N-Butyl-N-Methylpiperidinium Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide: Properties, Structure, and Practical Insights

What Is N-Butyl-N-Methylpiperidinium Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide?

N-Butyl-N-Methylpiperidinium Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide stands out in the world of ionic liquids and advanced chemical materials. The full molecular formula is C10H21F2N2O4S2. The compound typically presents itself as a white to off-white solid in standard conditions, often seen as flakes, powder, or fine crystals. Its systematic structure, with the N-butyl-N-methylpiperidinium cation and bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide anion, creates a salt that holds up under high thermal stress and remains stable across a wide range of environmental settings. The molecular weight clocks in at roughly 368.41 g/mol, giving a sense of the scale and complexity of each particle.

Physical Characteristics and Material Profile

Examining the material up close, its density sits near 1.36 g/cm3 at room temperature. Most users handle it in the form of a crystalline solid, though some vendors supply it as small pearls or loose powder. A high level of purity (usually above 99%) separates it from less refined alternatives, meaning fewer impurities interact with sensitive applications. The melting point lies between 55°C and 58°C, pointing to its resilience and stability when the environment heats up. It resists water and most organic solvents, giving it a clear advantage for researchers and manufacturers needing a robust raw material. Bulk density fluctuates based on the physical form but stays predictable for process scalability.

Chemical Structure and Behavior

The backbone of this material comes from its piperidinium ring with both butyl and methyl substituents, paired with a bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide group. This duo gives the compound a chemical toughness and ionic mobility that has drawn interest in energy storage, separation processes, and as an electrolyte base. The bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide anion contributes to high conductivity, low viscosity, and an impressive electrochemical window, making the salt especially valuable in modern battery and fuel cell research. This same structure blocks most atmospheric moisture and reactions that could corrode or degrade hardware in service.

Specifications and Compliance Information

On a global trade scale, the compound falls under HS Code 2921.19 (Other acyclic amines and their derivatives; salts thereof). Typical batch production ensures moisture content below 0.1%. Metal impurities and halide levels remain far beneath detection for most lab-grade samples. Bulk shipments may arrive in sealed drums or lined containers, with shelf life quoted at two years if kept away from direct sunlight or high humidity. Labels and shipping documents show all regulatory data in line with GB and GHS standards, including proper hazard pictograms.

Material Application in Industry

This chemical acts as a high-performance electrolyte in lithium and sodium batteries, and it proves itself as a base for ionic liquids in advanced energy devices. In laboratories, scientists trust it because it won’t flash, degrade, or become reactive even when stressed for weeks at a time. Some users prefer to produce specialized solutions using the solid form dissolved in acetonitrile or dimethyl carbonate. Its raw material purity translates into fewer recalibration cycles and better experimental repeatability, especially in high-throughput settings.

Safety, Hazards, and Storage Practices

N-Butyl-N-Methylpiperidinium Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide demands respect like most synthetic chemicals with strong ionic activity. Skin, eye, and inhalation exposure may cause irritation. MSDS data reports the material as hazardous but not acutely toxic at standard concentrations found in laboratories. Workers use nitrile gloves, goggles, and adequate ventilation to manage risks. Spills get cleaned up with inert absorbents, and waste routes through approved hazardous chemical disposal units. Direct sunlight, flame, or high pressure can weaken the structure, so secure rooms with constant temperatures make for the best long-term storage.

Personal Perspective and Responsible Use

In professional practice, people watch their raw inputs for consistency, and this holds true for N-Butyl-N-Methylpiperidinium Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide as well. Product traceability goes beyond just quality control reports. Reliable suppliers maintain transparency on origin, batch logs, and analytical support so users can pinpoint challenges before they affect final products. Clear communication between lab staff, procurement, and safety managers plays a bigger role as regulations evolve for both handling and environmental discharge. In hands-on work, the difference between a trusted batch and a questionable one can mean months of lost effort or the key to unlocking new research directions.

Looking Forward: Improving Access and Safe Chemical Use

Phase purity, direct supplier engagement, and automation in handling will cut both cost and risk. Most manufacturers now support third-party verification, and organizations encourage sharing best practices openly. As more sectors look for alternative battery chemistries, knowledge-sharing helps both newcomers and seasoned technicians manage hazards without slowing research. Leadership comes not just from regulatory bodies but from regular workers watching out for one another, launching a cycle of trust before trouble has a chance to start. Responsible sourcing and scalable storage plans keep projects moving forward, making N-Butyl-N-Methylpiperidinium Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide a strong candidate for safe, meaningful progress in chemical technology.