1-Ethyl-1H-Imidazole brings a unique structure to the table with the formula C5H8N2. It stands as an organic compound with an imidazole ring and an ethyl group attached to the first nitrogen position. The molecular weight clocks in around 96.13 g/mol. This material commonly finds its role as a chemical intermediate in pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries, offering a reliable backbone for synthesis work. The HS Code for customs and regulatory tracking often falls under 2933.29, a category reserved for heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen hetero-atoms only.
Watching 1-Ethyl-1H-Imidazole in action, it most often appears as a colorless to pale yellow liquid at room temperature, though it can deliver solid flakes or even crystals under colder conditions or if the environment is dry enough. Some suppliers handle it as a powder or in small pearls for easier weighing and transport, but in most workspaces, the liquid form pours out of standard bottles. Its density holds around 0.99 g/mL at 25°C, and the material dissolves well in water or polar organic solvents, which makes it suitable for a variety of reactions and preparations.
The imidazole ring forms the core, providing aromatic stability and a basic nitrogen center that participates in hydrogen bonding and coordination chemistry. Adding an ethyl group changes the electron distribution slightly, which can affect how the ring interacts in complex organic syntheses. Chemists rely on 1-Ethyl-1H-Imidazole for its stable performance as a base and catalyst precursor. If you try to volatilize it, the boiling point lands near 197–199°C, and freezing point hovers below room temperature, somewhere in the low negative Celsius range. Its vapor pressure remains relatively low, so evaporative losses don’t usually disturb the bench work.
Manufacturers draw on 1-Ethyl-1H-Imidazole for making ionic liquids, specialty solvents, and key pharmaceutical raw materials like antifungal agents and antihypertensive drugs. Laboratories handling it often use fume hoods for safety. The compound can irritate skin, eyes, and respiratory tract, so gloves, goggles, and proper ventilation form the front line of personal protection. MSDS documentation points out that it does not pose immediate flammability hazards but labels it as harmful if swallowed or inhaled in significant quantities. Strict chemical waste procedures prevent environmental release, because even moderate organic compounds like this shouldn’t enter water systems untreated.
As someone who has worked with raw materials procurement, finding a consistent supply of high-purity 1-Ethyl-1H-Imidazole calls for a solid relationship with reputable producers. Poor purity or trace contaminant issues can derail syntheses, especially in pharmaceuticals, where impurities can become a major regulatory concern. Firms protect themselves with lot-by-lot analytical testing, often demanding certificates clarifying spectroscopic purity, density, and trace moisture content. The right storage matters as well—glass containers with Teflon seals keep out atmospheric moisture that could degrade the compound over time. Clear tracking with the right HS Code on invoices and shipping documents ensures compliance and smooth customs processing.
Standard lab bottles of 1-Ethyl-1H-Imidazole might come in liter or smaller volumes, always tightly capped and sometimes kept under nitrogen if high sensitivity becomes an issue. Trained handlers avoid exposing this raw material to open flames or strong oxidizers, even though it’s not outright flammable. As with many lab chemicals, accidents happen—spill kits designed for organic liquids make clean-up easier and safer, especially if the material spreads on benches or flooring. For transportation, UN classification and hazardous labeling ensure safety through all points, from factory gate to receiving warehouse.
Demand for green chemistry pushes companies to search for lower-impact ways to make and use compounds like 1-Ethyl-1H-Imidazole. Catalytic processes, recycling solvent streams, and minimizing heavy metal reagents in syntheses target cleaner production. Waste streams can be treated with advanced oxidation before disposal. Researchers working in the lab appreciate suppliers willing to issue detailed life-cycle information, which helps organizations reach sustainability targets and reduces environmental liabilities. Sourcing from producers who demonstrate ISO-certified practices builds trust and lowers the risk that hazardous chemicals wind up mismanaged or dumped irresponsibly.
