N-Ethylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate stands out as an ionic liquid used in laboratories and industries exploring electrochemistry and organic synthesis. The compound appears with a molecular formula of C5H9BF4N2 and a molecular weight of around 200.95 g/mol. People often encounter it in forms like white or off-white solid flakes, fine powders, shiny crystals, translucent pearls, and sometimes as a viscous liquid. These physical forms depend on purity and storage conditions. Though at room temperature, solid state dominates, prolonged exposure to air or moisture can clump powder into larger masses or affect the crystal integrity.
Looking at its structure, N-Ethylimidazolium rings attach to a tetrafluoroborate anion, giving it remarkable stability and resistance to hydrolysis under normal conditions. The molecular geometry lets it dissolve readily in polar solvents like water, ethanol, and methanol, forming clear solutions. Density settles close to 1.23 g/cm³ at 25°C, an important detail when it comes to dosing or blending with other materials. You find it with a melting point between 65°C and 80°C, though impurity traces can cause minor shifts. Unlike traditional salts, this material carries very low volatility and almost no vapor pressure at standard conditions, so it does not evaporate or sublimate in laboratory environments.
On supply chain documents and customs paperwork, the HS Code usually classifies it under 2933.99 for heterocyclic compounds. This detail helps smooth import and export processes or regulatory checks. The chemical accepts and donates electrons with ease, making it valued in electroplating, battery electrolytes, and as a solvent for challenging organic reactions. In my experience working with bench chemists, people mention its role in dissolving salts that refuse to dissolve in standard organic or aqueous systems. Its ionic nature cuts down on flammability concerns—so warehouse managers don’t jump through the same hoops as with volatile organic solvents.
The compound carries some risks, which everyone in the chemical chain—from suppliers to technicians—should know. Direct skin or eye contact may lead to irritation, so gloves and splash-protective eyewear remain a smart choice. Dust from solid forms can travel, leading to throat or nose discomfort, especially in poorly ventilated labs. Official hazardous material sheets list it as an irritant, but it doesn’t show acute toxicity at levels seen in routine handling. Even so, strong oxidizers may trigger reactions, so storage away from active chemicals matters. Disposal in municipal drains or trash doesn’t cut it; you need hazardous waste bins and chemical effluent controls. Researchers dealing with mutagenic or chronic exposure concerns sometimes avoid this material solely for risk reduction, especially during long experimental campaigns.
Manufacturers produce N-Ethylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate from ethylimidazole and fluorinated borate sources, keeping careful watch over purity and residual moisture. Moisture causes hydrolysis of the borate anion, generating corrosive byproducts. During personal visits to synthesis labs, I noticed extra silica gel, vacuum-sealed packaging, and batch logs since shelf-life losses can add cost. Bulk shipments take the form of 25-kilogram drums, while specialty glass ampoules or polyethylene jars cover small amounts used for research or experiments requiring precise dosing. Some battery and capacitor engineers mention that they value the raw material purity because trace metals or ions introduce inefficiency in energy storage devices.
The compound dissolves completely in water to make clear, conductive solutions. Chemists rely on this feature while building ionic liquids with customized conductivity and thermal stability. The high density and viscosity compared to water present benefits in purification or chromatography applications, where layering or gradient mixing matters. From experience, analytical labs often scan for tetrafluoroborate by ion chromatography or NMR, tracking purity to ensure end-products meet published specs. Its colorless or slightly yellow-tinted solutions make it easy to spot contamination or decomposition during storage or application.
N-Ethylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate extends beyond chemistry research; it’s becoming a raw material of choice for green chemistry, electrode design, and catalysis. People pushing into energy storage crave higher ionic conductivities and longer life cycles—needs met by the stability and low volatility here. Main challenges stick to safe storage, purity fluctuations, and regulatory navigation due to hazardous codes and import restrictions. To tackle these, robust training, well-documented storage procedures, and upstream supplier audits play a major role. Certification programs for handlers and partnership with reputable chemical vendors will reduce exposure risks and ensure a reliable product that matches published property data.
| Property | Data |
|---|---|
| Name | N-Ethylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate |
| Molecular Formula | C5H9BF4N2 |
| Molecular Weight | 200.95 g/mol |
| Physical Forms | Solid flakes, powder, pearls, crystal, liquid (less common) |
| Density | ~1.23 g/cm³ @ 25°C |
| Melting Point | 65°C - 80°C |
| Solubility | Completely soluble in polar solvents |
| HS Code | 2933.99 |
| Safety Hazards | Irritant, not acutely toxic, avoid skin/eye contact |
| Raw Material Use | Synthesis, electrochemistry, green chemistry, catalysis |
Genuine adoption hinges on demand from research and energy sectors. My contact with battery startups in Northern Europe highlights the importance of imported N-Ethylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate in high-performance electrolyte formulations. In academic settings, researchers shift to these salts for experiments demanding precise control of ionic strength and minimal water content. Industry benchmarks, certification, and training programs build trust, but real improvement comes from conversations between chemists, warehouse staff, regulatory officers, and purchasing managers. Buyers ask for verified purity data, reliable transport, and clear hazard communication. This hands-on engagement ensures the compound brings value without unexpected incidents or supply interruptions.
