N-Butyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide, often recognized by its molecular formula C9H19F2N3O4S2, stands out among ionic liquids for its distinct combination of chemical stability and conductivity. Built upon a pyrrolidinium core with butyl and methyl substitutions, this compound features a highly delocalized imide anion with strong electron-withdrawing fluorosulfonyl groups. In the world of advanced materials, its unique architecture results in not just chemical inertia but also a wide electrochemical window and low volatility, factors central to its adoption in next-generation electrolyte systems. Its HS Code, a checkpoint for international trade and customs, commonly appears as 2924.29.90, denoting it under nitrogen-function organic compounds. The identification and awareness of such specific codes do more than facilitate trade—they help ensure regulatory compliance across jurisdictions and streamline procurement for research, manufacturing, or industrial needs. Anyone working with sensitive supply chains comes to appreciate the practical role of such raw material specificity.
The fascinating side of N-Butyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide comes through during hands-on work with the material. Room temperature yields a pale, viscous liquid for most standard samples, though slight temperature shifts or residual moisture sometimes bring out a crystalline or pearl-like solid. Crystals form slowly from high-purity samples, appearing as colorless or faintly yellow flakes or powder. On the density front, this compound typically measures up around 1.30 g/cm³ at ambient laboratory conditions. Anyone handling larger volumes quickly gets accustomed to its oily sensation—a result of low surface tension—and its moderate hygroscopicity, reminding users to store it in tightly sealed containers to maintain consistency and purity. Whether poured from a bottle or formed as fine granules, this ionic liquid resists aggressive corrosion, dissolves a broad spectrum of salts, and fits solvent roles in batteries and electrochemical devices.
The backbone of N-Butyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium cation aligns comfortably with stability, and the bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide anion offers exceptional chemical resistance. Chemists who dig into its molecular details recognize two sulfonyl (SO2) groups, each tethered to a central nitrogen, blanketed by fluorine atoms, which bolster not just the compound’s hydrophobicity but also shield the anion from nucleophilic attack. This resilience translates into broad compatibility with lithium salts, forming stable, non-volatile solutions in laboratory and commercial electrolytes. The interplay between the butyl and methyl arms and the imide anion tunes the compound’s melting point, usually just below room temperature. This flexibility in physical form means users can adapt it as needed for custom solvent systems, conductive liquids, or as additives in polymer electrolytes—a reason energy storage researchers gravitate towards its use in lithium-ion and sodium-ion experiments.
Energy storage drives demand for N-Butyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide, especially as the push for safer, non-flammable electrolytes grows. Lithium battery designers value the wide electrochemical window, stable ion solvation, and resistance to forming hazardous decomposition gases under abuse conditions. Electroplating specialists working under cleanroom protocols have also come to rely on its consistently high purity (>99%) for precision coatings and the creation of metal layers with fine granularity. In academic circles, the compound serves as a vital research material due to its clean redox response, which supports advanced spectroscopic and electroanalytical studies. The versatility extends even further, covering roles as an antistatic agent, heat transfer medium, or fluorine source in certain synthesis pathways. Sourcing high-grade raw materials for this compound keeps production dependable, and responsible suppliers document impurity profiles, ensuring chemical traceability and environmental compliance at every stage.
Anyone familiar with chemical safety takes care with N-Butyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide. The substance, though less volatile than many predecessors in electrolyte research, shows inherent chemical hazards typical of sulfur-nitrogen-organofluorine compounds. Its Manufacturing Safety Data Sheets report potential for eye and skin irritation, stressing the solid need for goggles, gloves, and ventilation in any setting. Spills on the lab bench leave an oily film requiring immediate clean-up, as repeated skin contact or inhalation of fine powder can lead to acute symptoms. Thermal decomposition, although seldom encountered under correct storage, leads to fluorinated byproducts and corrosive sulfur compounds, making fume hoods essential during heating. The environmental profile demands attention too, since accidental releases endanger aquatic life and can persist due to fluorine content. Seasoned chemists, production staff, and logistics managers respect its hazardous classification, strictly controlling its transit under regulations such as IATA, IMDG, and REACH.
Years spent troubleshooting electrolyte formulations reinforce the vital role of clarity in sourcing, storage, and chemical compatibility. I recall testing N-Butyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide as an additive in a prototype battery lab session: even small changes in raw material purity changed conductivity and thermal stability, impacting both test results and the long-term safety outlook for scaled-up products. Direct experience with the dense, slightly oily liquid taught me to value redundancy in storage precautions and meticulous labeling. Knowledge of the underlying molecular geometry helped the lab team predict when crystals might form, and experience showed that mechanical agitation—using magnetic stirrers—smoothed dissolution and integration into working solutions. Working with this material reminds me that the jump from laboratory curiosity to industrial staple depends on routine rigor: never assuming safety, always demanding transparency from suppliers, and continually checking on environmental impact. This hands-on engagement ensures future uses remain beneficial and responsible, addressing the continuous demand for reliable, high-performance, and safer materials in both research and commercial domains.
