1-Vinyl-3-Methylimidazolium Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide stands out for its application in next-generation electrolytes, ionic liquids, and specialty chemical formulations. As a member of the imidazolium ionic liquids group, this compound features a cation, 1-vinyl-3-methylimidazolium, paired with an anion, bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide. Recognized among chemists for remarkable physicochemical properties, it finds use in energy storage, electrochemical devices, and advanced material synthesis. The growing reliance on this raw material stems from its resilience under widely varying conditions and its role in improving electrolytic stability.
The structural formula of this material, C6H9F2N3O4S2, reveals a molecular world built around imidazole. This chemical presents a molar mass of approximately 307.27 g/mol. It exists as a solid at room temperature but transitions to a liquid at elevated temperatures, highlighting a melting point in the range of 25-40°C, making it easily accessible for researchers and industries seeking versatile intermediates. With a typical density near 1.40 to 1.47 g/cm³, the substance handles differently in powder, flake, pearl, or crystalline form. The unique pairing of the vinyl group and bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide delivers high thermal stability and negligible vapor pressure, making it useful in sealed environments—especially powerful in battery cells, supercapacitors, or any setting demanding minimal material loss by evaporation. Solubility varies: the compound dissolves in polar organic solvents and, depending on substituents, even in water at select concentrations, enabling broad compatibility.
On the logistics side, businesses identify and ship this compound under HS Code 2933.99, typically assigned to heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen hetero-atom(s) only. Safe inventory management, shipment, and transportation practices stem from strict classification and accurate property documentation, which international trade requirements enforce. Chemical suppliers often ship this material as a solid or in sealed containers, sometimes as a pre-packaged solution. With accurate molecular labeling, intermediaries and manufacturers maintain compliance and reduce risk for regulatory violations.
1-Vinyl-3-Methylimidazolium Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide appears as a fine crystalline powder, flakes, or sometimes pearl-like beads, depending on synthesis and processing. The color varies from off-white to pale yellow, influenced by purity and production conditions. The tactile nature, whether powder or solid, makes mechanical or solvent-based incorporation straightforward. Suppliers package the material based on industrial needs, whether researchers request crystals for single-crystal X-ray diffraction or battery developers seek fine powders for composite mixtures. The physical consistency supports precise weighing and dosing.
Handling a strong ionic material with fluorosulfonyl groups requires vigilance. While generally stable at ambient conditions, it reacts vigorously with strong bases and reducing agents. The compound can cause irritation upon skin or eye contact. Inhalation of dust may result in, at minimum, discomfort to the respiratory system. Wearing gloves, goggles, and a lab coat or chemical apron is standard during handling. As with many fluorinated chemicals, disposal must follow strict hazardous waste protocols to prevent environmental release. Researchers and industrial operators store the compound in tightly sealed containers, away from moisture and incompatible substances. A well-ventilated workspace remains essential for safe, routine handling.
The reactivity of the bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide anion drives much of the compound’s application. It resists decomposition up to about 300°C, offering security for processes needing high thermal endurance. In polymer chemistry, the vinyl group opens up crosslinking and copolymerization possibilities, supporting the formation of advanced materials and membranes. This chemical’s electrochemical stability, measured often by cyclic voltammetry, outpaces many other ionic liquids, which is why battery researchers gravitate toward it for lithium-ion conduction and supercapacitor performance breakthroughs. Personally, my time working alongside battery engineers taught me how even minor impurities or exposure to moisture could alter performance, emphasizing the benefit of handling an ion pair that endures such stress.
Large-scale availability of the raw materials—1-vinylimidazole, methyl halides, and bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide salts—shapes the economic and technical viability of this ionic liquid. Sourcing challenges sometimes arise, particularly in achieving high purity without trace water, which electrical engineers consider a must for battery and supercapacitor uses. Electrolyte applications drive primary demand: combining the salt with lithium ions enhances conductivity for safer, longer-lasting cells. Process chemists, looking for stable ionic conductors for high-voltage or high-temperature use, expand the use case into fuel cells or specialty electrochemical devices. Materials scientists also add this chemical to polymer blends to induce ionic conductivity and support mechanical stability in flexible electronics.
Use of fluorinated ionic liquids, including 1-vinyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide, requires strict environmental controls. These substances resist biodegradation, raising concerns about persistence in soil or water if not contained. Acute human toxicity appears low according to available studies, but chronic effects—especially in large-scale industrial use—remain under observation. Companies monitor waste streams and strive for more circular, closed-loop systems to recover valuable ions and avoid contamination. Training and rigid adherence to safety data sheet recommendations help ensure site safety. People working with these chemicals must remain vigilant, both for their own health and to prevent accidental releases into the ecosystem. From my experience consulting safety programs, I've learned that clarity and consistency in reporting near-miss incidents often define best practices for chemical management, especially with cutting-edge ionic liquids in battery R&D or manufacturing.
Improvement hinges on recycling ionic liquids post-use, developing comprehensive chemical waste protocols, and investing in purification technologies to minimize impurities that hinder recycling. Educators and trainers carry a critical role, explaining safety protocols with real-world examples rather than relying on sterile regulations. Encouraging reporting of small spills or exposures leads to innovation in containment and recovery methods. Investment in research on bio-compatible or less persistent ionic liquid structures further cuts risk, drawing from work by academic and industrial labs tackling both performance and environmental issues. By establishing best-practice sharing circles and commissioning independent audits, industries leaning on 1-vinyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide steer development towards safer, more responsible chemical use with performance benchmarks that go beyond simple hazard avoidance.
