Butyltrimethylammonium Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide is a specialty chemical playing an important role in modern materials science. This compound brings together a butyltrimethylammonium cation and a bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide anion, resulting in unique features that set it apart from many standard salts and ionic liquids. Research in both academic and industrial labs has followed it for years, with many teams taking a close look at its stability, electrochemical profile, and potential in energy storage and transfer systems. The chemical formula reads C7H18F2N2O4S2, with a structure supporting both hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions. These properties allow for use in environments ranging from advanced battery electrolytes to high-performance lubricants and specialty solvent systems.
Sections of industry pay close attention to the handling and manipulation of materials like this. Butyltrimethylammonium Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide often appears as either a white to off-white solid, though depending on particular batch conditions and temperature, the substance can arrive as flakes, powder, or even a crystalline solid. The melting point typically sits below 50°C, so it may shift from solid to highly viscous liquid with mild warming. Its density, which commonly lands around 1.4 g/cm³, grants it a certain heft compared to more common salts. Forget the idea that this chemical just passes unnoticed—it stands out for its moisture sensitivity and ability to dissolve in polar aprotic solvents such as acetonitrile or dimethylformamide.
Detailed structural models point to a central nitrogen atom in the cation, surrounded by three methyl groups and a butyl group, paired with the large bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide anion. The symmetry and charge distribution support strong ionic conductivity, making it a favorite for those looking to push the limits of battery and capacitor design. Specifications usually cover high purity, with impurity levels below 0.5%, and the HS Code for import and export falls under 29239000, the section reserved for quaternary ammonium salts and hydroxides. The raw material precursors require controlled handling, with the bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide unit demanding expertise in fluorine chemistry and sulfonyl group management.
Manufacturers keep this compound on the short list for next-generation lithium-ion and sodium-ion battery electrolytes. The bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide anion demonstrates remarkable stability under both high voltage and temperature, curbing breakdown and extending battery lifetime. Product engineers exploring conductive polymers, specialty catalysts, or surface treatments use it to control properties that standard salts can’t match. Its presence in ionic liquids also paves the way for applications in separation technologies, antistatic coatings, and as a supporting electrolyte in electrochemical deposition or synthesis. My own experience designing battery test cells reinforced this compound’s robustness, especially in wide-voltage window applications where others fail fast due to side-reactions or decomposition.
Safety officers and lab workers don’t overlook the potential risks. Reports from both manufacturers and regulatory agencies stress chemical hygiene for this salt, as exposure through skin or accidental inhalation can bring about irritation or more serious health effects. The bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide anion carries a reputation for environmental persistence and toxicity to aquatic life, adding another layer of responsibility for those in charge of disposal and waste management. Facilities need proper ventilation and personal protective equipment for anyone coming into direct contact. Given the market’s growing interest, more transparent Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and detailed handling protocols can only help people at all points in the supply chain stay safe.
Several years ago, sourcing high-purity butyltrimethylammonium starting materials often demanded working with trusted specialty companies, as any contamination could change the functional outcome for battery manufacturing or specialty chemistry. The same can be said for the bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide precursor; it needs reliable suppliers committed to quality, as trace contaminants may react with sensitive electronics or degrade electrolyte solutions. Research from top academic journals confirms that small differences in purity lead to large-scale differences in conductivity, thermal stability, and even shelf-life of end-products. Formulation chemists who have struggled with off-spec raw materials know just how important a stable source and robust analytical protocols remain, especially when new regulations roll out for fluorinated chemicals.
The commercial offering of this compound can stretch from small bottles of white powder for lab-scale synthesis to ton-scale drums of crystalline solid for industrial battery lines. Some companies provide it as a solution in organic solvents, giving researchers and manufacturers flexibility in how they dose and handle the material. For those without fancy gloveboxes, even short-term exposure to air can be a problem; the material absorbs moisture and starts to break down, so airtight storage and water-free procedures become daily routine. Handling flakes or pearls instead of dust or fine powder sometimes cuts down the airborne risk, but the need for containment and careful transfer never goes away.
Industry and research teams agree that more sustainable, less environmentally harmful alternatives should join the market if they offer similar or better performance. Some chemists focus on recycling and recovery technologies to lessen the environmental footprint, while others develop new formulations that work at lower concentrations or degrade harmlessly at end-of-life. Manufacturers collecting feedback from battery test engineers often shift process controls to address both safety and performance concerns, especially as regulations around fluorinated substances tighten in Europe and Asia. Open collaboration among suppliers, researchers, and safety managers speeds the search for safer, more effective alternatives that can meet the demand for energy storage and advanced electronics. In the meantime, best practices in training, risk assessment, and transparent labeling remain key for anyone working with compounds like Butyltrimethylammonium Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide.
