Tributylmethylammonium Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide stands out as a specialty chemical underpinned by the ionic liquid category. The compound belongs to a class of organoammonium salts, recognized for an ability to facilitate advanced electrochemical and industrial applications. Each molecule contains a central nitrogen atom bonded to one methyl and three butyl groups, balanced by the bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide anion. The broader field refers to such compounds for their unique ionic conductivity and liquid range at moderate temperatures, making them both useful and, in many applications, indispensable. Manufacturers and researchers working in the realm of battery electrolytes and electroplating look to this compound for its stability, thermal resilience, and compatibility with demanding engineering setups.
The property profile stretches from physical appearance through to behavior in sensitive environments. At room temperature, this material can present as a crystalline solid, sometimes as off-white flakes, pearls, fine powder, or even a viscous liquid, depending on purity and storage conditions. If left undisturbed, these chemicals may attract moisture, reflecting hygroscopic tendencies. The density of Tributylmethylammonium Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide hovers around 1.25 to 1.40 g/cm³, typical for a large organic salt with heavy group elements. Its high ionic mobility translates to effective charge transport, a reason why it serves in high-tech battery development and next-generation capacitors.
The molecular formula reads C13H30F2N1O4S2, a slightly unwieldy string that maps directly onto its functional profile. Tributylmethylammonium forms the bulky cation, flanked by bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide as a counterion. The latter features sulfur-nitrogen double bonds, each sulfur capped by fluorine and oxygen, making the compound robust against thermal breakdown and oxidative attack. I’ve seen this structural resilience matter when dealing with electrolytes for lithium and sodium ion systems where both oxidative and reductive limits challenge conventional salts. The lattice organization of the compound determines whether it appears as a solid or melts into a viscous liquid, a property often measured in the materials science labs I’ve visited.
Industry practice attaches a Harmonized System (HS) Code for trading and regulatory purposes. For Tributylmethylammonium Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide, the HS Code typically falls within the 2923 category, covering quaternary ammonium salts and hydroxides. Detailed product specifications matter for procurement teams: molecular weight sits around 397.51 g/mol. Buyers pay attention to purity—values above 99% are necessary for most battery-grade and analytical uses—while trace moisture and halide contaminants also determine batch suitability. Vendors must disclose whether the material arrives as a free-flowing powder, dense flakes, or as a solution in an inert solvent, as shipping and storage adapt to these forms.
Anyone working with chemical raw materials like this one keeps an eye on safety data from day one. Experience tells me the ammonium-based ionic liquids handle more safely than many volatile organic solvents, but the bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide group brings its own hazards. Direct contact with the skin or inhalation of powders can cause irritation; accidental splashes require immediate rinsing with water, and sufficient ventilation should be standard in workspaces. Long-term exposure or improper handling might result in more severe chemical injuries, so gloves and eye protection serve as the first line of defense. Material Safety Data Sheets point out that combustion can generate toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides, fluorine compounds, and sulfur oxides—fire hazards call for Class D fire extinguishers in the lab or warehouse. Disposal aligns with local hazardous waste rules, never down the drain or in regular trash.
The surge in demand for next-generation batteries spotlights this compound as one of the enabling raw materials. Its stability against decomposition at high voltages and compatibility with lithium, sodium, or potassium electrolytes keeps it in play as OEMs experiment with higher energy densities. Electroplating shops and semiconductor foundries value its strong ionic conductivity paired with low vapor pressure—a combination that brings process advantages while cutting down on volatilization losses. These traits help engineers build safer, more efficient components. Yet, the same chemical strengths raise questions about environmental impact, especially since fluorinated compounds often linger in landfills and water systems. Efforts to develop biodegradable analogs or more responsible end-of-life solutions will define the next chapter for this class of materials.
The allure of Tributylmethylammonium Bis(Fluorosulfonyl)Imide continues, but the responsible path forward involves more than just technical specifications or academic interest. Engineers, chemists, and suppliers must balance performance with downstream risks. Substituting lower-toxicity solvents or developing recycling schemes for spent electrolytes already shows promise in some pilot programs. Regular environmental audits and worker training programs make a difference in minimizing harm, both for direct handlers and the wider community. Those of us involved in chemical procurement and R&D have a real chance to influence both the sourcing of raw materials and steering research toward greener, safer industrial chemistry—where breakthroughs count as much for safety as they do for performance.
