This chemical compound, sometimes recognized in laboratories and industry circles as a type of ionic liquid or advanced electrolyte component, carries a reputation for versatility in modern materials research and synthesis work. The molecular formula stands as C11H20F6N2O5S2. It consists of a bulky organic cation paired with a bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide anion, noted for chemical resistance and unique solvation ability. It often draws attention in projects exploring new electrolytes for batteries, specialized catalysis, or advanced coatings, thanks to the combination of strong hydrogen bonding from the hydroxy group and the fluoro-sulfonyl-based anion which drives both chemical and physical properties.
Manufacturers and researchers come across 2-Hydroxy-N,N,N-Trimethylethanaminium Bis((Trifluoromethyl)Sulfonyl)Imide under several physical appearances, ranging from fine powder, clear to off-white flakes, solid pearls, to clear or slightly turbid crystalline forms, and at times as a viscous or low-viscosity liquid depending on purity, moisture absorption, and temperature. At standard ambient conditions, the density falls around 1.5 grams per cubic centimeter, giving a notable heft—one reason weighing, handling, and solution preparation all demand patience and decent technique in the lab. It dissolves easily in polar solvents, making for solutions that stay stable across a wide temperature swing. This stands in contrast with older salts, which often drop out or separate once the mix cools. That easy solubility opens the door for its use in both research and manufacturing setups, especially where a steady, predictable electrolyte or solution-phase agent is needed.
Structurally, the key lies with the hydroxy group coming from the choline backbone, and the heavy, highly delocalized bis(trifluoromethyl)sulfonylimide unit. Chemists value this arrangement for providing not just ionic conductivity but also thermal and electrochemical stability. NMR, IR, and mass spectrometry support clear identification, but most users will focus on batch-specific purity, residual solvent, and water content because those drive actual performance. Commercial product specification sheets tend to list purity upwards of 98%, trace metals below 10 ppm, water content under 0.5%, and a melting point that hovers just above room temperature. A feature worth noting from real experience lies in its ability to remain fluid even after brief atmospheric exposure, although it absorbs moisture from the air, tending to clump or form a sticky phase over time without airtight storage.
HS Code guidance points toward categorization under organic chemicals, often referenced in shipments as 292390. The ingredients for synthesis—2-hydroxy-N,N,N-trimethylethanaminium chloride (choline chloride) and lithium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide—are standard in laboratory supply houses. Production complexity increases because purification needs to strip out inorganic halides, otherwise residue can sabotage application in electronics or catalysis. Reliable global suppliers compete for business with detailed Certificates of Analysis and batch retention samples. Companies in the business of advanced electrolytes know that sourcing genuine, consistent raw materials matters more than what the catalog copy promises.
Every researcher or plant manager who works with this chemical learns to respect its profile: not acutely toxic by oral or skin contact in the tested doses, but long-term data still grows and so treating it as a chemical of concern remains wise. The hydroxy group improves biocompatibility compared to simpler ammonium salts; still, the bis(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)imide part can linger in the environment, and strict European and Asian markets have begun to ask for comprehensive safety review before scale-up. The powder or flakes can irritate airways and skin if mishandled. From my own time in the lab, masks, gloves, and good airflow keep headaches and rashes away. Material Safety Data Sheets say the substance stays stable up to moderate heat but avoid flame or strong acids/bases. Users find that accidental spills don’t ignite, but cleanup becomes complicated by the product’s stickiness and tendency to form stubborn films on benches and glass. Disposal as chemical waste remains standard; never treat it like regular trash.
The practical value of 2-Hydroxy-N,N,N-Trimethylethanaminium Bis((Trifluoromethyl)Sulfonyl)Imide keeps growing. In lithium battery electrolytes, its stable ionic conductivity at both high and sub-zero temperatures sets it apart. In industrial recycling processes or separation science, it tunes solvent polarity beyond common options like dimethyl sulfoxide or acetonitrile. Electroplating shops push to use it for smoother, more chemically inert finishes. Looking into it, I have seen pilot teams experiment with these salts as a way to carry out organic transformations cleaner and faster, especially for sensitive pharmaceuticals. One overlooked application: anti-static coatings use it to dissipate unwanted charge in electronics packaging and intricate circuit assemblies. The broad compatibility—whether as powder, pearl, liquid, or crystal—means innovation continues, and new roles for the chemical show up almost every year.
Environmental safety draws more attention as ionic liquids like these move out of the lab and into manufacturing. Routine wastewater treatment can struggle with such stable fluorinated organics, so plant engineers have started to research targeted breakdown schemes using photolysis and advanced oxidation. Regulators in the EU keep a tight eye on persistent and bioaccumulative chemicals, and new guidelines push toward closed-loop manufacturing. For buyers and project owners, the advice remains clear: demand product traceability, read Material Safety Data Sheets, and develop in-house policies for storage, handling, and spill response based on actual site experience, not only what the supplier’s sheet claims. Some progressive companies have launched detailed trials to test environmental impact before a full rollout, from soil leaching studies to closed circuit recapture and re-use. Chemical producers should expect higher data expectations every year, especially for products going to medical or electronics customers. By pairing classic handling wisdom with modern data-gathering, both industry and researchers stand a better chance of making the most of the substance—delivering real results while respecting environmental and safety limits.
