N-(2-Methoxyethyl)-N-Methylpyrrolidinium Bis(Trifluoromethane Sulfonyl)Imide, more often called [C3mpyr][TFSI], shapes expectations in specialty chemistry. Chemists recognize it by its unique ionic liquid structure, paired with a formula of C13H23F6N3O5S2, merging pyrrolidinium cations and bis(trifluoromethane sulfonyl)imide anions. This compound usually presents itself as a clear, colorless liquid but sometimes echos subtle pale hues, depending on purity or handling. Unlike traditional salts, it flows almost like oil at room temperature, with a density reaching around 1.42 g/cm³. This property alone pushes it toward roles in advanced batteries, supercapacitors, and electrochemical devices, places where volatility, high thermal stability, and conductivity change how people approach energy technology. These are no vanity specs — real-world labs extract measurable advantage from the low melting point and non-flammability, rarely found in standard organic solvents.
Molecular weight falls at about 422.46 g/mol, offering chemists consistency and reliability batch to batch. The layered structure — a five-membered pyrrolidinium ring bonded to methyl and 2-methoxyethyl side groups, linked with bulky TFSI anions — keeps the ion pairs mobile, yet stable. Bulk chemical suppliers list forms like viscous liquids, powders, or crystalline masses. Varying texture relates to storage temperature or hydration, still, most work happens in the liquid or fine flake states. Safe handling practices remain critical: N-(2-Methoxyethyl)-N-Methylpyrrolidinium Bis(Trifluoromethane Sulfonyl)Imide displays low volatility, but contact with strong oxidizers or certain metals triggers decomposition risk, and chronic exposure can irritate eyes and skin. I’ve seen professionals suit up with gloves and goggles anytime a flask gets uncorked; it’s not the kind of material you want on your hands, even during relatively safe benchtop synthesis.
A high-purity sample feels slightly slippery, almost greasy, lacking any visible particulate. Shake one of these bottles and you’ll see stubborn bubbles hold their form at the surface. Experience shows that heating it too fast generates not just vapor but also fumes that can be harsh on the respiratory tract, so local exhaust plays a big role in safe labs. The faintest trace of water clouds the liquid, hinting toward the ionic nature and inviting unwanted side reactions if left unchecked. In large-scale production, a local standard moisture threshold rarely surpasses 100 ppm. Pure solid appears as fragile, glassy flakes or waxy pearls below 10°C, but these don’t stay solid long unless chilled.
International shipments rely on classification under HS code 2934999099, marking it as an “other heterocyclic compound, not elsewhere specified.” Any customs declaration must pair this code with specifics about the molecular weight, composition, and intended use. Shippers also flag safety hazards: N-(2-Methoxyethyl)-N-Methylpyrrolidinium Bis(Trifluoromethane Sulfonyl)Imide ranks as a hazardous substance due to its potential for environmental harm if large quantities spill or improper disposal leads to contamination. The highly fluorinated anion does not degrade quickly in nature, and some jurisdictions place limits on maximum storage or release into waste streams. Years in the chemical supply business have shown me how critical it is to work alongside local regulators to track use, down to the gram, especially near water sources.
Researchers and engineers buy this compound as a raw material for electrolytes in lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries, as well as in capacitive deionization systems, fuel cells, or as solvents for polymerization reactions that cannot tolerate water or common organics. Some teams work with it in strictly controlled inert atmospheres, pouring the viscous liquid into glove box vessels where O2 remains below 1 ppm. It mixes well with other ionic liquids to customize conductivity or optimize solubility for specific cathode or anode chemistries. My own work with these systems taught that scaling up means confronting issues with viscosity — measuring in liters rather than grams rapidly amplifies both cost and handling complexity.
Safety data emphasize not only the acute risks to skin and mucous membranes but also the chronic persistence of fluorinated byproducts in soil and water. Spilled droplets on bench tops can make everything feel slick for hours. I remember one incident where a small spill, not quickly cleaned, required a full shutdown and two rounds with a steam cleaner to restore grip and safety. That kind of event stays with you. Disposal as hazardous waste, compliant with all local laws, remains the only ethical route, and diluted solutions should never enter drains or standard sewer systems. Documented studies suggest inhalational exposure levels should stay well below 1 mg/m³. In any scaled operation, ongoing monitoring of indoor air and downstream water keeps both staff and the broader environment safe.
Specification sheets spell out requirements for analytical purity, often above 99.5%, and provide full density, viscosity, and spectroscopic signatures for verification. Some purchasing agents request bonus data: refractive index, UV-Vis absorbance, or thermal decomposition profiles. Transparency helps buyers and regulators assess whether the material fits the bill for demanding applications in fields like renewable energy or specialty polymer synthesis. I advocate for tighter disclosure not only to avoid accidents but also to inspire trust in downstream users — issues with mislabeling or incomplete MSDS documentation create real problems far beyond the laboratory door.
