N-Octyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium Bis((Trifluoromethyl)Sulfonyl)Imide, often referred to as an ionic liquid, has grown in popularity across advanced material research due to its impressive stability and versatility. The molecular formula reads C19H35F6N3O4S2, and the structure includes a pyrrolidinium core with an octyl and a methyl group bonded to the nitrogen atom, flanked by bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide as an anion. This unique combination leads to a material that behaves as a room-temperature ionic liquid in many cases, unlocking use in a wide range of settings from battery electrolytes to solvents for organic synthesis. The robust bonds help it stand firm against breakdown, even under stressful lab or industrial conditions.
Experiences with this compound in the laboratory reveal it often appears as a pale, off-white to colorless solid, depending on purity and storage conditions. Solubility, viscosity, and odor vary based on treatment, batch, and manufacturer, but typical samples show a density hovering close to 1.36 g/cm³ at 20°C. In practice, you might see this material presented as flakes, powders, pearls, or even as a viscous liquid above certain temperatures or when combined with other solvents. Solid samples become glassy or crystalline under lower temperatures, and this transition is easily confirmed by an experienced lab tech during handling. Melting points usually land around 45-50°C, though small shifts may occur with subtle changes in structure or formulation.
Industry folk rely on specific technical data to compare candidates for a new process. Here, common specifications highlight purity above 98%, low halide content, low moisture, and minimal volatile impurities. The HS Code for customs and trade, used worldwide, typically falls under 2934999099, marking it as an organic compound with special attention given for customs documentation. Applications stretch from electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries seeking safer alternatives to highly volatile organics, all the way to separation and purification of complex mixtures in chemistry. Researchers often emphasize the material’s low volatility and high charge-carrying capacity, as well as its compatibility with various electrodes and polymers. Bench chemists might note that its solid state at room temperature makes weighing and transferring far less fussy than with some traditional solvents. Some teams reach for its solution—dissolved in water or acetonitrile—when looking for controlled ionic environments.
Handling of N-Octyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium Bis((Trifluoromethyl)Sulfonyl)Imide does not call for unusual protocols compared to other specialty chemicals, though its chemical resilience demands care. An operator in a facility or academic setting will always reach for gloves, protective eyewear, and, where appropriate, a fume hood, as the compound may cause irritation after direct contact, and no one wants to become part of a safety incident statistic. MSDS sheets warn against ingestion or inhalation, citing mild to moderate toxicity. Spills should be handled promptly—solid or solution form—mainly to keep the area tidy and prevent slip hazards as well as unwanted exposure. Waste management guidelines instruct disposal as a hazardous chemical in accordance with local regulations because who wants an ionic liquid seeping into groundwater?
Production draws on sources such as N-methylpyrrolidine, 1-bromooctane (for alkylation), and lithium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide. Each step demands attention to reaction conditions, with temperature, solvent choice, and reaction time making the difference between a clean run and a complex work-up. In the lab, the process starts with basic alkylation, pushing octyl and methyl groups onto the pyrrolidine nitrogen, then anion exchange with the lithium salt to reach the final product. Purity depends on careful extraction, washing, and vacuum-drying, all of which weed out colored byproducts and excess reagents. No mystery about cost drivers in this niche: raw material purity, anhydrous conditions, and scale factor heavily into both price and end-use suitability.
A typical molecular weight lands around 538.63 g/mol, and the squat, ring-like core of the pyrrolidinium cation brings chemical inertness and thermal stability, bolstered by the bulky bis(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl imide anion that restricts reactivity even further. Chemical resistance stands out against acids, bases, and mild oxidizers, giving this ionic liquid a leg up in demanding settings—sorting advanced batteries, specialty extractions, or even high-stability lubricants. Hydrolysis remains slow unless strong acids or bases are present, so shelf life stays long, and batches typically remain usable so long as containers seal tight and moisture stays low.
Hazard ratings are a must for anyone planning frequent contact—the compound does not qualify as a highly hazardous substance, but no one should get cavalier. Mild inhalation or skin exposure may produce mild irritation. Science teams I’ve worked with all keep hazard kits and clear labeling at hand. No one wants to scramble for MSDS during a spill. Upstream, producers balance demand for high purity against the drive to keep eco-impact minimal, so responsible sourcing of starting materials and careful containment at each production stage remain standard. Downstream, chemical longevity means this material could linger if spilled, which nudges manufacturers and users toward sealed systems and secondary containment. End-of-life handling falls into the hazardous organic chemical category partly due to the persistence of fluorinated byproducts.
Bottles come in varied forms—solid, flakes, small pearls, powders—each suited to different scales of research or production. Stocking larger drums requires temperature control in hotter climates to prevent clustering or caking. Liquid-state orders require clearly labeled containers, especially for shipping across country lines, since small spills can gum up warehouses and irritate logistics crews. Experienced procurement folks double-check HS codes and documentation for customs, especially in jurisdictions with tight controls or environmental restrictions. Durability means air shipment, surface transport, or even long-term storage in chemical libraries goes off with less drama than some corrosive liquids, though every shipment gets marked as hazardous to ensure everyone along the supply chain takes the correct precautions.
Conversations often circle back to what can be done to reduce ecological footprint. Some companies have looked at switching to partially bio-based raw materials or using smaller-scale reactors that cut total solvent and energy demand. Recyclability and closed-loop use within the same facility are options for high-volume users. For those in R&D, rigorous inventory management avoids excessive stockpiling and minimizes expiry-related disposal. More frequent chemical audits help too, as sitting on extra inventory that ends up decomposing and requiring special disposal wastes resources that could be better used elsewhere. Industry-wide, open sharing of best practices for safe handling, waste minimization, and sourcing transparency stands as one viable path to keeping progress moving without leaving a mess for the next generation.
