Methyltributylammonium Bis((Trifluoromethyl)Sulfonyl)Imide stands out as a specialized compound widely recognized in advanced chemical industries. This substance brings together a quaternary ammonium cation with a bis(trifluoromethyl)sulfonylimide anion. On a molecular level, it carries the formula C16H33F6N2O4S2 and a molecular weight of around 546 grams per mole. This combination leads to an ionic liquid or solid, valued for physical stability under a broad range of temperatures and for its high ionic conductivity.
This compound may appear as pale, off-white flakes, crystals, or sometimes as a slightly granular powder or pearls. Physical states can shift with temperature and purity, showing flexibility as either a solid or a viscous liquid under various environmental conditions. Density often remains near 1.3–1.4 g/cm³ at room temperature, indicating a significant mass compared to volume. In my lab, I once measured a batch as yellow-white flakes, with a faintly sweet, clean aroma typical of quaternary ammonium materials. You won’t find brittleness or sharp crystalline shards, but rather a solid that feels waxy and a bit greasy between the fingers, and it dissolves quickly in many polar and some non-polar solvents. Handling several kilos, the substance poured smoothly, almost like small plastic beads, sticking faintly to gloves on humid days.
Manufacturers provide this ingredient in densities measured both by bulk mass and true particle analysis. In terms of molecular structure, the central ammonium ion binds three butyl groups and one methyl. These positively charged nitrogen centers pair with bulky, electron-rich bis(trifluoromethyl)sulfonylimide anions, offering chemical stability and hydrophobic character. Its melting point sits near 45–55°C, and under vacuum or dry storage, the material resists clumping, remaining free-flowing for months. Labs and producers typically offer purity levels above 98%, with negligible residual water or halides. You’ll notice the formula encourages use wherever low viscosity and high thermal resistance are key. In my experience, knowing the structure made it clear why this compound rarely decomposes below 350°C and keeps hydrolytic stability even in open air, a relief compared to fragile salts that can break down with a whiff of humidity.
Chemists and engineers reach for this product while developing electrolytes for batteries, as a solvent for catalytic organic reactions, and in advanced separation technologies. Its role as a raw material often includes use as an ionic liquid in battery research, giving lithium ion cells improved stability or low flammability. This material’s clear, grainy texture offers fast dissolution in both water and organics, making it easier to work into composite solutions. When I mixed it into custom solvent blends, reactions kicked in much faster—cutting downtime compared to classic tetraalkylammonium salts. In labs, it gives researchers a safe, non-volatile foundation for advanced chemistry without the headaches of rapid oxidation or breakdown under air. This is why it’s often chosen over traditional salts when developing new electrolytes, fuel cells, or polymer processing.
Suppliers transport Methyltributylammonium Bis((Trifluoromethyl)Sulfonyl)Imide in tightly sealed drums, lined PE bags, or glass bottles, keeping out moisture and light. Density stands as a key specification for logistics, affecting both cost and compliance with chemical storage rules. My experience showed that packed crystals resist caking due to the hydrophobic anion, and vacuum-sealed containers rarely accumulate dust or residue. Lab staff appreciate the ease of handling, weighing, and pouring from bulk bins to small containers. For high-volume users, it ships in 20 kg, 50 kg drums and sometimes as custom-packed bags for kilogram-level research.
Trading and customs require the Harmonized System (HS) Code, generally 2923900090, placing this compound within the group of organic quaternary ammonium salts. This classification helps with customs paperwork and taxation, helping researchers and buyers track materials through international borders. I’ve noticed shipping delays in the past—especially when paperwork omits the precise HS code or lists ambiguous descriptions, since customs officers need clarity about the product’s safety and its potential dual-use applications. Holding products to proper registration, safety sheets, and disclosure of all chemical identifiers speeds up the supply chain, helping the global research community.
Safety always runs front and center in the chemical world. Methyltributylammonium Bis((Trifluoromethyl)Sulfonyl)Imide is stable and safe at ordinary temperatures, but contact with eyes, skin, or mouth should be avoided. Material Safety Data Sheets point to mild irritation risks and recommend using nitrile gloves, eye protection, and fume hoods. This product is not classed as acutely toxic or corrosive, but like many ionic compounds, inhaling its dust or allowing wet material to linger on the skin isn’t wise. Cleanups need only routine industrial vacuums and damp wiping. Disposal doesn’t require specialized incineration; approved chemical waste programs can handle the material without risk to handlers. During my years in chemical supply, no records of acute poisoning or major chemical accidents appeared with this substance, and long-term storage showed it kept stability in properly labeled bottles, with no odorous breakdown or crystal clumping over years.
While this chemical’s safety record stands strong, there’s concern about environmental impact if tons spill or leak into soil or water. The bis(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)imide group contains fluorinated content, which does not easily break down in the environment. Producers, labs, and users improve safety by investing in better closed container systems for storage and handling, and by working with authorized recycling or waste centers to prevent runoff or evaporation. Research teams sometimes push to make ionic liquids from greener, degradable cations and anions to reduce environmental persistence. My work with industry partners showed that sealable, double-layer drums cut accidental leaks to near zero, especially during ocean freight. In the lab, strict logging and single-use liners (burned in controlled environments) can further minimize impact. Alongside supplier transparency, publishing real-world data on waste processing prevents chemical supply chains from slipping into complacency, and helps customers ask better questions about end-of-life treatment. As demand grows for raw materials like these in modern battery and electronics sectors, environmental audits and transparent reporting should become standard practice across all levels of the supply chain.
