1-Vinyl-3-Methylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate has steadily found traction beyond the laboratory over the last two decades. This material belongs in the ionic liquids family, recognized by a cationic vinyl-methylimidazolium group balanced with a tetrafluoroborate anion. Chemists have welcomed its adaptability for synthesis, catalysis, and electrochemistry. Its molecular formula stands as C6H9BF4N2, giving a calculated molar mass of about 210.96 g/mol. The HS Code assigned for this chemical generally falls under 2933.39, which helps with customs classification in international trade. This information has proven valuable for cross-border dealings, as regulatory frameworks demand precision.
Structurally, the molecule features a vinyl group attached to the nitrogen atom in the imidazole ring. The tetrafluoroborate anion provides stability and imparts unique solubility features. You will find this compound manifesting as a colorless to pale yellow solid, sometimes appearing as flakes, powder, or even crystalline pearls, depending on the supplied grade and storage conditions. It dissolves well in water and many polar organic solvents. Density clocks in near 1.23 g/cm³ at 20°C, reflecting a denser than water character without leaning into heavy-metal territory. At room temperature, some sources offer it as a solid, occasionally a viscous liquid, especially in moisture-rich conditions. Handling the crystal or powdered form, I’ve noticed it readily picks up water from the air, nodding to its hygroscopic nature. That points to the need for sealed storage, preferably under inert gas, especially in regions with high atmospheric humidity.
Commercially, distributors offer 1-Vinyl-3-Methylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate in several forms: crystalline solid, free-flowing powder, or in larger flake varieties. Packaging reflects buyer demand, for instance, tightly sealed HDPE bottles for labs, or industrial drums for bulk users in materials science or the battery sector. Purity often lands above 98%, verified by NMR and elemental analysis. Trace impurities—commonly halide ions or organics from synthesis—remain low, since applications such as polymerization or electrochemical deposition don't forgive contamination. For aqueous solutions, concentrations vary by project brief, with some research requiring liter quantities at 1M or higher strength.
From direct experience, the unique pairing of the imidazolium cation with the tetrafluoroborate anion fosters both stability and reactivity. It rarely decomposes under standard storage, but high heat or exposure to acids causes breakdown, releasing boron-containing gases and hydrofluoric acid vapors. On the scale of chemical hazards, 1-Vinyl-3-Methylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate deserves respect but doesn't fall among the most dangerous materials found in a chemical storeroom. Still, its raw irritant properties—mainly through ingestion or contact—urge the use of gloves, goggles, and a well-ventilated work area. Spills should always be managed with absorbent material rated for ionic compounds and fluoride content. My memory traces the faint, acrid odor common to many imidazolium salts, which makes respirator use a responsible choice in poorly ventilated locations. Disposal must always follow local hazardous waste codes, due to the tetrafluoroborate group’s environmental persistence and toxicity to aquatic species.
Synthesizing 1-Vinyl-3-Methylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate starts with methylimidazole, reacted first with vinyl halide, then treated with sodium tetrafluoroborate to produce the pure salt. Manufacturing demands controlled environments and rigorous purification, owing to the water sensitivity of both intermediates and the end product. Major chemical suppliers in Europe, North America, and East Asia keep modest stocks, and lead times depend heavily on both purity requirements and transportation restrictions. Raw materials for this class of ionic liquid face supply chain volatility, notably due to the global demand fluctuations for specialty chemicals and ionic liquids serving the battery and advanced materials sectors.
Demand for 1-Vinyl-3-Methylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate stretches from academic labs to pilot industrial lines. This material serves a starring role in crafting advanced conductive polymers, specialty solvents, and non-volatile electrolytes—particularly valued for lithium battery research. In my own work with polymerization projects, its reactivity and environmental profile offered a smoother alternative to more traditional and volatile organic solvents. At the same time, the industry eyes better labeling, broader hazard awareness, and research into more degradable ionic liquids. Local safety data sheets keep improving, but communication with suppliers about specific hazard and purity specifications cannot be replaced by a generic product summary. Supply challenges could ease by encouraging raw material recycling and supporting standardization in production quality. Environmental stewardship stays paramount, so new projects must weigh the full life cycle from raw material origin to final chemical footprint.
