N-Propyl-N-Methylpiperidinium Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide: A Deep Dive into Its Characteristics and Uses

What is N-Propyl-N-Methylpiperidinium Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide?

N-Propyl-N-Methylpiperidinium Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide belongs to the family of ionic liquids that have been stirring interest for their role in advanced energy storage and electrochemical technologies. Its structure, featuring a nitrogen-centered piperidinium core substituted by propyl and methyl groups, paired with a bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide anion, brings a balance of chemical stability and unique physical traits. Unlike standard organic solvents, this substance often presents as a crystalline solid, or sometimes in powder, flakes, pearls, and even as a clear liquid, depending on the precise synthesis or handling conditions in the lab or industry. This adaptability gives research teams in battery and capacitor development considerable room for designing systems that demand non-flammable, thermally stable electrolytic materials. From my own time in a battery research lab, nothing challenged our progress like searching for salts that could deliver both reliability and safety — and coming across promising compounds like this, with its high ionic conductivity, always pointed us toward new possibilities.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Shifting to its scientific backbone, N-Propyl-N-Methylpiperidinium Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide holds the molecular formula C9H19F2N2O4S2 — not just numbers and letters, but a promise of strong chemical resistance and versatility. Typically, it has a density ranging around 1.3 to 1.5 g/cm³, which sets it apart from most organic molecules floating around labs, making handling and transport quite straightforward. Its melting point usually falls below 100°C, keeping it accessible for use in low-temperature electrochemical settings. The flakes and crystals carry a mild odor, which signals purity in some cases. Unlike certain volatile organic chemicals, its low vapor pressure means it resists evaporation under normal conditions, cutting down on potential hazards and environmental impacts. In a practical sense, anyone working with sizable chemical batches knows that materials with such physical stability — neither dangerously volatile nor stubbornly hygroscopic — simplify inventory and waste management.

Structure and Specification Details

Diving into molecular structure, the configuration of this compound creates an open, flexible environment for ionic movement. The piperidinium ring, with its methyl and propyl attachments, encourages solubility in both polar and non-polar solvents. This unusual trait hands manufacturers new options for compounding and mixing in electrolyte preparation. Paired with the bulky bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide anion, the ionic liquid avoids tight ionic pairing, translating to low viscosity and high conductivity. From an engineering view, these structural choices help reduce internal resistance in devices. Its appearance can shift across solid, powder, and crystal forms; in some intense syntheses, it flows as a highly pure, almost glass-like liquid, which can ease measuring for large-scale solution preparation. The extensive solubility range, the ability to fine-tune viscosity, and the long shelf life all matter for raw material stockpiles in manufacturing.

HS Code and Regulatory Insights

N-Propyl-N-Methylpiperidinium Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide falls under the broader category of chemical salts and compounds for industrial use within international trade systems. Its Harmonized System (HS) Code usually aligns with codes reserved for organic chemical salts, which influences import and export documentation, safety declarations, regulatory oversight, and tariffs. From practical experience at customs or on the receiving end of laboratory freight, clarity in specifying the right HS code means shipments reach the shelf faster, paperwork gets sorted in hours, not weeks, and compliance with national and international chemical control laws doesn't get overlooked. Being on the right side of these rules, especially when working with raw materials for critical infrastructure sectors, builds trust with clients and keeps partnerships moving forward.

Material Handling, Safety Profile, and Hazard Warnings

Experience in process labs teaches that every novel compound warrants its own careful review. N-Propyl-N-Methylpiperidinium Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide often comes with both material advantages and health risks. Its solid and powdered forms resist casual spills but demand full PPE — gloves, eye protection, and fume hoods — to avoid skin or lung exposure. While thermal resilience defines much of its value in battery cells, it poses reactivity with strong oxidizers and acids, occasionally generating hazardous fumes in badly ventilated environments. Acute toxicity remains low in small-scale lab scenarios, though ongoing studies push for a deeper understanding of long-term occupational exposure, especially with regular inhalation or accidental ingestion. Disposal requires adhering to both local and international hazardous waste guidelines; improper incineration or flushing through drains may release persistent fluorinated compounds, impacting aquatic and soil ecosystems. In large-scale manufacturing, rigorous training and chemical safety culture stand as front-line defenses, reinforced by clear data sheets and regular hazard drills.

Raw Material Sourcing and Environmental Perspective

Every step up the supply chain, from the original building blocks to the finished product, shapes both environmental legacy and company costs. The synthesis of N-Propyl-N-Methylpiperidinium Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide often begins with standard piperidine core chemicals, followed by controlled alkylation, and then advanced anion exchange for the bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide pairing. Suppliers source precursors globally, balancing round-the-clock production with environmental controls — solvent recovery and fluorinated waste management have gained traction with growing awareness of the risks tied to persistent fluorinated substances. In earlier years, some suppliers ignored those costs, leaving communities or downstream partners to address pollution. Modern auditing and transparent reporting, tools now expected by international buyers and agencies, push suppliers to prioritize both certification and innovation in green manufacturing processes. In my own procurement experience, transparent sourcing practices and willingness to share life-cycle data sets a business apart, smoothing both B2B relationships and end-user confidence.

Applications and Pathways to Safer, More Efficient Use

The potential of N-Propyl-N-Methylpiperidinium Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide pulses through energy storage sectors, especially where conventional electrolytes fall short under thermal or electrical stress. Its stability makes it a top pick for lithium-ion and emerging battery designs, where it shores up both cycle life and safety profiles. Early applications revolved around small-scale prototype cells, but pressure for cleaner vehicles and smarter grids has expanded demand for raw materials that meet both safety and performance thresholds. Its use stretches into supercapacitors and specialty sensors, riding on its low viscosity and high electrochemical window. When companies commit to transparent labeling, thorough MSDS documentation, and routine worker training, adoption of advanced ionic liquids — including this one — grows sharper and more sustainable. Better integration with recycling programs, continuous monitoring for fluorinated emissions, and open discussion with buyers push the entire sector to design safer, greener processes — drawing from lessons learned on factory floors and research benches alike.