N-Butyl-N-Methyl-Piperidinium Bis((Trifluoromethyl)Sulfonyl)Imide belongs to a family of ionic liquids with a clear place in the universe of advanced chemicals. This compound comes from the combination of a piperidinium-based cation, featuring a butyl and methyl group, with a bis((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)imide anion. One look at its structure shows a bulky, flexible organic cation paired with a large, soft anion. The outcome creates a substance, often delivered in forms ranging from colorless to slightly yellow liquid, sometimes appearing as crystalline flakes or powder depending on purity and storage.
People working with specialty solvents, battery electrolytes, and even those chasing improvements in low-temperature lubricants or electrochemical device components often cross paths with this chemical. Sourcing quality N-Butyl-N-Methyl-Piperidinium Bis((Trifluoromethyl)Sulfonyl)Imide challenges many who build their processes around ionic liquids because consistency and purity demand strong attention in the supply chain. Manufacturers depend on raw materials that avoid trace moisture and halide contamination, keeping ionic conductivity and viscosity in the intended range. Research labs use it to push the boundaries of safe, non-volatile solvents, running experiments that look for stable ionic interactions where water, acetone, or traditional organics fall short.
The molecular formula of this compound reads as C13H23F6N3O4S2. The N-Butyl-N-Methyl-Piperidinium cation itself features a nitrogen atom at the core with four saturated carbon atoms from the piperidine ring, a butyl group, and a methyl group, imparting a balance between lipophilicity and size. The anion, bis((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)imide, supports charge delocalization and brings thermal stability. Density hovers around 1.35 to 1.50 g/cm3 at ambient temperature, depending on precise formulation and packaging method—each batch sometimes shows minor differences due to water content or trace impurities. Some vendors ship the chemical as a solution in liter containers, while others sell it solidified as flakes or as fine powder, enabling flexibility for end-users. Standard particle size and state specifications matter greatly, especially in high-voltage battery research labs where flow and mixing behavior contribute directly to cell performance.
N-Butyl-N-Methyl-Piperidinium Bis((Trifluoromethyl)Sulfonyl)Imide typically presents as a pale yellow or sometimes nearly colorless liquid at room temperature, but lowering the temperature tends to result in a semi-solid or crystalline state—pearls or flakes form readily in this phase. Melting points often register below 20°C, though impurities and water absorption shift this number. It behaves as a non-volatile, non-flammable material, which lowers exposure risks in industrial environments relative to more familiar solvents. Its high thermal stability and wide electrochemical window attract interest from supercapacitor engineers and those after safe, long-life battery electrolytes. People appreciate its broad liquid range and the fact that it resists oxidative and hydrolytic degradation when stored properly.
Despite the relatively low vapor pressure, handling any ionic liquid involves care due to potential skin and eye irritation, especially when raw or powdered material scatters during transfer. Safe storage calls for tight-sealing, non-reactive containers, kept away from moisture and strong acids, since hydrolysis could break down the anion and release harmful substances. Users always review the current HS Code, often 293499 or adjacent, which global customs offices reference for shipping and import controls. This code helps regulators and buyers track the chemical internationally for both safety and compliance. The compound draws notice for its low acute toxicity, but routine handling demands nitrile gloves and protective eyewear due to both its ability to defat skin and possible systemic effects after prolonged exposure. Waste disposal follows strict guidelines, especially in Europe and North America, where ionic liquid waste enters hazardous organic streams for incineration or chemical destruction.
With growing concern about safety, environmental footprint, and efficiency in electrochemical devices, researchers and manufacturers look for better alternatives to conventional solvents and salts. N-Butyl-N-Methyl-Piperidinium Bis((Trifluoromethyl)Sulfonyl)Imide has become a staple for those working in fields like lithium-ion batteries, organic synthesis, and capacitors. Real-world use stories include improvements in low-volatility energy storage, leading to longer-lasting batteries for remote sensors, safer laboratory processes for synthetic chemists, and reduced fire hazards in commercial manufacturing. Electric vehicle designers and consumer electronics firms look for these same properties as regulatory targets for battery safety tighten.
As with many advanced chemicals, balancing technical promise with safety, cost, and sustainability remains the big challenge. Companies with strong internal quality controls and robust supplier audits tend to move ahead fastest, reducing contamination and optimizing yield. Open communication along the distribution chain, from raw materials up through finished product delivery, keeps everyone safer—from warehouse workers to engineers handling electrolytes. New research focuses on reclaiming and recycling used ionic liquid from spent batteries and electrolyzers, a step forward in managing both environmental impact and cost, especially since disposal routes for fluorinated chemicals continue to tighten. Ongoing education about proper handling, rapid-response measures for spills, and clear labeling will keep lab managers and technicians on the right track, while industry-wide standards for purity, labeling, and waste management create a safer work environment and a healthier planet.
