N-Ethyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium Tetrafluoroborate stands out in the chemical world as a salt crafted by joining the N-Ethyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium cation with the Tetrafluoroborate anion. Its molecular formula is C7H16BF4N, with a molecular weight of 217.01 g/mol. This compound straddles the line between solid and liquid forms, bringing flexibility to lab benches and industrial floors alike. You’ll see it described as crystalline, flake, powder, pearl, or sometimes as a thick liquid depending on temperature and purity tweaks. Its HS Code is 2934999099, critical for clarity during shipping, customs checks, and import/export paperwork.
From my days in the lab, it’s common to spot this salt as off-white to pale crystals, sometimes forming flaky or powdery aggregates. These physical forms aren’t just about aesthetics — they dictate storage needs, ease of weighing, and how quickly the product dissolves or mixes. Its density hovers around 1.16 to 1.18 g/cm³, which sets it apart from many classic ionic salts. The property translates to less volume per given mass during material transfers and practical handling in bulk containers. The compound often comes supplied in tightly sealed jars or industrial drums, the form specified based on downstream processes such as battery electrolyte mixing, research-scale syntheses, or pilot-plant scale testing.
Back in my university chemistry days, the standout feature was its stability. N-Ethyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium Tetrafluoroborate resists hydrolysis, clinging to its structure under humid conditions. A short exposure to air doesn’t trigger decomposition or a drop in effectiveness, which makes storage much easier compared to highly hygroscopic salts. Yet, its chemical properties go beyond stability. Its ionic nature, paired with the tetrafluoroborate anion, makes it a favorite in electrochemical applications, including as a raw material for advanced battery electrolytes. The melting point usually sits between 60–90°C based on exact sample, with pure crystals melting reliably and giving off no obvious odor — a small but practical blessing in busy laboratories.
Specifications stretch beyond visual state or density. Major buyers and technologists demand detailed certificates showing purity (most samples exceed 99%), moisture content, and loss on drying — small details that make or break sensitive industrial recipes. As a chemical material, N-Ethyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium Tetrafluoroborate earns a reputation for comparative safety among ionic liquids, though it shouldn’t be mistaken for nontoxic. Researchers recognize it as harmful if ingested or if it seeps into open wounds. Standard procedures call for gloves, goggles, and well-ventilated spaces during handling. On a hazardous chemicals list, it doesn’t trigger red flags like bulk acids or peroxides, but respectful caution remains wise due to uncertain effects with chronic exposure or in mishandled spills. It remains chemically stable under ordinary lab use, yet like most tetrafluoroborates, it reacts unfavorably with strong acids or strong bases, releasing toxic gases if mishandled. Disposal follows local hazardous waste protocols.
This salt finds a home in advanced material fabrication. Electrochemistry outfits use it as an ionic conductor, seeing reliable performance in lithium-ion battery research where reliable conductivity and high electrochemical stability matter. A few specialty solvent makers add it to blends, capitalizing on the salt’s wide liquid range and chemical inertia. In my work alongside battery startups, its presence in the electrolyte solution marks a step toward safer, longer-lasting rechargeable cells. Bulk buyers want assurance that material meets lab-tested specifications, and intermediaries prefer it in solid crystal or powder form for direct weighing. A batch’s density influences how many liters or kilograms ship per drum, with solid and pearl forms suiting precision bottling or automated feed systems for continuous reactors. Wherever it travels, its shipment is carefully documented under the HS Code to avoid regulatory headaches or lost inventory throughout transit.
Chemical buyers and R&D managers weigh both benefits and pitfalls. The raw material cost sits higher than basic salts, but no other commonly available substance matches its stability-to-performance ratio in ionic liquid and energy storage roles. As the chemical industry faces pressure around safe material handling and minimizing harm, producers need clear labeling, reliable safety data sheets, and robust packaging with easy-to-read information about density, form, and batch number. Tighter supply chains, led by transparent tracking tied to HS Codes, enable faster response in case of incident, recall, or regulation changes. Bridging lab and factory settings, N-Ethyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium Tetrafluoroborate, while not without risks, retains its spot as a valued niche raw material, warranting careful handling and thoughtful, experience-led use for the decade ahead.
