1-Vinyl-3-Methylimidazolium Iodide belongs to the family of ionic liquids, recognized for their broad application in fields ranging from chemical synthesis to material science. The substance brings a blend of unique properties to the table, carving out a distinctive role in today’s laboratory and industrial applications. This chemical material’s molecular formula, C6H9IN2, underpins its versatility and performance in both solid and liquid forms. It carries the CAS number 22056-49-3, which pinpoints it among thousands of specialty compounds produced and traded around the globe.
At room temperature, this compound often appears as off-white or pale yellow solid flakes or powder, gradually shifting to a crystalline form depending on storage and environmental factors. With a specific density of about 1.59 g/cm³ at 25°C, it boasts a relatively high mass per volume compared with many other organic salts. Some providers offer the material as pearls or fine crystals for improved handling and ease of measurement. It dissolves readily in water, methanol, and other polar solvents, forming stable, clear solutions. This characteristic comes in handy for those engaged in tasks like polymerization reactions, catalysis, and electrodeposition, given that reliable solubility lays a foundation for precision and reproducibility in the lab or factory. I have handled various ionic salts and noted how subtle differences in physical form often impact workflow, especially when switching between powder and liquid phases.
At the molecular level, 1-Vinyl-3-Methylimidazolium Iodide features a five-membered imidazole ring, substituted with one vinyl group and one methyl group, and paired with an iodide anion. This configuration—where the vinyl group is bound to the nitrogen—gives the compound a reactive double bond suited for further chemical modification. Structural versatility is what keeps chemists returning to it. Its structure promotes ionic conductivity and thermal stability, opening doors for its use as a component of ionic liquid electrolytes or functional monomers in advanced polymer networks. The presence of the iodide means extra caution in storage, as exposure to light and air can cause decomposition—a real concern for labs without reliable climate controls.
Users notice that 1-Vinyl-3-Methylimidazolium Iodide exhibits high chemical and thermal stability, tolerating a decent span of temperatures before breaking down. With a melting point reported between 140-144°C, it stays solid in most laboratory conditions but can transition to a molten or liquid state with the right equipment. In many settings, its ionic character drives its selection as a raw material for hybrid materials, ionic conductors, or specialized solvents. Purity remains crucial—higher grade material often sits above 98% purity for research purposes. Lower-purity samples sometimes appear, with trace moisture or organic contaminants that frustrate attempts at reproducibility. Typical packaging includes moisture-proof bottles or bags with clear hazard labeling, as the iodide component can produce irritating fumes and byproducts under heat or exposure to acid.
Working with chemicals like 1-Vinyl-3-Methylimidazolium Iodide always means keeping safety at the front of your mind. The powder can cause irritation if inhaled or contacted directly with skin, and the iodide anion may stain and corrode surfaces on prolonged contact. Make sure to use gloves, eye protection, and, if possible, work in a well-ventilated space or fume hood. Larger scale operations bring fire hazards and harmful decomposition products, especially under high temperatures or if mixed with strong acids or oxidizers. Documented effects show the inhalation risk—prolonged or repeated exposure could impact the thyroid due to iodine’s activity in the body. The compound does not rank among the most acutely toxic substances, but failing to follow proper procedures increases risk unnecessarily. Labeling, including the international HS Code—usually found as 2925299090 for imidazolium derivatives—makes sure that shippers and customs agents identify and treat the material with appropriate caution as it crosses borders.
Demand for 1-Vinyl-3-Methylimidazolium Iodide springs up in fields like electrochemistry, green chemistry, and new battery technology. Every battery lab I’ve walked into seems to have a reserve bottle of this compound. It functions as a monomer or ionic additive, raising conductivity or tuning the morphology of polymers and ionic networks. Those working on organic synthesis projects incorporate it as a phase transfer catalyst, moving reactants into phases where electrosynthesis or photochemical reaction rates can speed up dramatically. As a raw material, it partners well with a range of reactants, but users have run into trouble with incompatible solvents or storage in humid climates—water ingress leads directly to hydrolysis or clumping, hurting purity and wasting valuable product.
Extended exposure to light or air damages the compound’s viability, so storage in amber vials, desiccators, or dry cabinets is common practice. Waste handling of materials containing iodide ions demands specific protocols where chemical waste is collected for proper disposal. The iodide can pose problems in wastewater streams by promoting the mobility of other contaminants, and so regulatory frameworks in many countries target these wastes for tracking and neutralization. At home and in industry, recording the amounts purchased and used creates a record that helps identify trends in use or opportunities to reduce unnecessary stockpiling and waste.
As chemical innovation keeps surging forward, so do the challenges. Regulations on hazardous and harmful compounds force producers and users to find better ways to use and dispose of such materials. Substituting less hazardous counterions, improving purity control, and enforcing stricter laboratory hygiene standards lower the risks to workers and the wider community. Training people in safe handling and encouraging clear documentation stands as the best defense against accidental contact or contamination. Continuous improvement in production often means less waste and more predictable reactions, saving time and money in every sector—whether basic research or large-scale synthesis. Collaboration between producers, researchers, and safety officials reduces environmental impact and enhances trust in new materials as they move from the lab to the marketplace.
