N-Propyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide: Properties, Structure, and Use

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

N-Propyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide, known in chemical spaces by its formula C8H17F2N2O4S2, stands as a member of the ionic liquid family. The structure carries a pyrrolidinium ring, which means it features a five-membered nitrogen-containing core alongside methyl and propyl groups. The Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide anion brings in sulfur, oxygen, and fluorine, leading to significant physical and chemical stability. In raw white solid or crystal form, many see logic in its use as either flakes, powder, or even pearl-shaped granules. More advanced labs routinely explore it as a liquid close to room temperature, particularly when targeting electrochemical projects.

Chemical Structure and Physical Properties

Chemical analysis reveals two main domains in this material: the N-Propyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium cation and the Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide anion. This arrangement provides strong ionic conductivity. At room temperature, many samples display a soft solid appearance, yet with a little exposure to heat, the compound shifts into a low-viscosity liquid. Its density sticks close to 1.44 g/cm³, a bit heavier than water, which reflects the influence of sulfur and fluorine. Transparency matters in battery chemistry, and this substance usually comes clear without cloudiness, unless mixed with solvent. Good thermal stability means the compound hangs on through tough manufacturing or battery charging cycles, yet it resists significant evaporation under standard conditions.

Specifications and Forms of the Material

For industrial and laboratory uses, makers deliver N-Propyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide as flakes, powder, and occasionally a granulated form classed as pearls. Large producers tend to offer bulk containers starting from 100 mL bottles for solution-based work to multi-liter units for large-scale research. Crystal clarity and dryness give the best conductivity, so top chemists encourage sealed storage. The HS Code most often used for customs purposes falls under 2933.39, linking this product to heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen. This code aids in tax and regulatory compliance, helping buyers and sellers track cross-border shipments of the raw chemical.

Application and Importance in Modern Chemistry

The main draw of N-Propyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide comes from its role in electrolyte solutions for high-performance batteries, especially lithium ion and supercapacitors. In this field, researchers favor it for the balance between charge mobility, electrochemical window, and low flammability. Unlike volatile organic solvents, this ionic liquid handles higher voltages without breaking down or sparking. Large labs in Asia and Europe rely on it for pilot-scale battery lines. Research journals now list dozens of studies where this solution keeps metal ions stable in extreme test cycles.

Safety, Hazards, and Environmental Impact

Chemical safety stands tall in any real-world setting. N-Propyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide does not rank as highly flammable, giving battery shops and scale-up operators a reliable alternative to legacy solvents. On the other hand, the presence of fluorine and sulfur means this material can produce hazardous fumes under strong acid or base exposure. Chronic exposure in raw form affects the respiratory system and skin, so good practice calls for gloves, a fume hood, and handling by trained staff. Waste disposal requires strict protocols — no draining or landfill dumping — since fluorinated products resist natural breakdown. European REACH requirements label these materials as “harmful,” and handlers need Material Safety Data Sheets at all sites. The broader hazard scale does not compare to alkali metals or concentrated acids, yet downstream operators should not overlook eye and lung risk.

Raw Material Sourcing and Future Solutions

Supplying the feedstocks for this compound draws on global chains in China, Japan, and the US. Analysts tracking raw material flow see price swings in sulfur and fluorinated intermediates, which drive up costs. Battery companies hunting for cheaper, safer chemicals need alternatives, yet today’s earth-abundant options have not matched the conductivity or stability of this specific ionic liquid. Investment in recycling and better purification methods could cut environmental impact, especially for plants that process spent batteries or solvents. Drawing from factory experience, you can see clear improvements in closed-loop systems where waste returns for recovery instead of single-use burning. As questions about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) continue, the battery and solvent sector must work with public health experts to monitor trace emissions, develop better scrubbers, and flag long-term risks.

Informed Use and Sustainable Handling

N-Propyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide has carved out its place in modern chemistry through a mix of reliable physical characteristics and critical usability in innovative tech. Researchers, engineers, and safety experts work together to weigh benefits against known property risks. A thorough understanding of the molecular structure, safe handling procedures, and waste routes forms the backbone of responsible application. As the demand for safer, high-performance materials grows, every detailed fact about density, hazard class, and raw material sourcing holds new value in the push to build reliable, efficient, and less harmful chemical products.