Ethyltributylphosphonium Bis((Trifluoromethyl)Sulfonyl)Imide stands out as a powerful ionic liquid, built around a phosphonium core and two bulky trifluoromethylsulfonyl imide anions. This compound grabs attention with its chemical formula C18H38F6NO4P S2. In the real world, it shows up as a white to off-white crystalline powder, though folks in labs know it can drift between solid flakes and pearly grains, all dependent on purity and storage. Many chemists bring this material into the lab thanks to its low melting point, high electrochemical stability, and unusual blend of hydrophobic character with excellent solvation properties. Plenty of battery developers and catalysis researchers keep jars of this stuff around because it widens the playground for safer, more robust chemical reactions that barely make a dent in the environment compared to old-school solvents. You’ll see scientists talking about it in journals when they swap traditional, often-hazardous materials for newer, less volatile options.
This compound draws a crowd in both industry and research because of its handy density, roughly 1.2 g/cm³ at room temperature. It often packs the consistency of fine, slightly oily powder but can come as solid flakes or even flow like a liquid above its melting point. Folks who have spent time in chemical storage rooms know that a crystal or powder that stays stable in air and doesn’t warp or cake in humidity—that’s a rarity, and this material holds up well here. Its robust molecular structure comes from the phosphonium center, surrounded by long carbon tails and the trickier bis((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)imide group. Most solvents break down or evaporate at high temperatures, but this substance won’t, and that opens up new routes for reactions and electrochemical processes. The compound tolerates a range of organic and inorganic substances, making it helpful as a highly flexible raw material in synthesizing specialty chemicals, polymers, and even advanced battery electrolytes.
Diving into its architecture, this ionic liquid’s backbone consists of an ethyltributylphosphonium cation—imagine a phosphorus atom surrounded by three butyl groups and one ethyl group—while the paired anion features two powerfully electron-withdrawing trifluoromethylsulfonyl units bound to nitrogen. This creates separation between positive and negative charges, which weakens the ionic interactions and lets the compound behave as a free-flowing liquid or ultra-stable powder, depending on conditions. It arrives with high purity, usually over 98%, and is sorted by CAS number 311263-83-1. For supply chains that need it, the HS Code is 2931.39.0090, falling into the broader group of organophosphorus compounds. If you pull up the safety data sheet, you’ll see it’s generally considered low-volatility and less hazardous than many traditional solvents, though sensible laboratory practice calls for gloves, eye protection, and solid ventilation anytime you’re weighing or transferring it.
Depending on supplier and application, Ethyltributylphosphonium Bis((Trifluoromethyl)Sulfonyl)Imide can turn up as a coarse, pearly powder, small crystals, flat solid flakes, or in rare cases as a concentrated solution in compatible solvents. In my own lab, I’ve worked with it mainly as a free-flowing, white powder, easy to scoop out and measure. Chemists value its adaptability—some processes demand dissolved form for mixing, others work best with dry, granular product. In applications like ionic liquid batteries, the choice between flake and solution matters a lot, since handling and mixing qualities affect how the material performs in real-time energy transfer or catalysis. Care in packaging also counts, to prevent moisture ingress and keep the product stable on the shelf. In my direct experience, the powder and pearl forms are easiest to store and handle, as they pour like coarse table salt but stay stable even in summer heat.
This chemical stays dense and robust—about 1.2 g/cm³—and packs tightly in containers with little risk of dusting or static issues if you keep it sealed. Unlike flammable, volatile organic solvents common in older chemistry, this compound doesn’t give off noxious fumes and isn’t considered especially harmful in normal use. That said, eye and skin contact should be avoided, and accidental ingestion or inhalation still brings risk—anyone who’s worked enough years with fine powders knows even ‘low hazard’ materials should never be handled casually. Most chemical laboratories require gloves, face shields, and good ventilation, though in my experience, compared to many other organophosphorus chemicals, this one seldom triggers spills or emergency calls. There are no major regulatory red flags attached to shipments, though labeling and shipping guidelines always call for clear hazard communication and proper containers. Disposal by official chemical waste procedures keeps regulatory compliance on track, and I’ve never seen a reputable supplier cut corners here.
The molecular backbone of Ethyltributylphosphonium Bis((Trifluoromethyl)Sulfonyl)Imide—C18H38F6NO4PS2—lends itself to wide industrial use. Advanced polymer synthesis often starts with ionic liquids like this, since their stability and precise properties help build specialty plastics and next-generation electrolytes for batteries and energy devices. The sulfur, fluorine, and phosphorus content make it perform in environments where traditional solvents or catalysts would fall apart, so researchers inside and outside academia test it for applications as diverse as CO₂ capture, separation science, or biodegradable surfactants. Raw materials like this balance the drive for high performance with safety and compliance demands from regulators, so choosing safer yet high-performing chemicals improves both lab safety and final product quality. I’ve seen this first-hand—switching out more dangerous compounds for these robust ionic liquids ticks boxes for both performance and peace of mind.
