1,1'-Carbonylbis-1H-Imidazole, also known as CDI, stands out in the chemical industry for its role as a coupling and activating agent. People who handle organic reactions such as peptide synthesis or esterification notice its reliability. The compound’s structure brings two imidazole rings joined by a carbonyl group, which forms the basis for its strong reactivity. From a firsthand viewpoint, the ease with which this compound activates carboxylic acids for further reaction saves both time and resources compared to other methods in the market. It has a role in the lab and in scaled-up operations because of how efficiently it promotes bond formation while reducing reliance on metal catalysts, which sometimes pose issues for environmental or regulatory compliance.
Each molecule consists of two imidazole units connected via a carbonyl bridge, giving the formula C7H6N4O. The molecular weight sits at 162.15 g/mol. Chemists appreciate its solid crystalline structure – something that offers stability during routine storage, not just in large manufacturing facilities but also in smaller lab settings. The rings offer pi-electron density, while the carbonyl group acts as an electron sink, a feature that I’ve seen play out positively in promoting selectivity in organic transformations without introducing excessive byproducts. Under the microscope or with a ball-and-stick model, the spatial economy of CDI’s structure becomes clear, which explains some of its unique properties in reaction mechanisms.
This compound presents as an off-white or pale yellow crystalline solid, sometimes appearing in flakes, powder, or pearls. The density of 1,1'-Carbonylbis-1H-Imidazole sits close to 1.48 g/cm3 at ambient temperature, giving it a heft that helps limit airborne dust during handling. From a material-handling perspective, it’s rarely available in liquid form due to thermal and hydrolytic sensitivity; solutions require anhydrous organic solvents like acetonitrile or dichloromethane for practicality. The compound is not hygroscopic, so it resists clumping under dry storage, minimizing waste and simplifying dosing rather than dealing with lumpy powders. Long-term users note its solubility in common organic solvents, a boon for those scaling up reactions or running continuous processes in pilot plants.
Manufacturers guarantee purity upwards of 98%, with minimal contaminants. Production lots undergo rigorous HPLC and NMR testing. Some suppliers provide melting point information (typically around 134-138°C), which acts as a checkpoint for degradation or adulteration. The Harmonized System (HS) Code for 1,1'-Carbonylbis-1H-Imidazole is commonly 2933.19, which classifies heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen hetero-atom(s) only. This code aids customs clearance and international logistics, reducing paperwork headaches for importers and exporters.
Lab researchers, process engineers, and sourcing managers often rely on this compound for the activation of carboxyl and hydroxyl groups. Its role as a raw material in peptide and nucleotide synthesis links lab bench curiosity with practical commercialization. CDIs’ predictable reactivity profile makes it easy to document and reproduce results, a point appreciated by quality control managers chasing consistency batch-to-batch. Compared to older agents like DCC, CDI brings reduced byproduct formation that I’ve seen simplify downstream purification, saving solvents, time, and money in both research and production batches. Its compatibility with moisture-sensitive reactions helps streamline development in pharmaceutical synthesis and specialty chemicals development too.
1,1'-Carbonylbis-1H-Imidazole should be treated with respect due to its ability to react with water and amines, which results in the release of carbon dioxide and imidazole vapors. While not as volatile as some industrial reactants, inhalation or skin contact with dust and solutions can irritate. Facilities that process this material adopt basic chemical hygiene practices – gloves, goggles, dust masks in powder operations, and fume hood work for solution manipulations. Since it has a harmful profile if ingested or introduced to mucous membranes, clear signage and staff training play a role in keeping accidental exposures low. Waste management usually involves quenching with water and proper pH adjustment before disposal according to local regulations.
For safe use, storing in tightly sealed, labeled containers in dry, cool conditions addresses most stability concerns. Using powder handling tools with dust extraction can keep airborne particulates low. Training staff on proper techniques around weighing, transfer, and cleanup ensures safety, especially during raw material receipt and sampling. Efficient dissolving in dry solvents simplifies metering doses for larger batches, preventing localized over-reactions that can create waste. Investing in monitoring equipment like moisture analyzers and using desiccators in sensitive spaces reduces the risk of hydrolytic degradation. Reusing solvents where feasible and configuring reaction pathways to minimize excess CDI dosage lowers environmental impact and helps control operational costs across repeated production cycles. Opportunities for process innovation around closed transfer systems and digitized batch logs add transparency, ensuring that safety, quality, and sustainability remain core priorities.
