N-Octylimidazolium Trifluoroacetate stands out as an ionic liquid made by pairing an N-octylimidazolium cation with a trifluoroacetate anion. You encounter this type of compound mainly in research settings and specialty chemical industries. People explore these materials for distinct properties like low volatility and unique solvent behavior. The structure of this molecule centers on the imidazolium ring substituted by an octyl chain, offering it both hydrophobic and ionic traits. Trifluoroacetate provides a strong electronegative environment, which influences solubility and the way it interacts with other chemicals.
You find N-Octylimidazolium Trifluoroacetate listed on chemical supplier inventories mostly in forms such as fine powder, crystals, flakes, or, for special needs, as a clear or slightly yellow liquid. Most batches fall into purity grades exceeding 98%, reflecting the compound's use in applications where side reactions can’t interfere. People handling this material draw from sources like imidazole and octyl halide for the cation, and trifluoroacetic acid for the anion. Industries taking up this material often care about consistency in raw material origin, since minor changes can alter its properties. Research settings track lot numbers for traceability, meeting typical standards required for reproducibility and regulatory compliance.
The molecular formula reads as C13H21F3N2O2. The structure features a benzene-like imidazolium ring with eight carbons branching away from the nitrogen, where you recognize a flexible chain not common in shorter alkyl imidazolium ions. Three fluorine atoms hang from the acetate group, which helps keep the ionic liquid stable in many chemical processes. The molar mass lands at around 294.32 g/mol. If you check under the microscope, you might see it as small, stable crystals or as a viscous liquid, depending on how it's stored or synthesized.
People familiar with ionic liquids like this notice a density range from about 1.05 to 1.18 g/cm³ at room temperature, which means it sits slightly heavier than water but lighter than many salts. Handling the solid form feels very different compared to digging into mineral salts or typical organic acids. Some describe the powder variant as easy to spread and measure out, while others working with molten or liquid forms see a smooth, almost oily consistency. Pearls or flakes sometimes appear in direct-from-manufacturer lots, which help in dissolving the compound precisely. Water content makes a difference: even small moisture changes adjust both flow properties and apparent mass, so you want tightly sealed storage.
Calling N-Octylimidazolium Trifluoroacetate entirely safe misses the reality: ionic liquids like this bring low vapor pressure, so laying open a sample won’t flood the air with fumes, but skin exposure or accidental ingestion leads to irritation or worse. People rely on gloves and good ventilation—just because corrosive odor doesn’t rise up doesn’t mean it’s benign. Inhalation risks stay low unless you heat the compound far above room temperature, causing decomposition and potential release of hazardous byproducts like hydrogen fluoride or other acidic gases. Persistent contact with the skin or eyes can bring on rashes or chemical burns. Given the trifluoroacetate group, there’s a strong push to keep this stuff away from open flame and hot surfaces, as combustion will put out toxic fluorinated gases.
Customs trade and global shipping require an HS Code, which most vendors mark as 2933.19, covering heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen heteroatom only. This registration serves more than bureaucratic routine; any mislabeling holds up shipments and triggers investigations at ports, especially as fluorinated chemicals remain subject to watchlists under international agreements. Those in charge of logistics often double-check shipping documentation to prevent fines or disposal fees for mishandled dangerous goods.
Research labs gravitate to N-Octylimidazolium Trifluoroacetate for green chemistry and solvent replacement tasks. Its tunable polarity lets chemists dissolve a wide range of organic and inorganic compounds that traditional solvents can’t touch. Others use it in extraction processes, and in catalysis as a phase transfer catalyst, all because you can control solubility and reactivity by tweaking temperature or adding a little moisture. The compound’s resistance to evaporation means less solvent loss to the air, fitting both economic and environmental goals of chemical engineers. In electrochemistry, people rely on its ionic nature to boost the performance of batteries, capacitors, or sensors. Yet, high price per gram makes it a specialty product; mass-market adoption sits unlikely without advances in synthetic efficiency.
If you’ve worked with this class of ionic liquids, you know small differences matter. Change one part of the octyl chain or replace trifluoroacetate with another anion, and you see sharp shifts in melting point, electrical conductivity, or chemical compatibility. Research teams and pilot plants alike pay close attention to the details, since downstream processes rely on predictable, repeatable physical behavior. Looking at the growing body of peer-reviewed work, it’s clear industries continue weighing these materials against environmental, economic, and health metrics. Upcoming work focuses on recycling strategies, new synthesis routes using greener raw materials, and ways to decompose the waste safely. Monitoring toxicity and environmental fate stays a priority as regulatory agencies sharpen oversight on novel fluorinated chemicals.
