1-(2-Hydroxyethyl)-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate
[CAS# 374564-83-7]

Identification

• Classification: Organic raw materials >> Heterocyclic compound
• Name: 1-(2-Hydroxyethyl)-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate
• Synonyms: 1-(2-Hydroxyethyl)-3-methyl-1H-imidazolium(1+) tetrafluoroborate; 3-(2-Hydroxyethyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazolium tetrafluoroborate
• Molecular Formula: C₆H₁₁N₂O.BF₄
• Molecular Weight: 213.97
• CAS Registry Number: 374564-83-7
• EC Number: 801-294-0
• SMILES: [B-](F)(F)(F)F.C[N+]1=CN(C=C1)CCO

Properties

• Density: 1.3080

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS05;GHS07 Danger
• Risk Statements: H302-H314-H318
• Safety Statements: P260-P264-P264+P265-P270-P280-P301+P317-P301+P330+P331-P302+P361+P354-P304+P340-P305+P354+P338-P316-P317-P321-P330-P363-P405-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Serious eye damage	Eye Dam.	1	H318
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Skin corrosion	Skin Corr.	1C	H314

Discovery and Applications

1-(2-Hydroxyethyl)-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate is an ionic liquid with remarkable chemical and physical properties that is increasingly being used in a variety of industrial and scientific applications. This compound combines the stability and low volatility characteristics of ionic liquids with the functionality of the hydroxyethyl group, which enhances its versatility.

The synthesis of 1-(2-Hydroxyethyl)-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (HEMIM-TFB) stems from the development of ionic liquids with improved solvation properties and use in a variety of applications. Ionic liquids are known for their low volatility and tunable properties and are widely explored to overcome the limitations of traditional solvents.

The synthesis of this product involves the reaction of 1-methylimidazole with 2-chloroethanol to form 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-methylimidazolium chloride. The chloride salt is then converted to the tetrafluoroborate salt by reaction with sodium tetrafluoroborate.

HEMIM-TFB is used as a green solvent due to its ionic liquid properties. It has a low vapor pressure and high thermal stability, making it an excellent alternative to volatile organic solvents. Its ability to dissolve a wide range of organic and inorganic compounds makes it suitable for use in chemical synthesis and processing.

In catalysis, HEMIM-TFB can be used as both a solvent and a catalyst support. It improves the efficiency of catalytic reactions by providing a stable environment for the catalytic species. The ability of ionic liquids to stabilize and dissolve catalysts is particularly useful for promoting reactions that require high selectivity and activity.

The ionic conductivity of HEMIM-TFB makes it ideal for electrochemical applications. It is used as an electrolyte in batteries and supercapacitors, where its stability and conductivity improve the performance and lifetime of these energy storage devices.

The solubility properties of HEMIM-TFB can be used in extraction and separation processes. It is used in liquid-liquid extraction to selectively separate components from complex mixtures. This application is beneficial to industries such as pharmaceuticals and environmental sciences, where precise separation of substances is critical.

In materials science, HEMIM-TFB is used to develop advanced materials. It acts as a medium for the synthesis of nanoparticles and other functional materials. Its ability to interact with a variety of substances allows the formation of materials with tailored properties.

HEMIM-TFB's low volatility and high thermal stability make it a safer, more sustainable choice compared to traditional solvents. Its stability under varying conditions ensures reliable performance in a wide range of applications. The hydroxyethyl groups in HEMIM-TFB help enhance its solvating properties, enabling it to dissolve a wide range of substances. This versatility is valuable in chemical syntheses and industrial processes.

As a green solvent, HEMIM-TFB helps reduce the environmental impact of chemical processes by minimizing the use of volatile organic compounds. Its reusability and low toxicity further support sustainable practices.

References

2024. Advanced Materials for NH3 Capture: Interaction Sites and Transport Pathways. Nano-Micro Letters, 16(1).
DOI: 10.1007/s40820-024-01425-1

2020. Applications of Ionic Liquids in Chemical Reactions. Nanotechnology-Based Industrial Applications of Ionic Liquids [No volume/issue available].
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-44995-7_15

2018. Effect of Hydroxyl Groups in a Cation Structure on the Properties of Ionic Liquids. Russian Journal of Physical Chemistry A, 92(12).
DOI: 10.1134/s0036024418120245