N-Butylimidazolium Trifluoroacetate represents a unique ionic liquid with versatile chemical behavior. As a member of the imidazolium salt family, this compound stands out for its mix of organic and inorganic functional groups. The butyl chain links to an imidazole ring, which meets the trifluoroacetate anion—a marriage that brings together hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties in one molecule. Known by its molecular formula C9H15F3N2O2, N-Butylimidazolium Trifluoroacetate stands as a reliable chemical building block in laboratories and industrial plants.
The structure is characterized by the imidazolium core—an aromatic five-membered ring containing two nitrogen atoms—bonded to a butyl group at one nitrogen, and paired with the trifluoroacetate anion (CF3COO–). With this configuration, the molecular weight lands around 240 to 260 g/mol, depending on the specific isomer and salt formation. Each part of the molecule brings its own properties: the bulky, non-polar butyl side adds solubility in organic phases, while the strongly electronegative trifluoroacetate grips onto cations, stabilizing the ion pair.
N-Butylimidazolium Trifluoroacetate takes multiple shapes depending on storage conditions and purity. Solid forms often show up as white or off-white flakes, crystalline powders, or sometimes as pearl-like granules. At room temperature, many samples remain stable solids, though moisture or higher temperatures can nudge the material toward a viscous liquid or a clear solution. This salt boasts a relatively low melting point, with transitions occurring from 40°C up to about 80°C, signaling its stability and adaptability. A density reading usually falls near 1.3 to 1.4 g/cm³—a testament to its tightly packed ionic lattice. Solubility spreads out generously in many polar solvents, including water, alcohols, and even some organic mixtures, making it a popular choice when researchers want to control solvent polarity.
Factories and labs commonly package N-Butylimidazolium Trifluoroacetate in different grades: technical for industry, and high-purity for research. Flake and powder forms make it easy to measure out accurate weights. Pearls and crystals increase surface area and help the salt dissolve quickly. Liquids and concentrated solutions, usually with set molarities, save time for those mixing large volumes. Each batch gets tracked with a lot number and includes a certificate of analysis listing the formula, purity, melt point, moisture content, residual solvents, and more—lab professionals know chemicals are only as reliable as their documentation.
This compound plays multiple roles. N-Butylimidazolium Trifluoroacetate helps researchers dissolve cellulose and other biomaterials, opening doors in biomass processing. It acts as a mild catalyst and a reaction medium in organic chemistry, especially in substitutions and extractions where classic organic solvents fail. In battery labs, its ionic nature makes it a focus for electrolytes in advanced electrochemical devices, offering high conductivity and thermal stability. When handling precious metals recovery or separation, chemists reach for ionic liquids to improve efficiency—at times, even outperforming conventional reagents. Industrial users appreciate its low volatility, non-flammability, and tunable solubility, which decrease emissions and occupational risks.
For trade and customs, N-Butylimidazolium Trifluoroacetate often falls under HS Code 292529, where similar organic compounds and their salts are regulated. Keeping up with proper HS codes ensures compliance with national and international laws, making it easier to move bulk shipments across borders. If you’re buying or selling, aligning chemical names and documentation to the proper codes keeps transactions transparent and traceable, which is especially important for regulated or hazardous materials.
Solid samples sit comfortably at densities around 1.35 g/cm³, with bulk packaging ranging from small vials for research to kilogram drums for factories. The material can arrive as crystalline flakes, fine powder, or, if supplied as a solution, in sealed bottles and jugs tailored to the type of solvent used. Crystallinity ensures longer shelf life and consistent handling. Exposure to moisture often triggers slight clumping in powder, but this doesn’t impact chemical function—drying under vacuum or using moisture-absorbing agents resets things quickly. Lab technicians and warehouse staff move these containers with care to avoid spills, as the compound dissolves quickly in water.
Like most ionic liquids, N-Butylimidazolium Trifluoroacetate brings a mixed bag of safety considerations. Low volatility reduces the risk of inhalation, but accidental contact with eyes or skin calls for a fast rinse because irritation sometimes occurs. Unlike many organic solvents, it rarely ignites. Yet, material safety data sheets still warn of possible harmful effects if swallowed or absorbed over long periods, pointing to precautionary gear such as gloves and goggles. Waste management requires thoughtful disposal: the trifluoroacetate ion shouldn’t reach streams or soil untreated, since long-lasting fluorinated compounds accumulate in the environment and harm aquatic life. Proper disposal routes include incineration or chemical treatment at certified facilities.
N-Butylimidazolium Trifluoroacetate doesn’t just sit quietly in storage. It reacts gently with weak acids and bases, yet stays stable enough for long shelf life. Sourcing hinges on sustainable supply chains as years of chemical production have highlighted the need for greener routes. Many suppliers now advertise raw materials derived from renewable feedstocks or waste valorization, and those who want to stay ahead of regulation look for suppliers who track and limit environmental impacts. Peer-reviewed studies and process data confirm that well-managed supply chains minimize the risk of contaminants and batch variability, guaranteeing a steady supply for demanding research or manufacturing processes.
Quality should always lead the decision when securing materials like N-Butylimidazolium Trifluoroacetate. I’ve seen projects fail when batches didn’t match certificates, leaving researchers with off-target results and wasted time. Transparent documentation—from MSDS to spectral analyses—keeps everyone in the loop. Reputable manufacturers offer full traceability to raw materials and list process aids, minimizing uncertainty. Labs and firms that audit their suppliers and maintain open channels for feedback usually avoid disruptive surprises. Given the push toward safer workplaces, greener chemistry, and tighter regulations, customers increasingly request environmental and toxicological profiles along with every shipment.
