N-Propyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium Trifluoromethanesulfonate belongs to the class of ionic liquids and advanced electrolytes, often recognized for their stable performance under challenging conditions. Technically, this compound features a pyrrolidinium core, substituted with propyl and methyl groups, balanced with a trifluoromethanesulfonate anion. This material enters research and applications that demand electrochemical stability, strong ionic conductivity, and compatibility with diverse solvents and electrode materials. Thanks to its unique architecture, this salt distinguishes itself from more conventional electrolytes and ionic compounds.
N-Propyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium Trifluoromethanesulfonate commonly arrives in several physical states: crystalline solid, pearly flakes, and pure powder. Most facilities prefer handling the flake or powder forms, since these offer superior weighing precision and easier dissolution in targeted solvents. The compound appears white to off-white, free-flowing, with a mild odor that does not linger. Some storage facilities offer this material as a solution in acetonitrile, ethylene carbonate, or dimethyl carbonate, allowing direct integration into battery or capacitor experiments.
Breaking it down at the molecular level, N-Propyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium Trifluoromethanesulfonate displays the formula C9H18F3NO3S. The cation features five-membered ring pyrrolidinium, propyl, and methyl chains. The anion, trifluoromethanesulfonate (also known as triflate), supplies enhanced stability under electrochemical load. The robust ionic bond between the two pieces translates to remarkable chemical resistance, even in aggressive environments or high-voltage fields, steering clear of decomposition paths seen in less robust salts. The full formula underscores every property engineers and chemists care about: charge balance, bulkiness, coordination flexibility, and temperature resilience.
Manufacturers typically guarantee high purity (99% or greater) for N-Propyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium Trifluoromethanesulfonate. The density falls between 1.31 and 1.41 grams per cubic centimeter at room temperature, making it heavier than most organic powders but more tractable than common minerals. This density assists in manual or automated feeding from hoppers or weighing stations. Consistent bulk density means fewer surprises during mixing, blending, or compounding.
This salt’s defining properties include low volatility, thermal robustness, and electrochemical stability across a wide voltage window. Its low melting point (often below 100°C) allows for easy melting into a viscous liquid or blending to form clear solutions. It doesn’t absorb water as aggressively as some imidazolium analogs, so the risk of accidental hydrolysis or degradation is mitigated. In the lab, this means less time on pre-drying or handling precautions and more time on innovation. The solution phase offers clear conductivity advantages, responding strongly in supercapacitor cells and lithium battery electrolytes. Solubility in polar organic solvents reaches levels that enable straightforward formulation.
International trade identifies N-Propyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium Trifluoromethanesulfonate under the HS Code 2904999090, which covers other organic chemicals not specifically listed elsewhere. This code helps streamline shipments, track raw material imports, and satisfy customs offices. From direct experience, mapping such chemicals to the right category simplifies everything from logistics to compliance, especially in regions with strict safety or environmental monitoring.
Although not classified as highly hazardous or acutely toxic by standard regulatory frameworks, N-Propyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium Trifluoromethanesulfonate deserves respect like any pure specialty chemical. Gloves, goggles, and masks belong near every workspace where people open, weigh, or blend this material. Spilled powder may irritate skin or eyes, given the sulfonate function and repeated handling. Proper ventilation stops dust inhalation. Material Safety Data Sheets emphasize that ingestion, inhalation, or extended dermal contact must be avoided—common sense, learned the hard way by any bench chemist. Fire risk remains low, given the compound’s thermal inertia, but mixing with strong acids or bases triggers decomposition so standard precautions apply.
Most researchers turn to N-Propyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium Trifluoromethanesulfonate for its function as a raw material in devices and systems needing premium ionic mobility and chemical stability. Supercapacitor and battery developers, green chemistry initiatives, and advanced polymer synthesis count on this compound for its contribution to ionic strength without stripping out compatibility or safety. It pushes performance boundaries for energy storage, solvent electrolytes, and sometimes even catalysis, giving research teams more room to maneuver with reduced environmental and safety impacts.
Growing demand for safer, cleaner energy sources makes ionic liquids like N-Propyl-N-Methylpyrrolidinium Trifluoromethanesulfonate even more valuable. Traditional solvents and salts generate pollution and risk. This material’s characteristics point toward next-generation batteries and supercapacitors with less impact and greater reliability. I have seen labs move from hazardous, flammable organic solvent systems to ionic liquids, reporting not only lower incident rates but also increased reproducibility and scalability. Policy advocates and industrial chemists should collaborate on more transparent sourcing and deeper toxicity studies, so standards can evolve with growing use. Employing upstream waste management and recycling strategies would help minimize environmental footprints across the lifecycle, making advanced electrolytes a lasting solution for emerging technology needs.
