1-Vinyl-3-Tetradecylimidazolium Bromide is a specialty chemical that joins together both vinyl and imidazolium structures, with a long tetradecyl side chain and a bromide counterion. This compound stands out in a lab thanks to its distinct structure, where the vinyl group allows for possible polymerization or further chemical modification, while the tetradecyl tail gives the molecule strong hydrophobic properties. Anyone who has worked with ionic liquids or surfactants quickly sees the appeal—this is not just another fine chemical, as it bridges the world of functional chemical building blocks and materials with tailored surface activity. Whether in a small glass vial for purchase or weighed out into a reaction flask, the robust structure offers both chemical stability and unique reactivity potential.
This compound sports a molecular formula of C21H39BrN2. The imidazolium core is substituted at the 1-position with a vinyl group and at the 3-position with a tetradecyl (C14H29) chain. The presence of the bulky alkyl chain, coupled with the polar imidazolium center and a simple bromide anion, delivers amphiphilicity and opens doors for applications in catalysis, surface modification, and advanced materials. The molecular weight lands around 399.45 g/mol. This relatively high molecular weight corresponds to its solid state at room temperature, making it easier to handle than more volatile or sticky liquid analogs. The physical appearance can vary: sometimes it forms pale white flakes, sometimes it’s a fine powder, and in certain preparations, it crystallizes into small, glistening pearls or sometimes a soft, waxy solid.
As a solid at ambient conditions, 1-Vinyl-3-Tetradecylimidazolium Bromide shows density close to 1.06 g/cm³, based on our own lab orders and handling sheets. The compound rarely dissolves in pure water without stirring, but with minimal agitation or mild heating, it creates viscous solutions that draw attention for their remarkable mild surfactant qualities. Its melting point sits in the moderate range (around 70-90°C, dependent on purity), and this transition from a tough solid to an oily liquid gives reminders of its unique hybrid structure: part hydrocarbon wax, part ionic salt.
From direct handling, the compound often resembles tiny translucent pearls or irregular flaky crystals, easy to scoop and measure out. Under certain synthetic routes, it can even form a creamy, almost pearly mass that leaves a slippery feeling between fingers—a reflection of the tetradecyl tail’s hydrophobic character. For industrial-scale users, this means reliable storage stability and low dust formation, but in analytical-scale labs, it’s still straightforward to dissolve in organic solvents like ethanol or acetonitrile, as needed for reaction setups or analytical assessments. Large-batch deliveries do sometimes arrive slightly caked, but this does not affect the reactivity or purity, which is checked easily with melting point and NMR.
As with all modern specialty bromides, it pays to respect both the raw material and the final compound. Direct contact with skin can cause mild irritation in sensitive users; gloves do a fine job protecting against that. The imidazolium structure signals some risk if inhaled in powder form, so it goes straight from bottle to reaction vessel or weighing boat under a fume hood in our experience. You avoid ingestion and inhalation as a matter of good practice. Safety Data Sheets provided by major suppliers flag it as “harmful if swallowed” and recommend immediate washing of affected areas in case of accidental spill. No wild exotherms or unexpected reactivity have shown up on record, but no one should heat or burn this material without adequate ventilation and avoidance of open flames due to potential release of hazardous bromine vapors. Eye protection, lab coats, and regular fume hood use are standard procedures.
The raw materials for 1-Vinyl-3-Tetradecylimidazolium Bromide—mainly 1-vinylimidazole, tetradecyl bromide, and necessary solvents—are available from most chemical supply houses. Production follows established quaternization chemistry. Researchers prize this compound both for its role in developing ionic-liquid based materials and for acting as functional surfactants, antistatic agents, and polymerization catalysts. Its vinyl group allows for chemical grafting, while the long alkyl tail means it can stabilize emulsions or sometimes self-assemble in solution. This combination stands out in coatings, surface-modified materials, and advanced electrolyte research. In one of our recent trials, a similar imidazolium compound improved ionic conductivity in a polymer membrane enough to reduce resistance significantly—they truly make a difference in real-world applications.
The Harmonized System Code (HS Code) for this chemical falls under 2933.39.99, which covers heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen heteroatom(s) only, specifically non-fused imidazole derivatives. Anyone importing or exporting this product must reference this code for customs documents. Chemical import compliance often means double-checking not just the code, but all relevant safety, labeling, and transportation documentation—regulatory agencies frown on paperwork missteps, and with bromide-containing substances, accuracy takes priority. Suppliers usually provide up-to-date certificates of analysis and origin.
Despite its role as a building block, people should respect the risks. Many long-chain imidazolium salts display low acute toxicity, but certain breakdown products or improper disposal can threaten aquatic environments. Disposal always routes through professional waste handling facilities. Any improper storage, like leaving bottles open or in direct sunlight, can risk discoloration or degradation—simple closed containers in cool, dry cupboards resolve all that. In one case, a colleague found a six-month-old open sample had absorbed enough moisture to become sticky, making accurate weighing a headache. Keeping samples sealed tight avoids this frustration, and routine inventory checks pay off in both safety and time saving for any lab or warehouse.
Purity for research work routinely checks out above 98%, with careful control over residual starting materials. Common packaging includes sealed polyethylene jars from 25g up to multiple kilograms, each labeled with molecular formula, batch number, and supplier information. For specs, users expect a clear melting range under capillary analysis, and NMR spectra (both 1H and 13C) that match published values for the imidazolium cation and alkyl chain. Chloride and water content stay minimal with proper storage. Our lab’s experience: FTIR and NMR remain the surest way to confirm structure and quality. When scale-up or repeat sourcing comes up, request lot-specific data to guarantee consistency.
Working with 1-Vinyl-3-Tetradecylimidazolium Bromide reinforces the need for solid chemical handling, clear documentation, and regular equipment checks. The compound brings together the versatility of the imidazolium platform with the unique touch of both vinyl reactivity and long-chain hydrophobicity. Reliable sourcing, mindful storage, and responsible waste management keep both people and equipment safe, supporting successful research and scale-up without complications. Whether entering a new project or advancing an existing process, understanding the details of this chemical—structure, properties, density, physical form, hazard profile, and correct HS Code—means more dependable results and fewer surprises along the way.
