N-Ethyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide sits among specialized chemicals in the field of ionic liquids. Known by the molecular formula C9H17F2N3O4S2, this substance brings together a pyrrolidinium cation and a bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide anion, forming a salt with unique physical properties. It typically appears either as white or off-white flakes, powder, or sometimes as crystalline pearls. Its molecular weight lands at 351.37 g/mol. This compound is not your everyday solvent — industries and researchers value it in contexts where standard solvents fall short. I have seen the push for innovative battery electrolytes shift to these ionic liquids, with this compound among the top candidates due to remarkable stability and ionic conductivity.
The structure of N-Ethyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide features a five-membered pyrrolidinium ring, substituted with methyl and ethyl groups at the nitrogen, paired with the FSI anion. The FSI anion gives the compound its chemical agility, enabling high ionic mobility and low viscosity compared with other similar salts. Taking the density, it stays around 1.40 g/cm³ at room temperature. Its appearance in laboratory and industrial settings shifts from fine powder to larger, solid crystalline forms and even clear viscous solutions when dissolved in compatible solvents. The HS Code for international transport and identification purposes runs as 2942000000, categorizing it under other organic compounds. These properties and identifiers aren’t just technical details. They decide how the product passes safety checks at borders and what paperwork accompanies each shipment.
I’ve handled N-Ethyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide in multiple phases, depending on the supplier and intended application. In dry powdered or flake form, it requires a tight seal against moisture and contaminants. Shipment as liquid or in solution often comes with precaution against atmospheric water uptake, thanks to its slight hygroscopic tendency. Though it resists most organic solvents, direct water exposure changes the game, potentially altering purity and ionic character. Strong odorless presence adds to the safety benefit since no alarming smell indicates leaks — you’ve got to stay sharp. The bulk density of the powdered form reaches around 0.7–0.8 g/cm³, with some bead-like granules flowing freely unless caked up by humidity. Laboratory teams often prepare solutions up to 1 mol/L for use in non-aqueous electrochemical studies, mixing this salt in solvents like acetonitrile or propylene carbonate to realize high-conductivity electrolyte systems.
Research into next-generation batteries has drawn a lot of attention to ionic liquids like this one, with much of the buzz focused on its thermal stability, low flammability, and reliability at high voltages. You do away with the risk of rapid evaporation and catastrophic fires — unlike the traditional carbonate-based electrolyte systems. N-Ethyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide resists thermal degradation up to 200°C, with negligible vapor pressure, vastly reducing the explosion and fire fears found in volatile organic solvents. Its electrical conductivity in solution can approach or surpass 10 mS/cm, paving the way for fast ion transport critical in modern battery chemistries, especially lithium-ion and sodium-ion platforms. I’ve seen studies showing it maintains stability under charge and discharge cycles, producing less toxic decomposition compared to other imide salts.
Safety isn’t just a checkbox issue in the chemical world. This compound comes with its own risks and required handling protocols. It avoids classification as a highly hazardous substance, yet contact with skin or inhalation of dust from its powder form still causes irritation and sensitivity in exposed individuals. Prolonged exposure or accidental ingestion in large doses warrants medical attention. It does not present immediate risk of explosive decomposition under standard use, but in the presence of moisture or strong acids, it can form hazardous byproducts that demand extra engineering controls. Waste disposal aligns with that of other non-halogenated organic materials: incinerate at high temperature in licensed facilities, minimize entry into watercourses, and recycle packaging to limit environmental impact. I’ve always relied on chemical safety data sheets, keeping personal protective equipment close at hand when opening new deliveries or measuring quantities for lab batches.
N-Ethyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide stands tall as a powerful raw material in electrochemical energy storage, acting as a supporting salt in advanced lithium battery technologies, supercapacitors, and as a carrier ion in nonaqueous redox flow battery systems. It doesn’t act just as a medium; it often enhances the thermal window and permits wider voltage ranges for electrochemical devices. Some researchers also tap this compound to boost the ionic conductivity of other organic solvents, especially where systems operate outside standard temperature settings. Engineers crafting specialty lubricants for electronics and high-vacuum pumps occasionally use it to minimize residue and maximize operational life. The property mix — high ionic mobility, chemical stability, and low flammability — keeps demand steady as next-gen electronic devices and electric vehicle batteries push for better, safer, longer-lasting components.
Production costs of N-Ethyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide remain higher than those of classic solvents, partly due to the limited supply chains for critical raw materials and the complexity of synthetic pathways. Purity standards for battery-grade material force suppliers to invest in extra filtration and drying steps, which trickle down to the final price. This slow adoption in mass-market goods remains a stumbling block. Some teams are working on cheaper, greener routes using bio-based raw materials and optimized synthesis cycles. Regulations continue to tighten, especially on raw chemical import/export, storage, and end-of-life disposal. Proper training and robust risk assessments still top the list of safeguards. With the push for less toxic, more sustainable, and ever-safer alternatives, these ionic liquids offer more promise than pitfalls if the industry keeps investing in safer processes and broader recycling strategies. My experience tells me the future of many advanced batteries and next-level electronics will run through salt chemistries just like this one, rewarding those who stay sharp about safety, cost, and innovation.
