N-Ethyl Pyridinium Bis(Trifluoromethyl Sulfonyl)Imide draws attention as a chemical compound packing unique features rooted in both its molecular structure and its function as a raw material. Its formula, C9H11F6N2O4S2, strikes a balance between usability and specialization, giving it a role in settings where advanced ionic liquids matter. This compound goes by several names in academic and industrial circles, but its structure always links a N-ethyl pyridinium cation with the bis(trifluoromethyl sulfonyl)imide anion. The resulting salt packs features that engineers and researchers hunt for, blending a high level of thermal stability with strong ionic conductivity.
This material does not fit into just one box—people see it sold as solid flakes, fine powder, ombré pearls, and sometimes as a dense crystalline solid. While large-scale users might seek out the compound in bulk, specialty labs value the finer powders or even its dissolved forms for advanced synthesis work. Density plays an important role here: in the solid state, it tops out near 1.4 to 1.5 g/cm³, a mark that stands higher than many simple salts. Material scientists who weigh out samples often remark on the steadfast feel in the hand and its almost greasy sheen, a sign of its distinct chemical structure and the consistency that comes with strong inter-molecular attraction driven by the trifluoromethyl groups.
Differences in physical character arise straight from the way the molecules align and pack. In the lab, those who try to dissolve it in a polar solvent are quick to notice its quick and even solubility, a trait essential for anyone crafting an ionic liquid or electrolyte. In some climates and depending on purity, the compound’s solid form can even pull water from the air, which makes dry storage a necessity if purity matters at the molecular level.
At the heart of the compound, the N-ethyl pyridinium ring binds to the robust bis(trifluoromethyl sulfonyl)imide counter-ion. Industrial scale manufacturers usually maintain high standards around moisture content, residual solvents, and purity (manufacturers typically cite greater than 99%) to suit sensitive applications. The compound melts at elevated temperatures—often above 90°C—but stays stable in ambient storage if kept free of water. Chemists leveraging its electrochemical properties rely on this stability, pushing the compound into uses where lesser salts degrade or break down.
HS Code classification matters whenever a substance crosses borders. This compound appears under Code 2933, which covers heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen hetero-atoms only. Anyone shipping or importing the material needs to stay up to date on customs requirements and local regulations, especially for larger quantities or specialty chemical blends.
Despite its robust thermal and chemical stability, N-Ethyl Pyridinium Bis(Trifluoromethyl Sulfonyl)Imide deserves respect in daily handling. Those in research labs know that while it lacks the outright toxicity of heavy metal salts or strong acids, skin and eye protection remain a must. There’s always some risk with chemicals that show such strong ionicity and affinity for moisture. GHS labeling often lists the compound as hazardous, particularly for long-term exposure, so working under a chemical hood, wearing standard PPE, and storing it in air-tight, non-reactive containers lines up as good practice.
Other physical properties include a relatively high boiling point and low flammability compared to many organic solvents. The compound features negligible vapor pressure at room temperature, so accidental inhalation rarely ranks as the top safety concern. Chronic exposure over months or years, especially to any dust or fine forms, has not been studied fully, and regulatory bodies remind users to limit unnecessary contact as a precaution.
For those in electrochemical engineering, battery research, and advanced synthesis, compounds like N-Ethyl Pyridinium Bis(Trifluoromethyl Sulfonyl)Imide fill gaps no standard raw materials can reach. Its ionic conductivity at wide temperature ranges and its resilience in harsh settings bring value to anyone looking to push the field. Researchers in my own circle have used it to enhance lithium battery electrolytes, reporting fewer break-downs, longer cell life, and a consistent reduction in micro-short circuiting during repeated cycles. That kind of advantage can tip the scales in any application feeding directly into the energy sector or advanced electronics.
At the materials sourcing level, the cost and supply stability of the compound remain challenges. Because the synthesis uses specialty intermediates and purification requires attention to moisture and dust, batches can vary if a supplier cuts corners. Sourcing managers might demand certificates of analysis, full material data sheets, and third-party testing. Teams that overlook this end up with inconsistent results—projects hinge on the reliability of the starting material.
Workplace safety experts stress one simple message: Treat all advanced chemicals with increased awareness, even those that promise high upstream stability. N-Ethyl Pyridinium Bis(Trifluoromethyl Sulfonyl)Imide does not qualify as outright “toxic,” but its strong ionicity and ability to disrupt membranes suggest caution for those handling it in powder or liquid forms. Labs using kilogram quantities for batch synthesis or scale-up work have adopted spill management routines that involve neutral absorbents and ventilation even in relatively mild conditions.
For wider adoption in manufacturing, engineers and safety officers push for automation, dust enclosure systems, and up-to-date training on hazard labels and response protocols. Environmental impact also needs attention—this compound rarely breaks down under normal waste processing, so disposal through solvent-resistant containers and coordination with hazardous materials collection makes sense. Factories and R&D centers often rely on a dedicated chemical waste stream rated for fluorinated materials.
N-Ethyl Pyridinium Bis(Trifluoromethyl Sulfonyl)Imide stands out as a technically advanced material built on high-purity, specialized synthesis. With a molecular formula that includes both a pyridinium cation and a large fluorinated counter-ion, its crystal and solid forms offer stability and usability for next-generation research. The density, physical character, solubility, and safe handling protocols all combine to set it apart from off-the-shelf raw materials. Stakeholders from manufacturing, sourcing, and applied research circles value this combination of advanced chemistry and practical usability. Every decision around form, purity, handling, and disposal has a direct effect not just on experimental results but also on safety and compliance across the supply chain.
