N-Butyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium Tetrafluoroborate stands out as an ionic liquid, a compound getting real attention in fields demanding unique chemical stability and versatile handling. Chemically described with the formula C9H20BF4N, this salt emerges from combining a butyl-methyl-pyrrolidinium cation and a tetrafluoroborate anion. Every lab that needs improved chemical resistance tends to keep this material in stock for its impressive balance between performance and manageability. The HS Code typically links to 2934999099, sitting under “Other Heterocyclic Compounds,” which helps importers classify the product globally, reducing confusion at trade points.
Walking through the physical side, N-Butyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium Tetrafluoroborate presents in several forms: clear liquid, off-white powder, semi-transparent flakes, pearls, and even small crystals, depending on purity and storage. The touch and observation often reveal a glassy or slightly oily surface for the liquid, while the solid feels waxy, easy to transfer between containers, which cuts down spillage. Its crystal structure reflects the regular arrangement that keeps the ions apart but lets them move easily when subjected to voltage, which is part of the charm for battery and electrochemical fields. Lab instruments peg the density around 1.07–1.12 g/cm³ at room temperature, which is significant; it sinks in water-fast solutions but is still light enough for practical handling.
This material’s composition features a large organic cation paired with a robust inorganic anion. Looking at its structure, the pyrrolidinium core brings stability against oxidation and hydrolysis, which feels important based on the kind of abuses some industrial processes inflict. The molecular formula, C9H20BF4N, means the carbon backbone doesn’t get swept away easily in most chemical environments or at elevated temperatures—the precise molecular weight rests at about 241.07 g/mol. This all combines to give it a standout chemical window, serving as a reliable solvent for both organic and inorganic reactions, including those pushing limits in battery cell chemistry or specialty catalysis.
The marketplace supplies N-Butyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium Tetrafluoroborate in a variety of grades, each offering a specific use-case value. Technical grade suffices for bulk processes, while research-grade demands higher purity and transparency (often verified via NMR, HPLC, or FTIR). Packaging runs from 100 mL sample bottles to 20-liter drums, but care with sealing proves essential, as moisture triggers unwanted side reactions over time. Typical concentrations for solutions in solvents like acetonitrile, propylene carbonate, or water run from 0.1 M to 1.0 M, balancing ionic strength without clouding or precipitation. In larger applications, powders and flakes pour cleanly, creating easy flow in automated manufacturing lines—something experienced packagers prioritize to keep processes running without blockages.
The material’s use as a specialized solution pivots on purity and water content, especially for battery electrolyte labs hunting tiny improvements on cycle stability. Electrolytic baths take 0.5 to 3 liters per experiment, depending on the cell design; scale-ups for pilot runs draw from 10-liter containers. Raw material sourcing tests a supplier’s reliability, and I’ve learned to review certificates of analysis to avoid surprises when scaling up, since batch-to-batch consistency can change outcomes during testing. Reliable raw sources often tap trusted fluorine chemistry partners for boron feedstocks, and organic synthesis labs handle the alkylation step for the cation, an aspect that showcases tight supply chain discipline.
Handling this compound in the lab means respecting its intricate safety profile. Unlike volatile organic solvents, N-Butyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium Tetrafluoroborate emits a very faint odor, practically eliminating inhalation risks for casual exposure. Gloves remain non-negotiable because repeated skin contact can irritate or cause dermatitis, especially if the moisture content is high. Its main hazard links to the fluoroborate anion, which can degrade under strong acids or heat, releasing boron trifluoride—a potent irritant requiring robust ventilation. Disposal of used material demands incineration with afterburners or high-efficiency wet scrubbers to trap fluorine emissions, as untreated release would break environmental guidelines. Material safety data sheets suggest treating any spills by absorbing into inert sand and disposing via certified chemical waste streams, steps I’ve seen enforced even in smaller academic labs. It’s never entered widespread consumer markets for a good reason: both cost and toxicity call for professional oversight at each stage.
Having built batteries and tested specialty electrolytes on the bench, I’ve seen how this salt’s unique properties let engineers push designs farther. The low vapor pressure takes the edge off fire risks, which gains trust in automotive and grid energy labs. Higher thermal stability keeps processes predictable above 100°C, making it an appealing alternative to old-guard alkyl carbonates. Its ability to dissolve a spectrum of organic and inorganic compounds widens the experimental toolkit, supporting advances in dye-sensitized solar cells, aluminum battery prototypes, and green catalysis. Limits on cost, purity, and recyclability remain real barriers, with future solutions grounded in refining synthesis and purification. Collaborative projects now focus on closed-loop systems and new ligands to recover spent ionic liquids at scale—if that work bears fruit, downstream users from chemical processing to renewable energy manufacturing will gain both efficiency and environmental relief without needing to compromise on performance or worker safety.
