N-Propyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium hexafluoroborate is a specialized ionic compound recognized in both academic and industrial circles for its stability, unique solubility properties, and practical applications in chemical synthesis and energy storage. This substance has carved out a significant niche, particularly among manufacturers of advanced electrolytes and cutting-edge laboratory research. Chemically, it comes with the formula C8H17BF6N. In practice, I have encountered this material frequently in advanced battery labs, especially among teams working on next-generation lithium-ion and supercapacitor prototypes. The presence of both the pyrrolidinium cation and the hexafluoroborate anion speaks volumes about its balance between ion mobility and chemical inertness, making it attractive for safe, reliable performance.
On paper, the molecular weight of N-Propyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium hexafluoroborate sits at around 277.13 g/mol. At room temperature, depending on how purely it has been synthesized and the storage conditions, you might see it in various forms: pearly crystalline solid, less commonly as a fine powder, and occasionally in larger solid flakes or pellets. In the lab, it often presents itself as a colorless or faintly off-white material—almost deceptive in appearance given its robust chemical profile. Density lands close to 1.2 g/cm³, a halfway house between lighter organic materials and denser salts. Melting points can shift slightly by batch or atmospheric conditions, but reliable measurements land above 200°C, which means it handles standard processing temperatures well. The compound's solubility in water is modest, but it mixes well with polar aprotic solvents like acetonitrile and dimethyl carbonate—just the sort of behavior you want for manageable mixing and controlled reactivity in electrochemical setups.
N-Propyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium hexafluoroborate steps into the chemical world as a relatively stable salt. Across several years in chemical development, I've watched as researchers push this compound in both redox reactions and inert environments. Its amine-based cation resists common oxidants and the boron-fluorine structure on its anion shrugs off moisture better than most. Still, it’s sensitive to strong acids and bases, which initiate rapid decomposition. In electrochemical studies, its ionic conductivity and electrochemical window impress: laboratories benchmark it between 4 and 5 volts, which matters for high-performance batteries. Flammability doesn’t really pose a threat here—a significant win over volatile solvents and less stable salts.
Looking at commercial sourcing and handling, manufacturers often list detailed specs, including purity grades at 98% or better, which directly impacts performance in sensitive applications. Available in kilogram-sized drums for industry and in small sealed vials for precision lab work, each container carries clear labeling on net weight, batch number, and manufacturer details. Some vendors offer the product as a solution in acetonitrile or propylene carbonate to ease compound dissolution and handling. I have always preferred crystalline forms for storage based on the lower risk of hydrolysis and unwanted moisture uptake. Larger facilities rely on powder or pearls, which flow easily into reactors without caking. For bulk sourcing, a 25 kg drum stands as the industry standard, but smaller bottles down to 100 g also find their way into university storerooms.
Any chemical with a hexafluoroborate group raises flags for possible HF (hydrogen fluoride) release under decomposition. Handlers wear gloves, goggles, and often face masks, guarding against skin contact or inhalation. Material safety data points to mild irritation on contact, with stronger risks if the chemical breaks down in acids or strong bases. Years around these salts have instilled respect for their low volatility but also for proper ventilation and quick-access washing stations. Fire isn’t the primary hazard, but chemical incompatibility can lead to unexpected exothermic reactions, especially around alkali metals or concentrated reagents. Chemical spill kits sit close by, with calcium gluconate gel on hand for any skin exposure.
Industrially, N-Propyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium hexafluoroborate walks right into advanced batteries and supercapacitor designs, sometimes blended with other ionic liquids to dial in performance or safety features. My collaborations with material science groups taught me that this compound stands up to repeated charge-discharge cycling, especially in test solutions where long-term stability makes or breaks a new battery chemistry. Laboratories love its stability as a solvent for transition metal complexes, opening doors for catalysis experiments and analytical testing of unusual anion/cation interactions. I’ve seen its use in electroplating baths and as a supporting electrolyte in electrochemical cells, where precise ion transport and minimal side reactions stay paramount.
Under the Harmonized System (HS), N-Propyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium hexafluoroborate generally ships under code 2933.39, which covers heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen hetero-atom(s) only. Customs and compliance checks in major export regions watch for proper documentation both for shipping safety and for end-use declarations—especially important since this compound’s applications brush up against regulated energy technologies. Careful recordkeeping and a close watch on international transport guidelines help keep processes running and supply delays at bay.
Experienced chemists know that building this pyrrolidinium salt starts with N-methylpyrrolidine and a carefully measured flux of 1-bromopropane, following a substitution reaction, then metathesis with sodium hexafluoroborate. Manufacturers leverage highly purified starting materials—any deviation pushes impurities into the final product, which can hurt the electrochemical profile. As a rule of thumb, commercial producers follow validated SOPs, monitor batch purity through NMR and elemental analysis, and minimize residual solvents before packaging. The process speaks to the chemical’s price: not the cheapest material on the shelf, but always worth the investment for applications where reliability matters more than cost.
