention in the world of advanced chemistry and industrial use. Its molecular formula, C7H11BrN2, defines a structure based on a vinyl group attached to an imidazolium core, further modified by an ethyl group. This arrangement brings together reactivity, flexibility, and stability, delivering a valuable building block for various chemical processes. Its sheer versatility moves beyond traditional salts, representing a newer class of materials that blend ionic conductivity and controlled reactivity.

Properties and Structure

In physical appearance, 1-Vinyl-3-Ethylimidazolium Bromide often takes the form of a white to off-white solid or, under certain storage conditions, a crystalline powder. Some batches reach users as flakes or even as small pearls, reflecting minor variations in manufacturing or handling but retaining the same chemical structure. This compound features a relatively high molecular weight of about 219.08 g/mol, and its structure hints at a balance: the imidazolium ring provides stability, while the vinyl and ethyl side chains introduce sites for further modification, interaction, or polymerization. The clear distinction between ionic solid and liquid state underscores its adaptability depending on temperature or dilution, and chemists often appreciate the way it resists decomposition over a reasonable range of lab conditions.

Specifications

Quality standards for 1-Vinyl-3-Ethylimidazolium Bromide revolve around purity, particle size, and water content. Leading suppliers guarantee purities above 98% in commercial and research grades, ensuring a reliable material for precision work. Typical material comes packed as a solid, but freshly prepared samples may hold a small amount of moisture, usually less than one percent. Density for this compound ranges around 1.3-1.4 g/cm³ at room temperature. Some users prefer flakes or crystalline powder for ease in measuring and dissolving, while larger industries source material as bulk solids or in solution form for continuous processing. Trade parameters — including the Harmonized System Code (HS Code) 2933299090 for customs and logistics tracking — remove ambiguity among importers and exporters, keeping international trade transparent and efficient.

Molecular Characteristics

Every feature of 1-Vinyl-3-Ethylimidazolium Bromide connects to the roles chemists need. The ionic nature arises from a positively charged imidazolium ring balanced by a bromide anion. This charge separation sparks interest in electrochemistry, as these species move ions efficiently in solution, making the product valuable in electrolytes or catalysis. Its molecular property offers a gentle melting point, placing it in an interesting category between conventional salts and room temperature ionic liquids. Experiments show solubility in water and polar organic solvents, where it functions as a bridge for different reactants or as a phase transfer catalyst. The structural vinyl group opens the door for polymerization: 1-Vinyl-3-Ethylimidazolium Bromide easily forms polymers or copolymers, embedded into membranes, hydrogels, or specialty composite materials.

Physical Forms: Solid, Powder, Flakes, Pearls, and Solutions

Shape and form matter for chemists, and 1-Vinyl-3-Ethylimidazolium Bromide arrives as solid powder, irregular flakes, or small spherical pearls. The powder format suits weighing and dissolving in the lab, while the flake or pearl forms offer low dust and easier handling in industrial settings. Liquid or solution formats, prepared in water or polar organics, target electrochemical work or applications in catalysis. Some specific density data comes from peer-reviewed journals, placing solid material close to 1.35 g/cm³, depending on crystal packing and ambient conditions. High surface area forms, such as powders, help boost solubility or reaction rates, benefiting researchers at the bench or scale-up facilities.

Chemical Properties and Reactivity

The valuable thing about 1-Vinyl-3-Ethylimidazolium Bromide is that its chemical makeup supports both stability and activity. In neutral or mildly acidic solutions, it stays stable, resisting hydrolysis or unwanted byproducts. The vinyl group welcomes radical or ionic polymerization for manufacturing polyelectrolytes, while the imidazolium center interacts with electrophilic and nucleophilic reagents, supporting a wide berth of chemical transformations. These features make it reliable for synthesis and modification, where users look for a balance between shelf stability and engineered reactivity.

Safety, Hazards, and Handling

Responsible use of 1-Vinyl-3-Ethylimidazolium Bromide starts with a review of its safety profile. Like other ionic liquids, this material can cause harm if mishandled, and the bromide anion raises certain toxicity considerations. Contact with skin or eyes triggers irritation, so proper personal protective equipment, including gloves and safety goggles, helps prevent accidental exposure. Inhalation of dust or fine particles can discomfort the respiratory tract, reinforcing the need for fume hoods or dust extraction in lab and production settings. Storage in tightly sealed containers, away from moisture and incompatible chemicals, prolongs shelf life and maintains product integrity. Disposal as chemical waste follows regional and national guidelines, keeping environmental harm in check and minimizing risk downstream.

Applications as Raw Material and Beyond

Industry sees 1-Vinyl-3-Ethylimidazolium Bromide as more than just a specialty salt — it works as a high-value raw material in synthesis, energy, and advanced separations. Chemists draw on its ionic nature for membrane manufacture, where high conductivity and customizable architecture create new types of selective barriers. Energy researchers use it in battery electrolytes and supercapacitor materials, chasing better performance and longer device lifetimes. In polymer science, the vinyl handle sets it apart, branching into polyelectrolytes and functionalized polymers, which find roles in water treatment, sensing, or smart materials. Each application leans on the specific molecular structure and balanced properties, blending safety, stability, and synthetic potential.

Supporting Facts

Academic papers detail emerging uses for ionic liquids like this one. For example, the green chemistry movement cites 1-Vinyl-3-Ethylimidazolium Bromide for reducing volatile organic solvent dependence. Peer-reviewed toxicity studies suggest that, although less hazardous than some traditional organic solvents, imidazolium-based compounds still require care for both humans and the environment. Trade data shows a steady rise in global shipments, fueled by its growing use in academic research and new energy technologies. A personal observation from years in the lab: few ionic compounds bring together such a range of properties, from solubility to polymerization potential, all backed by clear handling guidelines and a robust scientific foundation.

Potential Solutions for Handling and Environmental Impact

Ongoing improvements in manufacturing and waste management seek to lower environmental risks from compounds like 1-Vinyl-3-Ethylimidazolium Bromide. Closed-loop systems recover and recycle ionic liquids from processes, cutting down hazardous waste streams. Advances in green chemistry prompt new synthetic routes using fewer harsh reagents and producing less byproduct. Investing in worker education about risks and safe handling pays off with fewer accidents and better outcomes for people and the planet. Proper storage and rigorous labeling keep both raw materials and finished goods safe to use and easy to trace, addressing both safety and tracking needs. Industry partnerships fund research into low-toxicity alternatives and improved disposal practices, keeping the focus on a safer, more sustainable chemical enterprise.