1-Dodecyl-1H-imidazole stands as an organic compound belonging to the imidazole family, with a chemical structure featuring a twelve-carbon aliphatic chain (dodecyl group) attached to a nitrogen atom within an imidazole ring. That combination creates a material with strong amphiphilic tendencies: part of the molecule attracts water, and the other part repels it. At a glance, the structural formula C15H28N2 tells the story: long hydrocarbon tail joined to a heterocyclic aromatic ring. Manufacturing facilities and chemical suppliers recognize this compound thanks to its unique balance of hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions, offering a backbone for surfactant design or intervention in synthetic chemistry.
Across the lab and warehouse, 1-dodecyl-1H-imidazole may appear as a white to off-white flaky solid at standard temperature, though it sometimes turns up as a powder or even as fine pearls, depending on how it's processed. Density typically hovers around 0.95–1.0 g/cm3, depending on the level of purity and any presence of residual solvents. Melting point tends to land just above room temperature, giving it a waxy or crystalline feel in the hand. Lumping together properties like its structural packaging and density, you can pick up this compound in solid form for easy weighing and measuring, or sometimes as a liquid solution—often in water or organic solvents—tailored for laboratory needs.
The backbone of this compound is straight and clear: it’s made of a twelve-carbon dodecyl group linked to an imidazole ring, yielding a molecular formula of C15H28N2. That specific arrangement brings a particular kind of chemical behavior: the imidazole group can grab onto protons or donate electrons, so it often jumps into action in acid-base reactions or as a building block for more complicated molecules. Chemists find value here because the dodecyl side sticks to oily, non-polar materials, while the imidazole ring interacts readily with water and other polar substances. The molecule sits at a sweet spot for reducing surface tension or forming self-assembled layers—no mystery why it’s picked for surfactant chemistry.
Under normal storage conditions, 1-dodecyl-1H-imidazole sits as a solid, but can shift into a powder or even flaky material when handled mechanically. Some suppliers offer it as pellets or fine pearls, making it easy to pour without clumping. For applications demanding easy mixing or precise dosages, solutions made by dissolving the compound in organic solvent or water streamline the workflow. These practical forms suit a range of industries—especially those that need sharp wetting agents, detergents, or emulsifying agents. Raw material buyers in specialty chemical manufacturing lean on this compound for its ability to control molecular interfaces.
Commercial buyers keep an eye on product specifications: purity above 98%, clear color, minimal odor, trace moisture below 1%. Detailed technical sheets often note melting range, molecular weight (around 236.39 g/mol), and solubility profiles. Shipping and global trade for this material rely on the Harmonized System (HS) Code, most often 29332990, which covers heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen hetero-atom(s) only. Proper paperwork speeds up transport across borders and keeps customs processes smooth. The clear specifications and standardized codes let businesses track supply chains and meet regulatory requirements without delay.
Care sits at the front of working with 1-dodecyl-1H-imidazole, as with all chemicals. The compound can cause eye and skin irritation. Inhalation of dust or prolonged skin contact brings uncomfortable symptoms, so gloves and goggles make up basic defensive gear. Working in a well-ventilated lab or using a fume hood prevents unnecessary exposure. Storage should keep out moisture and direct sunlight, locked up in containers with clear hazard labeling. Disposal requires proper chemical waste procedures, as standard for organic nitrogen compounds. For shipping and storage, safety data sheets accompany every shipment, marking out the risks based on GHS classification. No one in chemical handling can ignore these requirements if personal health and regulatory compliance matter.
Chemical manufacturers keep 1-dodecyl-1H-imidazole on hand mainly as a foundational building block for specialty surfactants, ionic liquids, and advanced functional materials. The twin abilities to dissolve in both water and oil mean this compound fits key roles in detergents, cleaning products, corrosion inhibitors, and emulsifiers. With its molecular design, it steps into the production of high-value materials like protective coatings or components for electronics, textiles, and personal care products. Fine-tuning dosage and blending with other raw materials helps dial in the performance that modern industries demand. That’s the kind of practical utility product managers look for.
Although 1-dodecyl-1H-imidazole doesn’t rank as one of the most toxic compounds in the industrial world, repeated or high-level exposure puts health at risk. The imidazole ring contributes reactivity in the body, calling for controlled exposure even if acute toxicity remains moderate compared to stronger industrial chemicals. Waste management procedures require careful documentation, spill containment measures, and staff training to minimize environmental release or accidental ingestion. Workers and supervisors keep up with current regulations about chemical hazard classification to keep people and workplaces safe, following international standards.
Modern industries need more than just raw chemistry—they need practical, sustainable answers in sourcing and using materials like 1-dodecyl-1H-imidazole. Switching to bulk packaging can slash packaging waste. Investing in on-site monitoring and automatic handling equipment cuts down worker exposure and improves accuracy on the factory floor. For environmental impacts, companies work with certified chemical disposal partners and lean into green chemistry alternatives that seek comparable performance with fewer risks. Open communication between supplier, shipper, and end user makes sure that safety protocols and handling requirements become second nature, not afterthoughts. From firsthand experience, a solid training session on chemical hygiene pays off every time. It turns theory into everyday safety—a lesson learned from both failures and successes over years in the lab and plant.
