1-Vinyl-3-Octadecylimidazolium Bromide belongs to the class of ionic liquids. Its structure features a vinyl group at the first position and a long 18-carbon octadecyl chain at the third, both attached to an imidazolium ring. The accompanying bromide ion stabilizes its charge. This compound stands out for its tunable solubility and capacity to introduce both hydrophobic and ionic characteristics into formulated materials. With long alkyl chains and a vinyl functional group, it bridges roles both as a surfactant and as a potential polymerization agent.
The core of the molecule rests on the imidazolium ring, modified with a vinyl group and a lengthy octadecyl side chain, giving it unique amphiphilic capability. The molecular formula is C27H51BrN2, with a formula weight close to 483.61 g/mol. High purity comes in off-white solid, crystalline, or flaky forms, sometimes appearing as a powder or pearl depending on the processing method and batch size. Crystals form at room temperature, typically as flakes or small, slightly shiny solid units. The density holds near 1.00 - 1.05 g/cm3 at 25°C, depending on residual moisture content and exact degree of polymerization, if any remains from manufacturing or storage.
1-Vinyl-3-Octadecylimidazolium Bromide often looks like an off-white to pale yellow crystalline powder, stable at ambient temperatures and sensitive to prolonged open-air exposure where moisture may result in slight clumping. It dissolves well in polar organic solvents such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and shows modest solubility in ethanol. Liquid forms remain uncommon and often signal impure or hydrated material. Material typically ships in solid form, sealed in polyethylene or foil-lined containers. Dry, cool storage extends shelf life, reduces the chance of hydrolysis, and preserves consistency for experimental setups or industrial blending processes.
Chemists and industry professionals leverage this molecule as a functional monomer in ionic polymerizations, as a phase transfer catalyst, or as a building block for creating tailor-made surfactants and ionic liquids. The combination of hydrophobic and hydrophilic elements opens pathways in drug delivery research, lubricant formulations, and electrochemical devices such as batteries and supercapacitors. In most applications, its role expands across aiding dissolution, stabilizing emulsions, or modifying surfaces due to its amphiphilic backbone. The raw material status provides flexibility, encouraging its use in research and pilot production thanks to reproducible purity and consistent particle size.
For international shipping, 1-Vinyl-3-Octadecylimidazolium Bromide usually falls under HS Code 2933, which covers heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen hetero-atoms. Freight labeling demands clear hazard identification and compliance with chemical safety regulations in all transfer documents. Bulk orders require secondary containment to guard against accidental release, especially if handled at elevated temperatures or dissolved into less stable solutions during pre-mixing at production facilities.
Material safety data sheets rate this substance as potentially irritating to eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Accidental inhalation or ingestion can cause discomfort; wearing appropriate gloves, lab coats, and safety glasses reduces exposure risks. In my experience working with alkylimidazolium-based chemicals, skin may dry or redden on contact, so well-ventilated workspaces help limit vapor build-up. The material should never drain to public waterways, since bromide salts can accumulate and affect aquatic ecosystems if released in significant amounts. Waste disposal follows guidelines for hazardous organic chemicals, with disposal only possible at approved facilities equipped for ionic liquid residues.
Rigorous labeling, airtight packaging, and clear education for downstream users remain vital. Spill kits with absorbent materials and neutralizing agents, kept on hand through all handling stages, dramatically reduce workplace accidents. My former team often trained new interns on cleanup drills as part of onboarding, which always highlighted how fast small mistakes can escalate. For production, implementing recycling loops for unused reagent or byproduct streams stands out as a promising route. Additional engineering controls such as fume hoods, chemical splash shields, and local exhaust ventilation further increase safety, reflecting an industry-wide commitment to environmental preservation while innovating with advanced functional materials.
