1-Benzyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate
[CAS# 500996-04-3]

Identification

• Classification: Chemical reagent >> Organic reagent >> Ionic liquid
• Name: 1-Benzyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate
• Synonyms: tetrafluoroboranuide
• Molecular Formula: C₁₁H₁₃BF₄N₂
• Molecular Weight: 260.04
• CAS Registry Number: 500996-04-3
• EC Number: 629-281-3
• SMILES: [B-](F)(F)(F)F.C[N+]1=CN(C=C1)CC2=CC=CC=C2

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Risk Statements: H315-H319
• Safety Statements: P264-P280-P302+P352-P337+P313-P305+P351+P338-P362+P364-P332+P313

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302

Discovery and Applications

1-Benzyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate is an ionic liquid that has attracted much attention for its unique properties and applications in various fields. Ionic liquids, such as this one, are salts that exist in a liquid state at room temperature. The compound consists of a 1-benzyl-3-methylimidazolium cation and a tetrafluoroborate anion. The discovery of this substance is related to the broader development of ionic liquids, which have been explored since the mid-20th century, but whose potential has only begun to be fully realized in recent decades.

This ionic liquid has several key properties that make it valuable for different applications. It is known for its low volatility, high thermal stability, and excellent solubility for a wide range of organic and inorganic materials. In addition, 1-benzyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate is non-flammable and can act as a solvent and catalyst in a variety of chemical reactions.

The main application of 1-benzyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate is catalysis. It is an effective catalyst in organic synthesis, promoting reactions such as alkylation, acylation, and even certain types of polymerization. Its role as a solvent and catalyst helps achieve higher reaction efficiency and selectivity.

The compound is also used in electrochemical applications due to its ionic properties and conductivity. It is used to develop electrolytes for batteries and capacitors, helping to improve energy storage solutions.

In separation technology, 1-benzyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate is used to extract and separate a wide range of compounds. Its ability to dissolve a wide range of substances makes it suitable for liquid-liquid extraction and other purification processes.

As an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional organic solvents, this ionic liquid complies with the principles of green chemistry. It reduces the need for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), minimizes environmental impact and improves the safety of chemical processes.

References

2020. Dynamic and static removal of benzene from air based on task-specific ionic liquid coated on MWCNTs by sorbent tube-headspace solid-phase extraction procedure. International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology.
DOI: 10.1007/s13762-020-02995-4

2018. Ionic liquids as biocompatible stabilizers of proteins. Biophysical Reviews.
DOI: 10.1007/s12551-018-0407-6

2014. Imidazolium Ionic Liquids: An Environment-Friendly Medium for Various Applications. Green Chemistry: Synthesis of Bioactive Heterocycles.
DOI: 10.1007/978-81-322-1850-0_7