Amyltriethylammonium Bis(Trifluoromethanesulfonyl)Imide stands out as a chemical material that’s drawn increasing attention in recent years, driven by research into ionic liquids and their growing use in electronics and energy applications. At its core, this compound brings together an amyltriethylammonium cation and a bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide anion. The result is a salt with a molecular structure built for advanced performance: the amyltriethylammonium section introduces organic components, while the bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide delivers high thermal and chemical stability because of its robust fluorinated sulfonyl groups. Looking at its chemical formula—C11H24F6N2O4S2—each part reveals a purpose, from the bulky organic cation that discourages crystallization to the anion’s strength in creating low-viscosity liquids.
Out on the market, Amyltriethylammonium Bis(Trifluoromethanesulfonyl)Imide appears in more than one form. Solid flakes, crystalline powders, soot-black pearls, or clear liquids fill containers depending on storage conditions and purity levels. Touching these physical forms, one thing becomes clear: most batches settle into a colorless to pale yellow look, either granular or free-flowing. For density, numbers land around 1.3 to 1.4 g/cm³ near room temperature, according to published technical sheets. These values plug into lab planning, helping chemists set concentrations or adjust solvent mixes. Unlike table salt, this compound can flow with a smoothness common in ionic liquids, keeping its structure stable over a wider temperature range. The melting point, often sitting between 10°C and 25°C, depends on subtle shifts in humidity or chemical history. I’ve dealt with similar ionic liquids in the lab, and the transition from solid to liquid often brings up questions about purity and correct storage, so airtight containers and desiccators are a must. Water absorption creeps up in humid climates, and even a small mistake in handling throws off measurements or intended outcomes.
The structure reads like a map for reliable properties: the amyltriethylammonium cation features a nitrogen center surrounded by three ethyl groups and one amyl chain, creating a shield against direct ion pairing. This loose packing softens the lattice, keeping melting points lower than conventional salts. The bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide anion, with its symmetrical arrangement of CF₃SO₂ groups flanking a central nitrogen, spreads negative charge widely and resists attack by strong acids and bases. This makes the material both robust and classified as a “weakly coordinating anion”—a big advantage in high-voltage battery and specialty synthesis settings.
Lab suppliers often ship Amyltriethylammonium Bis(Trifluoromethanesulfonyl)Imide in packaging tailored for grams, kilograms, or industrial-scale drums. It arrives as a dry solid or viscous solution, sometimes showing off a crystalline texture. Standard specs require high purity—usually over 98%—with trace impurity controls on water content and chloride levels. If moisture gets in above even 0.1%, you notice clumping or performance drops. In a glass vial, flakes catch the light, and fine powders leave a faintly oily feel on gloves. For those chasing reproducible results—whether working in solutions, gels, or blended electrolytes—tight control over density and solid content makes the difference between pass and fail in testing rigs. Shipping regulations use the HS code 2923.90, grouping it as a quaternary ammonium salt for customs tracking.
Ionic liquids such as Amyltriethylammonium Bis(Trifluoromethanesulfonyl)Imide aren’t always covered in the standard safety training you get for bulk chemicals, yet safety matters just as much. This salt comes with a low vapor pressure, so inhalation risk stays lower than with many volatile organics. Still, accidental spills or splashes may irritate skin or eyes, largely because ionic liquids can interact with biological tissue more easily than you’d think from their solid forms. Safety data points to moderate hazard—use gloves, goggles, and a fume hood, and avoid open flames. As with most fluorinated chemicals, high-temperature breakdown produces toxic gases, pushing the need for robust ventilation. Disposal routes require special care, since incineration or landfill handling without proper treatment can release harmful byproducts. It’s not as acutely harmful as some solvents, but repeated handling without proper protection can still lead to problems. I’ve seen regulations get stricter around these materials, and teams benefit when they double-check local waste management protocols before scaling up production.
Researchers and manufacturing teams value Amyltriethylammonium Bis(Trifluoromethanesulfonyl)Imide for what it brings to batteries, supercapacitors, and chemical syntheses. Its ionic conductivity and non-flammable nature allow it to replace volatile solvents in next-generation devices. In practical use, it supports the dissolution of metals, coordinates transition states for advanced synthetic chemistry, and stabilizes reactive intermediates. Outside the electrochemical realm, it’s starting to see light as a specialty solvent or stabilizer for new materials. What stands out in these applications is the way its structure lends stability and adjustable solubility, supplying options not possible with older salts or traditional solvents. As manufacturing scales up, the focus on purity, safety, and reliable sourcing only increases. That’s life with any specialty raw material—attention to shipping conditions, thorough quality checks, and close attention to waste keep projects moving forward without costly setbacks.
