N-Butylimidazolium dihydrogen phosphate is a chemical compound that brings together the imidazolium cation with a dihydrogen phosphate anion. This pairing creates a substance that belongs to the family of ionic liquids. These materials usually present low melting points and unusual thermal properties. Their popularity keeps rising in both research and industry settings. As someone who has studied solvent systems extensively, I can appreciate how compounds like this set a new standard for stability and versatility, especially in applications that require a mixture of safety, performance, and adaptability.
You will find N-butylimidazolium dihydrogen phosphate available as a clear to slightly yellowish liquid, a crystalline powder, or even flakes depending on the handling and storage environment. This compound remains stable under standard laboratory conditions, and its physical form—whether that's small pearls, dense powder, or thick liquid—often depends on temperature and purity. With a molecular formula of C7H15N2O4P and a molecular weight near 222.18 g/mol, it offers excellent solubility in water and organic solvents, enabling broader handling across chemical settings. Density hovers around 1.2 g/cm³ close to room temperature. Experience shows that the liquid’s viscosity, along with its ionic nature, earns it a spot in demanding processes where both flow and charge transport matter.
Dive deeper, and the chemical structure shows an imidazolium ring bonded to a butyl group, forming the cation, linked by an ionic bond to the dihydrogen phosphate anion. This configuration supports thermal and chemical stability, which is why researchers often recommend this material for use in catalysis, advanced separations, and electrochemical platforms. My background in synthetic chemistry taught me that handling phosphates always requires careful attention to reactivity and compatibility with other substances, and N-butylimidazolium dihydrogen phosphate is no exception. Its strong hydrogen bonding and unique structural interactions with a range of organic and inorganic compounds only increase its versatility.
Purity makes a huge difference here. Typical commercial samples specify purity levels above 98%, which makes sense if you want reliable and repeatable results in laboratory syntheses or industrial production. Impurities might skew chemical behavior, so it's not worth cutting corners. Specifications usually include moisture content, pH measurements for aqueous solutions, and limits on heavy metal content. It stores well in tightly sealed containers, away from sources of strong oxidizers. Whether poured as a liquid or packed as a solid, handling this material doesn’t demand specialized equipment, but gloves, goggles, and standard PPE always remain a must for laboratory or bulk situations. It's also important to note that the HS Code for N-butylimidazolium dihydrogen phosphate sits under 2933.99, covering heterocyclic compounds, which ensures straightforward logistics and regulatory compliance across borders.
Chemists and engineers see value in this compound as a solvent, catalyst, or electrolyte in electrochemical cells. In my experience, ionic liquids like this play a crucial role in green chemistry solutions. Their low volatility and chemical resilience make them attractive replacements for traditional volatile organic solvents, especially in sensitive synthesis schemes or extraction processes. Energy storage research leans on this family of chemicals for their ionic conductance and long-lasting stability. It’s also worth mentioning that when substances like this go into raw materials production, especially in pharmaceuticals or analytical laboratories, the consistent quality of N-butylimidazolium dihydrogen phosphate helps maintain batch-to-batch reliability and keeps process troubleshooting down to a minimum.
While the material does not emit hazardous solvents or foul vapors in normal use, it remains a chemical that needs respect. Toxicological data points to low acute toxicity, and the phosphate group brings a degree of environmental persistence, which underlines the need for responsible disposal. As with many ionic liquids, persistent exposure or releases into the aquatic environment could create problems over time. Waste material and solutions containing N-butylimidazolium dihydrogen phosphate should go into designated chemical waste streams. Handling recommendations from regulatory bodies suggest minimizing direct skin or eye contact, and any spillage ought to be contained and cleaned up using standard absorbents. In terms of raw material sourcing, proper documentation and trusted vendors ensure the supply chain remains both safe and transparent, supporting both compliance and worker safety.
Operational risks come from improper storage, unsealed containers, or accidental mixing with incompatible substances like strong bases or oxidizers. From my own work, tight inventory management, regular training on chemical hygiene, and good record-keeping stop most problems before they start. Facilities that use this chemical in larger quantities might also set up secondary containment, spill response stations, and ventilation controls. As the adoption of green chemistry grows, further environmental impact research can lead to even safer handling recommendations or new formulas with improved degradability. Collaboration between suppliers, users, and regulators helps close the information gap and addresses the unique challenges that come with introducing any new raw material into a process stream.
