N-Hexylimidazolium Hydrogen Sulfate belongs to the family of ionic liquids, a class of salts known for their stability and unique phase characteristics at room temperature. This compound features a cation built from the imidazole ring substituted by a hexyl group, paired with the hydrogen sulfate anion. The molecular formula stands as C9H19N2O4S. Its molecular weight measures out at 250.32 g/mol, giving users a practical basis for preparation and handling calculations. Over the last decade, ionic liquids like this one have shown value in catalysis, separation processes, and other green chemistry applications, pushing innovation without bringing excessive risk from volatility or flammability.
On the market, N-Hexylimidazolium Hydrogen Sulfate appears most often as a solid at ambient temperatures, thanks to strong ionic interactions. The solid can come as powder, crystalline flakes, or even as a more compact pearl form. In some labs and industrial storage, one might run across it dissolved as a viscous liquid, especially when handled in solutions. Density commonly stays close to 1.12 g/cm³ at 25°C. Users working on precise applications or scale-up processes see repeatable behavior, which supports its appeal for both academic study and practical use in material science. Appearance takes on a white to off-white hue, and many users describe it as odorless. No strange handling quirks have arisen with regular storage, though dryness and containment remain best practice.
Looking at the structure, the imidazolium ring sits at the core, with the hexyl side chain directly bonded on the nitrogen. This configuration delivers hydrophobic and hydrophilic zones, letting N-Hexylimidazolium Hydrogen Sulfate dissolve a wide range of polar and nonpolar compounds, depending on conditions. Hydrogen sulfate as the counter-ion adds an acidic touch, which researchers use to carry out acid-catalyzed processes without mineral acid drawbacks. Purity on reputable certificates lands above 98%, confirming suitability for lab research and most pilot production lines. A batch's melting point hovers near 50°C, which aids in safe low-temperature operations. Technical sheets give details down to shelf-life, suggested storage below 30°C, and water solubility data.
N-Hexylimidazolium Hydrogen Sulfate typically falls under HS Code 292529, capturing it in international trade under “Other imidazole and its derivatives.” Whether imported or exported, this code shapes shipping requirements and customs review. Most global authorities treat it as a specialty chemical. No major nation currently tags it as highly hazardous under REACH, TSCA, or GHS. Standard practice calls for maintaining a paper trail for all incoming and outgoing shipments to ensure regulatory compliance, as enforcement often focuses on traceability of specialty chemicals.
Density at near-standard temperatures usually lands at 1.12-1.14 g/cm³, which sits comfortably above water, making separation from lighter contaminants manageable. Water solubility runs high, while the compound can also mix with some organic solvents such as methanol or ethanol, giving it versatility in different environments. Crystal structure can change slightly based on humidity and thermal conditions, but chemical stability remains strong in sealed containers. As someone who has managed ionic liquids in both research and small-scale manufacturing environments, I have seen how these characteristics help eliminate waste. Minimizing the need for multiple solvents and rare neutralizers simplifies process design. Stability over time means researchers and engineers can stockpile certain batches without constant checks, reducing overhead.
From the angle of hazard and personal safety, N-Hexylimidazolium Hydrogen Sulfate brings less volatility than most installation-grade acids or bases. It is neither highly flammable nor prone to explosive decomposition under normal conditions. Handling with gloves and goggles is enough, backed by standard fume extraction for open containers. Direct skin contact triggers mild irritation at worst. Inhalation produces little, if any, acute response, unless the substance is heated to high temperatures; thermal decomposition could release sulfur oxides, so prudent operators veto open heating. Disposal follows non-halogenated organic guidelines. Environmental release guidelines recommend treating wastewater before public disposal, preventing aquatic ecosystem disruption. Chemical storage cabinets and dry conditions extend shelf life and guarantee safe usage.
Key raw materials include 1-hexylimidazole and sulfuric acid or its derivatives. Synthesizing the ionic salt involves an acid-base neutralization, performed in glass-lined reactors to avoid corrosion. Modern facilities use batch tracing to document each step, keeping synthesis reproducible and lowering the risk of accidental contamination. As resource demands rise, manufacturers track the sustainability of both inputs: bio-based alkyl imidazoles and responsibly produced acids are on the watchlist for greener chemistry. Feedback from scientific and industrial users keeps producers alert for any new regulatory flags or customer concerns about long-term effects, whether occupational or environmental. Transparent records, third-party audits, and ongoing research feed back into safer, more dependable supply chains.
