N-Butylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate fills a crucial spot in the world of ionic liquids. This chemical, built on the foundation of the imidazolium ring and tied to a butyl group, joins with a tetrafluoroborate anion to pack a punch in chemical processing and advanced material science. Chemists know the formula as C7H15BF4N2, and the compound comes in more than one form—powder, clear liquid, sometimes with a pearly sheen, or as chunky flakes or tiny crystals, depending on how it’s stored and handled. This flexibility goes beyond appearance. The structure unlocks a long list of handy properties that traditional solvents can’t match, thanks to the stability from the fluoroborate part and the organic twist from the butyl group.
The physical nature of N-Butylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate gets attention for practical reasons. In my experience with chemical handling, its average density ranges from 1.15 to 1.25 g/cm3 at room temperature, putting it in the range of many popular ionic liquids. Whether you’re looking at a clear, slightly viscous liquid or solid at lower temperatures, its ability to shift between forms stands out—this ensures ease of measurement and transfer by volume or by mass, whether in liters, grams, or kilograms. It holds a melting point typically under 20°C and doesn’t ignite easily, which sets it apart from volatile organic solvents that can catch fire at the drop of a match. Its molecular structure holds tightly to its non-volatile and non-flammable badge, reducing both workplace hazards and long-term health risks for handlers.
This compound owes its broad use to the pairing of the butyl-substituted imidazolium cation with the robust tetrafluoroborate anion. The molecular layout means fewer surprises when it interacts with sensitive compounds. Every industry, from pharmaceuticals to energy storage, finds it valuable for its ability to dissolve a wide range of organic and inorganic materials—a testament to the tailored charge balance between its ions. In synthesis or catalysis, it offers a stable platform that resists oxidation and hydrolysis, even under tough conditions. From my years on the floor in chemical labs, its use in electrochemical devices and synthesis reactions feels like a natural step forward, since tradition-bound organic solvents brought their share of safety and stability headaches.
Anyone sourcing chemicals pays close attention to specification sheets, and N-Butylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate doesn’t disappoint. Purity often clocks in above 98%, which answers the call for reproducibility in both research and scaled manufacturing. Typical batches come as colorless to pale yellow solids or liquids, sometimes packaged as loose powder, small pearls, or compact flakes for easier weighing—helpful when every microgram matters. Its specific gravity, refractive index, water content, and particle size all get detailed, because real-world projects demand clear numbers. The HS Code for customs and shipping is 2933299090, making global movement smoother for manufacturers and labs alike.
N-Butylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate walks a careful line when it comes to safety. It doesn’t burst into flames or release toxic gas at room temperature, putting it on the safer side of the chemical spectrum compared to volatile organic compounds like benzene or diethyl ether. That said, I’ve seen some operators forget basic protection: gloves, goggles, thorough ventilation. The substance may irritate skin, eyes, or airways with careless handling. A good practice is to keep it sealed airtight and stored away from direct sunlight and moisture—water can break down the tetrafluoroborate part and unleash tricky byproducts like hydrogen fluoride. In my lab work, routine monitoring and regular staff briefings keep minor incidents from turning into medical emergencies. MSDS sheets, detailed labeling, and stay-safe protocols prove their worth time and again.
Raw material integrity drives every step in the specialty chemicals supply chain. I’ve worked with purchasing teams that chase consistent quality and transparency, and vendors who get this product from certified sources usually offer solid certificates of analysis. Knowing it meets regulatory and quality standards lets companies build more reliable processes, lower waste, and even cut costs over the long haul. The usefulness of N-Butylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate cascades into catalysis, metal processing, and separation tech—none of which can afford surprises from subpar raw materials. Knowing the density, particle size, and purity at the time of delivery saves downstream headaches and backs traceability.
Traditional organic solvents once stood without rivals, but their flammability, toxicity, and environmental toll pushed scientists to hunt for replacements. N-Butylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate appears as a compelling answer, given its low volatility and customizable nature. For safer laboratories and greener tech, facilities begin by swapping out volatile solvents in favor of ionic liquids like this one. My own teams shifted protocol over the last decade, and saw not only fewer accidents but also a stronger case for process efficiency. Challenges do creep in with disposal or recycling, though. Some forms break down under strong acid or base, which means careful planning at end-of-life. Research into closed-loop recycling, stricter hazard communication, and improved training all move the needle in the right direction—giving this material a solid shot at lasting importance in advanced chemistry and manufacturing.
