Methyltri-N-Octylammonium Bis(Trifluoromethanesulfonyl)Imide shows up in the chemical world as a modern ionic liquid, drawing interest from researchers and industry alike because of its unique characteristics and broad potential. This compound unites a large organic ammonium cation, Methyltri-N-Octylammonium, with a highly fluorinated anion, Bis(Trifluoromethanesulfonyl)Imide. Many call it by its abbreviation, MOTAI-TFSI. Folks often see it appear as a raw material where advanced solvents, electrolytes, and specialized reaction media come into play. Its structure reflects a balance of hydrophobic alkyl chains and strongly electron-withdrawing sulfonyl groups, which leads to stability, low volatility, and a knack for not catching on fire as easily as others.
This chemical can appear as slightly sticky flakes or as a crystalline solid, sometimes looking like a pale powder or even pearly bits under certain humidity and temperature conditions. The formula for Methyltri-N-Octylammonium Bis(Trifluoromethanesulfonyl)Imide stands as C33H65F6N3O4S2, reflecting its long carbon chains and heavy presence of fluorine and sulfur. Its density tends to range around 1.01 – 1.12 g/cm³, a point worth noting for anyone moving quantities from drum to beaker, as its flow doesn’t mimic water or oil perfectly. In well-sealed containers, it resists absorbing water, but left out it may clump. These small details impact handling on the shop floor or the laboratory bench, adding a practical consideration often overlooked by those not yet familiar with ionic liquids.
A close look at the molecules shows that the ammonium center links to three octyl groups and one methyl group, creating a four-pronged cation with plenty of steric hindrance. The Bis(Trifluoromethanesulfonyl)Imide anion sits beside it—two highly electronegative sulfonyl-imide groups pull electrons away, which helps confer low melting and boiling ranges and a tendency to stay liquid across a large temperature window. I remember seeing researchers use MOTAI-TFSI in place of more volatile organic solvents, mostly because it doesn’t evaporate under the hood as quickly, and the fumes never had the sting or persistence of classical organic solvents. The presence of these large, fluorinated groups brings enhanced stability and a degree of chemical inertness in many standard reactions.
Every batch should line up with a spec sheet, with expectations around purity (usually greater than 98%) and carefully defined water content (commonly below 100 ppm for demanding applications). HS Code falls under 2923900090, helping importers and manufacturers sort out customs or compliance paperwork. Users who’ve handled MOTAI-TFSI typically note its mild odor and ease of weighing for precise formulations, although gloves make sense, as extended skin exposure produces mild but noticeable irritation. Packaging may vary: kilogram-scale drums for plant use, or 100-gram bottles for bench chemistry operations. Its solubility stands out—this compound easily dissolves in several organic solvents, and it mixes into certain nonpolar hosts, broadening the application base.
People run into Methyltri-N-Octylammonium Bis(Trifluoromethanesulfonyl)Imide as crystals, powder, solid, or even as a pre-mixed solution depending on end use. Some manufacturers offer ready-to-use solutions of MOTAI-TFSI dissolved in acetonitrile or other suitable solvents, which cuts down on handling time and increases reproducibility in batch syntheses. Its main roles show up in advanced battery electrolyte development, extraction processes, catalysis media, and electrochemistry. Its low volatility means air monitoring requirements drop, safety managers breathe a little easier, and cleanup—though never trivial—avoids the stickiness or spill risk of more traditional low-viscosity liquids. According to recent data, this substance plays a role in separation of rare earths, and some groups experiment with it for selective organic transformations where traditional ionic liquids fall short.
Safety never takes a backseat in real workflows. Methyltri-N-Octylammonium Bis(Trifluoromethanesulfonyl)Imide sits outside the most hazardous classes, though exposure guidelines still urge regular gloves, goggles, and splash-resistant lab coats. Incidents don’t compare to aggressive acids or strong alkalis, but contact with skin or eyes leads to discomfort, and inhalation of dust, while unlikely, should not be ignored. According to the material safety data, it does not show strong systemic toxicity in mammalian models, yet chronic exposure data remains sparse. Its chemical stability takes out many reactive hazards, though disposal remains a challenge—this substance should not drain to ordinary waste streams. Specialized hazardous waste processors handle the disposal, collecting both residues and contaminated pads or containers. Sourcing of raw materials for its production creates a responsibility—some of its foundational chemicals link to the fluorination industry, which faces ongoing scrutiny over PFAS emissions. Companies looking at sustainable operations keep this supply chain impact on their radar, combining occupational safety and environmental monitoring with product performance and regulatory compliance.
Anyone in chemistry or materials science sees demand for compounds like Methyltri-N-Octylammonium Bis(Trifluoromethanesulfonyl)Imide moving upward. Lab work often shows that using it shaves off process time, cuts down on evaporative loss, and brings consistent solubility across a wider temperature window than many competitors. The stability and unique solvation properties become especially relevant in battery and capacitor research, where small differences in electrolyte chemistry impact real-world performance and product lifecycle. The move toward safer, lower volatility chemicals like MOTAI-TFSI comes as a response to historical incidents with flammable or persistent solvents. At the same time, responsible stewardship means manufacturers and downstream users need improved waste disposal solutions, tighter water and fluorine content controls, and clear training for every operator who encounters these new chemical tools. Strong oversight, investment in closed-loop manufacturing, and a culture that values full-lifecycle risk management will likely define the future of this field. As industry moves forward, attention to transparency and traceability—from raw materials to decommissioned products—will keep new chemistry both productive and responsible.
