N-Decylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate belongs to a class of ionic liquids that combine strong chemical stability with unique physical features. Built from an imidazolium ring with a decyl (C10H21) alkyl chain and paired with a tetrafluoroborate (BF4−) anion, this compound stands out with its ability to exist in several forms such as a clear or slightly yellow liquid, solid powder, crystalline flakes, or even fine pearls. Chemical folks have been turning to this salt for work in batteries, green chemistry, and catalysis, taking advantage of its non-volatile, non-flammable nature compared to older organic solvents. People used to worry about the shelf-life or handling headaches with hazardous chemicals, but this material steps in with less odor, a high boiling point, and good chemical resilience.
Built on the back of N-decylimidazole, the molecular formula for N-Decylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate reads C13H25BF4N2. That decyl chain links to the nitrogen atom on the imidazole ring, changing up the nature of the parent salt and dialing up its solubility in organic liquids. The BF4 anion remains tightly paired, giving the molecule both hydrophobic (from the decyl tail) and hydrophilic regions (from the ionic part), which stirs up some unusual behaviors in solution or as a solid. From a chemist’s point of view, this architecture provides opportunities in controlled material synthesis or as a supporting electrolyte.
This salt sits on the scale as a solid or viscous liquid at room temperature, depending on purity and water content. The density often falls around 1.15-1.18 g/cm³ at 25°C—a number that outpaces water but checks in under many mineral salts. Its melting point usually ranges from 40°C to 60°C, and once past that, you’re dealing with a stable, nearly colorless viscous liquid. N-Decylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate resists evaporation, so you won’t get the headaches found with low-molecular-weight solvents. The viscosity tends to be much higher than water, giving it some grip in catalysis and as a medium for reactions. It dissolves well in polar organic solvents—ethyl acetate, acetone, ethanol, and sometimes even water—to various extents, which benefits material blending during research and manufacturing. The surface tension and ability to stabilize metals or organic species makes it attractive for electroplating or as an alternative solvent in specialty chemical work.
Producers offer N-Decylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate as solid crystals, free-flowing powders, larger flakes, or as tiny pearls. Pour a liter of the liquid or pack several kilos of the powder—an order gets filled according to end-use, whether for R&D, catalysis, coating, or electronics. Personally, I’ve handled this in crystal and powder form, where you can weigh it by gram or dissolve it straight into your elected solvent. Researchers or manufacturers pick the physical state that fits their processing, blending, or application systems. The purity, crystal size, and water content shape performance for different processes, so reliable suppliers run tight quality control.
Shipments and imports of N-Decylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate in most countries typically use the HS Code 2933.39, which covers heterocyclic compounds such as imidazole derivatives. This number matters for global sourcing, customs paperwork, and compliance. Tracking and documenting chemical movement stays important, especially for those working with sensitive research projects or using raw materials that reach pharmaceuticals, battery cells, or catalysts. Lawmakers and border agents pay attention to HS Codes for both safety and tariff rules.
From a safety view, N-Decylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate outperforms many volatile solvents—low vapor pressure cuts down airborne risks and fire hazards. But even so, every chemist knows to treat ionic liquids with respect. Spillage can irritate or harm the skin and eyes, especially with prolonged contact, and inhaling its dust during transfer or powdering isn’t good for the lungs. Many safety data sheets classify it as non-flammable and low toxicity, yet gloves, goggles, and well-ventilated spaces should always be used. If handled in bulk, the risk of environmental contamination rises, as the tetrafluoroborate anion carries potential ecological threats—proper waste collection and disposal are required to keep labs and production sites in-the-clear. Anyone planning to scale up use or include this material in commercial blends should check local hazard regulations, as some jurisdictions address ionic liquids differently.
The creation of N-Decylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate relies on N-decylimidazole and a tetrafluoroboric acid or related salts. Labs or industrial settings often synthesize it through a salt metathesis or direct acid-base reaction, followed by careful purification to remove organics, water, and leftover starting chemicals. The price and environmental impact of this material depends on both the quality of the starting imidazole and efficiency of the processing steps. Green chemistry groups spend time investigating improved routes for production—using less solvent, cutting energy use, and reducing waste during synthesis. As the market for ionic liquids grows, demand increases for reliable, greener pathways and higher-purity grades, especially where trace metals or halides can hurt product performance.
Engineers use N-Decylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate in a spread of advanced applications—from solvents in organic synthesis to electrolytes in lithium or sodium batteries, or as additives in coatings and separation processes. The drive for environmentally responsible alternatives to volatile organic solvents draws businesses to ionic liquids, including this one. I’ve seen it help researchers build better catalyst systems, improve separation efficiency, or even play a role in advanced energy storage. The hydrophobic decyl tail helps extract nonpolar organic substances, widening its toolbox in separation science. In batteries, its high thermal stability and ability to dissolve a variety of salts and organic molecules improves shelf life, cycling, and device efficiency, opening up options for safer, longer-lived cells.
Even with all its benefits, using N-Decylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate doesn’t fix every problem. High cost and stricter purity requirements can limit adoption in lower margin products or larger-scale production. The threat of environmental persistence challenges producers to build recycling or degradation protocols that avoid soil or water impacts. Researchers and companies push forward by recycling spent ionic liquids, developing biodegradable analogs, or working with suppliers to certify lower-impact supply chains. Training handlers and boosting tracking during disposal or spills also keeps working conditions safer, helps meet compliance, and prevents accidental release. Cost and eco-footprint will continue to guide policy and research, but the underlying performance advantages of this chemical won’t be easily replaced in demanding applications.
