N-Pentyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium Bromide takes its place among quaternary ammonium compounds, pulling together a unique set of physical and chemical features shaped by its structure. The molecule’s framework rests on a pyrrolidinium ring—a five-membered nitrogen-containing heterocycle—decorated with a pentyl group and a methyl group. This fine-tuned composition drives its solid phase at room temperature, and most chemists recognize it as a white, crystalline substance. As with many ionic liquids, it dissolves in water and certain organic solvents, supporting a range of experimental uses. The molecular formula C10H22BrN lays out its composition: ten carbons, twenty-two hydrogens, one bromine, and a nitrogen, with a molecular weight sitting around 236.20 g/mol. Since this salt holds a place on customs declarations, the HS Code for N-Pentyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium Bromide lands at 29239000, covering quaternary ammonium compound derivatives.
Those working with N-Pentyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium Bromide notice its physical form depends on processing and storage. It may show up in laboratories as crystalline flakes, a free-flowing solid powder, or compressed pearlescent granules. Less often, it appears as a solution, made by mixing with solvents like water or acetonitrile. In solid form, this compound maintains stability under dry and cool storage, but the texture shifts based on moisture and particle size. White to off-white in color, it can seem deceptively simple, but even a minor change in crystal habit speaks to purity and packing during synthesis. Crystals, once isolated and dried, give chemists the best shot at measuring density and refractive index, while powders allow for faster dissolution in experimental setups.
The structure of N-Pentyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium Bromide separates it from run-of-the-mill organic salts. With a nitrogen atom at the core, bonded to a methyl group and a pentyl side chain, the molecule achieves both solubility and ionic interaction. The pyrrolidinium backbone resists hydrolysis, a property not always seen in simpler ammonium compounds. Stable over a wide temperature range, the material melts well above room temperature, typically around 220-230°C. High thermal stability and chemical resistance pair with low volatility, so it rarely evaporates under standard lab conditions. Specific density measures out at approximately 1.1 g/cm³, meaning technicians can store it with other dense salts and expect reliable handling.
Purity checks play a major role for anyone purchasing N-Pentyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium Bromide as a raw material. Standard analytical techniques like NMR and HPLC assess composition before the compound heads out to customers. Most suppliers market this salt at a minimum purity of 98%, since trace byproducts strongly influence behavior in electrochemical experiments. Consistency matters: differences in particle size, crystallinity, and moisture content affect reactivity and solubility. The compound’s solid state at room temperature makes weighing and transfer relatively straightforward, and its moderately high bulk density ensures it doesn’t fly around or cause fine dust aerosols.
N-Pentyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium Bromide doesn’t carry the notorious hazards found in some alkyl bromides, yet safety never takes a back seat. While acute toxicity stays low, ingestion or inhalation of the powder can lead to respiratory or gastrointestinal irritation. In my lab experience, gloves, goggles, and lab coats shield staff from direct contact during weighing or mixing, especially given the mild irritant profile of the bromide anion. The material won’t ignite under normal handling, but exposure to open flame produces toxic bromine vapors. Enclosed storage, away from strong acids or oxidizers, keeps cross-reactions in check. Material safety data outlines precautions: use fume extraction during bulk weighing and always wash after potential skin contact.
This salt has carved out specialized roles in modern chemistry, especially as an ionic liquid precursor and a phase transfer catalyst. Electrochemists pick N-Pentyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium Bromide for its labile ionic conductivity and low nucleophilicity. It appears in battery electrolyte studies, attempts at green solvent extraction, and separations research. In practical settings, the compound acts as a critical raw material, enabling synthesis of closely related pyrrolidinium-based ionic liquids. Several research teams lean on its robust structure for organic synthesis experiments, particularly when searching for alternatives to volatile or toxic solvents. Broadening production to reduce cost, extend availability, and meet purity benchmarks remains a key challenge—greater industry cooperation could help, as could stronger supplier relationships and clearer documentation on chemical traceability.
N-Pentyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium Bromide stands out as a solid, stable salt with specialized uses that revolve around purity, density, and manageable toxicity. Researchers benefit when suppliers share detailed analytical data, not just certificate statements. Supply chain interruptions and batch inconsistency sometimes cause trouble when scaling up research or manufacturing. To keep projects on track, labs could invest in small-scale purification or in situ analysis to verify quality. Greater public data on environmental impact, long-term storage, and disposal could patch knowledge gaps. Stakeholders—manufacturers, distributors, end-users—must set clear expectations for storage and transportation, especially since regulatory scrutiny grows with increasing production and usage worldwide.
