3-Methyl-N-Butylpyridinium Bromide stands out in the family of ionic liquids and specialized organic salts used in chemical synthesis and advanced material research. Its structure contains a pyridinium ring, modified with a methyl group at the third position and a butyl side chain on the nitrogen atom. The bromide ion completes the compound, giving it unique reactivity and solubility properties. Researchers and professionals in diverse fields—from battery technology to pharmaceutical synthesis—reach for this material. With a clear understanding of its benefits or risks, handling becomes straightforward.
The molecular formula reads as C10H16BrN. This structure gives it a molar mass of about 230.15 g/mol. It typically appears as white to off-white solid flakes, fine powders, or crystalline pearls, depending on how it’s produced or stored. Some suppliers offer it in a liquid solution form, often in specific concentrations for easier integration into experimental setups or production lines. Its density averages near 1.2 g/cm³, a value consistent across most forms, aiding in precise measurement and blending. Solubility trends lean heavily in favor of polar solvents—water, methanol, and others—making cleanup after use less of a hassle for lab techs and workers alike.
Industry experience shows this compound rarely settles for a one-size-fits-all approach. Researchers order it as solid crystalline material when purity or reactivity matter most. Flake or powder forms cater to bulk storage and dosing, suiting both academic labs and industrial reactors. Pearl or bead-like formats streamline automated weighing systems. Addition of 3-Methyl-N-Butylpyridinium Bromide to a liquid phase offers flexibility for those in catalysis or electrochemical research, where homogeneity and rapid mixing drive results. These diverse forms often come in containers sized by the gram, kilogram, or sometimes per liter when dissolved, and labels state batch number, purity level (often >98%), and best usage period for quality assurance.
Long afternoons in the lab stress the need for safe handling. 3-Methyl-N-Butylpyridinium Bromide does not escape the scrutiny of safety-conscious environments. The compound’s safety data sheets point out mild skin and eye irritation risk. Gloves, goggles, and fume hoods are not mere suggestions in facilities that take worker health to heart. As an organic salt, it poses lower volatility compared to many traditional solvents, cutting down on inhalation risks but not zeroing them out. Swallowing or prolonged skin contact calls for immediate washing or medical help to prevent longer-term effects. Waste disposal guidelines label it as a controlled chemical—never poured down the sink—so unused or spent material goes into hazardous waste streams for proper neutralization and landfill prevention.
Many who handle chemicals regularly know that bromide salts and organic cations each pose unique hazards, especially when mixed. 3-Methyl-N-Butylpyridinium Bromide does not leap out as highly toxic compared to some heavy metal salts or aggressive acids. Yet its persistence in water systems means accidental releases contribute to pollution. Inhalation of dust or mist, contact during spills, or accidental mixing with incompatible reagents—strong oxidizers, for instance—can trigger harmful byproducts or fire. Robust chemical hygiene, training, and well-labeled storage areas shield people and ecosystems from unintended exposure, and these become part of daily routine rather than extra steps.
Years spent working alongside electrochemists and battery developers brought home how critical ionic liquids such as 3-Methyl-N-Butylpyridinium Bromide have become. Its stable ionic structure enables use in non-aqueous electrochemical cells, capacitors, and advanced batteries where volatility and flammability hinder progress. As a phase transfer catalyst or solvent substitute, it speeds up numerous organic reactions and unlocks milder, greener synthesis routes. Polymers, resins, or specialty coatings take on new properties through additives like this. In separation processes, its unique solubility balance enables selective extractions not possible with traditional solvents. Meanwhile, research into anti-microbial coatings or innovative lubricants often includes the compound in test runs, pushing experimentation forward with safety and environmental stewardship.
Each batch supplied to an end user includes precise molecular information, ranging from the empirical formula to physical constants—boiling point, melting point (often 130-135°C), and refractive index, if requested for QC or R&D work. The harmonized system (HS) code enables customs and transport agents to track and classify shipments globally, with typical designation HS Code 293339 reflecting its standing among alkaloid and organic nitrogen-based compounds. Batch analysis data ensures product delivered matches the expected profile, minimizing unwanted variability in commercial or academic application.
Sourcing this compound draws on robust raw material supply chains. Both precursors—methyl-substituted pyridine and butyl halide—originate from well-characterized petroleum derivatives or fermentation processes. Conversion through controlled quaternization with n-butyl bromide, and careful purification, avoids common contaminants. Specifications stress consistent purity and moisture content, reducing downtime and troubleshooting during downstream use. As regulations on chemical tracing tighten worldwide, suppliers certify origin and track each lot, building trust throughout the supply chain and meeting compliance mandates without adding unnecessary paperwork to the customer’s desk.
3-Methyl-N-Butylpyridinium Bromide underlines the promise and challenge of specialized organic salts in both green chemistry and high-tech manufacturing. By supporting ambitious research and reliable production, and backing up these advances with solid safety fundamentals and clear labeling, this material finds a place in modern labs of all types. Continued collaboration among chemists, safety professionals, and suppliers will push further development of safer, more sustainable processes—helping make science and industry both more innovative and responsive to new challenges.
