N-Butyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium Acetate stands out as a modern ionic liquid that draws researchers and industry professionals for its unique blend of physical and chemical properties. The core of the molecule features a pyrrolidinium ring where a butyl group and a methyl group are attached to the nitrogen, combined with an acetate counterion. Its molecular formula, C11H23NO2, points to a structure grounded in carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen. Unlike common salts, this compound achieves a remarkable ability to resist volatility and retains a liquid state over a broad temperature range. Material experts consider this quality when seeking alternatives to conventional organic solvents.
N-Butyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium Acetate can appear as a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid at room temperature, although some samples come in the form of crystals or thick solutions. Its specific density typically falls around 1.03 to 1.10 grams per cubic centimeter at 25°C, giving it a slightly denser feel compared to water. The viscosity outpaces most organic solvents, which can matter for applications involving controlled diffusion. This chemical blends the features of high thermal stability up to about 200°C with a negligible vapor pressure. In practice, lab handlers know such stability ensures minimal evaporation loss. It shows full miscibility with water and polar organic solvents like methanol, ethanol, and acetonitrile, which opens pathways for use in specialty purification, electrolyte solutions, biodegradable materials processing, and green chemistry.
The molecular backbone presents a five-membered pyrrolidinium ring as its foundation, where one nitrogen atom carries both a methyl and a butyl chain for increased alkylation, giving the compound hydrophobic-lipophilic balance. Its acetate anion counterbalances the cationic portion, providing not just ionic character but also the potential for hydrogen bonding via carboxylate oxygens. This structural framework delivers greater chemical resistance to oxidation and reduction than traditional organic bases. Specification sheets for industrial uses commonly list purity upwards of 98%, and standardized density measurements confirm batch consistency. Some suppliers offer it in varying formats, such as liquid, flake, or solid for easy handling and adaptation to process needs.
Production requires specialty alkylating agents, such as butyl bromide and methyl iodide, reacted with pyrrolidine under controlled, anhydrous conditions. Following quaternization and ion exchange with acetic acid or sodium acetate, the final product is purified by solvent extraction and vacuum drying. Raw materials benefit from strict impurity checks because trace halides or solvents could limit downstream applications. Operators familiar with its synthesis recommend tightly sealed glass or PTFE containers, as N-Butyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium Acetate may absorb moisture or react with air over time, affecting both purity and physical property benchmarks.
Users can obtain this ionic liquid in forms such as crystal chunks, white to off-white flakes, amorphous powder, pearl-like beads, or as a dense transparent liquid. Format choice can matter for bulk processing or dosing precision, and producers often offer sealed containers from 100 mL laboratory bottles up to multi-liter drums. Direct physical contact leaves a slick, non-oily residue on gloves, a reminder of its smooth liquid range at ambient conditions. These diverse forms enable use in pilot plants and research environments, accommodating varying needs from crystal growth studies to solvent blending.
Many researchers substitute N-Butyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium Acetate where low toxicity and non-flammability bring safety to sensitive industrial or laboratory operations. Electrochemical devices, such as batteries and capacitors, exploit its ionic conductivity and stability over wide temperatures, while chemical engineers note its role as a solvent in cellulose and biopolymer processing. Some use it as a solvent for catalytic reactions aiming at less hazardous waste compared to volatile organics. In controlled lab environments, handlers report the value of accurate delivery possible with its low vapor pressure and the absence of strong odors.
While this compound displays low volatility and minimal risk of fire or explosion, it remains a chemical that calls for appropriate handling protocols. Standard toxicological data suggest moderate oral and dermal toxicity, and certain regulatory bodies describe it as potentially harmful if swallowed or absorbed through the skin. Operators always deploy gloves and goggles to guard against splashes and accidental exposure, especially when preparing liter-scale solutions for industrial testing. Emergency response teams preparing safety data sheets point out the need for thorough ventilation since the acetate component may pose inhalation risks if dispersed by accident. Though not classified among the most hazardous solvents, it requires labeled containment and secure storage, with rigorous documentation to meet chemical safety regulations.
For customs and international shipment, N-Butyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium Acetate carries an HS Code, typically falling under category 2933.39, “heterocyclic compounds; other nitrogen heterocyclic compounds.” Industry insiders track this classification closely, as it determines tariffs, transport declaration requirements, and compliance with global trade controls on chemicals that could serve multiple uses. Suppliers keep certification documents up to date, knowing that changing regulatory landscapes affect industrial uptake. Proper reporting ensures ease of movement between countries, especially given the rising demand for green solvents.
Greater attention to environmental sustainability raises questions about the lifecycle of specialty ionic liquids like this one. Its low volatility curbs atmospheric release, while biodegradability studies check for breakdown in soil and water. Some findings point to slow degradation, meaning wastewater treatment plants filter or separately incinerate residues. Laboratory technicians planning green processes look at these metrics before scaling up synthesis. Chemical safety officers recommend collecting even dilute solutions and never draining waste directly to sewers. With growing regulatory oversight on hazardous materials, manufacturers disclose not only safety data sheets but also eco-profiles, building trust with clients aiming to meet sustainability goals.
