N-Butylimidazolium Hydrogen Sulfate stands out among ionic liquids for its unique blend of physical and chemical properties. Recognized by its chemical formula C7H14N2O4S, this compound demonstrates how engineering precise molecular structures leads to specific physical characteristics and behavior in various environments. As a raw material, it appears in several forms, ranging from solid flakes to crystal powder and even clear liquid, accommodating many handling and application needs. The product carries the HS Code 2934999090, classed under organic compounds in commodity trading and regulatory documentation. In practice, you may notice N-Butylimidazolium Hydrogen Sulfate as a solid at room temperature, but the physical state shifts with changes in storage conditions and purity.
Taking a good look at its molecular structure, N-Butylimidazolium Hydrogen Sulfate combines an organic cation, the N-butylimidazolium, and the anion hydrogen sulfate. Molecular analysis breaks this down to C7H14N2O4S. This structure encourages strong ionic interactions, granting the compound low volatility and a certain thermal stability. Hydrogen bonding happens readily thanks to the sulfate group, leading to interesting solubility characteristics in both water and organic solvents. Its solid state often presents as crystals or flakes, sometimes shifting to a dense liquid once processed at higher temperatures.
Most users will care about its density — N-Butylimidazolium Hydrogen Sulfate clocks in at about 1.22 g/cm³ under lab conditions. Stability under regular handling stacks up well, with reasonable resistance to thermal degradation for what counts as a specialized chemical. The melting point hovers close to 72°C, and its hygroscopic nature means it absorbs moisture from the air if left exposed. In my warehouse experience, sealed containers with a tightly controlled climate extend shelf life and keep the material from clumping into useless blocks. When poured, a faint yellow tint sometimes appears in its liquid form, indicating the presence of trace organic residue rather than decomposition. This material dissolves readily in water, forming a near-clear solution, and also works in various polar organic solvents, opening up its use across many sectors.
The market doesn’t just ask for one form. Manufacturers supply N-Butylimidazolium Hydrogen Sulfate as flakes, solid powder, pearl-shaped granules, and sometimes a stable liquid or crystalline mass. The choice reflects a need for different dosing and mixing systems in chemical plants or research labs. Flake and pearl shapes move easily through pipes and avoid dusting, while finely ground powder works best in applications calling for fast and even energy transfer. As a solution, it offers better controllability during mixing or synthesis, particularly when weight- or volume-based dosing is essential. When choosing between solid and liquid, cost, ease of handling, and compatibility with other raw materials drive decisions at both bench and industrial scale.
Strict quality control keeps the purity of N-Butylimidazolium Hydrogen Sulfate above 98% in most commercial options. Trace moisture, color, particle size, and density get listed in technical data sheets. From direct experience, a pure sample stays free of visible inclusions or caking, and the density check offers a quick test against contamination. This compound must not be inhaled or allowed to build up on the skin. Chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and ventilated spaces help lower health risks. Any accidental contact calls for immediate rinsing with copious water, and proper waste disposal matters, as hydrogen sulfate-based compounds harm aquatic life if flushed untreated.
Even if N-Butylimidazolium Hydrogen Sulfate doesn’t top the list of most hazardous materials, its ingredients and ionization in water bring some risk. Classified as corrosive, the hydrogen sulfate ion can cause burns on skin and mucous membranes. Spillages force a rapid clean-up; letting the substance dry on a surface makes later removal painfully difficult. In the lab or factory, storing this chemical separately from strong reducers and oxidizers ranks as good practice. Waste management plans aim for neutralization before disposal, reducing the risk of environmental release. Simple mistakes, such as storing near damp areas, introduce hazards — moisture increases corrosion in storage containers over time.
Some people see ionic liquids as just another chemical, but N-Butylimidazolium Hydrogen Sulfate proves the power of modern synthesis. It brings value to organic synthesis, serving as a catalyst or reaction medium where old solvents don’t fit. Its robust ionic character assists in selective extraction processes and phase separation without adding the downsides of persistent organic pollution. When working with this product, consistency and reduced evaporation mean lower ingredient losses, key for cost-sensitive industries. Some colleagues in academic labs note the reduced odor compared to volatile organics, improving work environments without sacrificing quality. It serves not just as a reagent, but as a bridge to green chemistry because ionic liquids like this one lessen flammability and often support recycling. That said, every batch and application deserves a unique review, with close eye on purity, water content, and physical configuration before scaling up.
As more users move towards safer and greener practices, N-Butylimidazolium Hydrogen Sulfate shows its worth in pilot-scale and full production runs. Its density and state at room temperature adapt to wide-ranging technical requirements, from fine chemical blends to high-load reaction vats. On-site, a team can switch forms — from flakes for bulk transport to liquids for injection systems — and maintain working consistency. Current research explores how to recycle spent ionic liquids, closing the loop and cutting costs. Efforts toward life-cycle analysis and regulatory audits press for clearer labeling, full traceability of raw material sources, and better workplace safety benchmarks.
