1-Vinylimidazole brings together the chemistry of imidazoles and the reactivity of a vinyl group. It shows up as an organic compound with the formula C5H6N2. With roots in both industrial and research settings, the compound stands out for its role in specialty polymers, coatings, and pharmaceutical intermediates. In the lab, it can look like a colorless to pale yellow liquid at room temperature, with a sharp odor. The material’s presence in research articles and chemical catalogs reflects its reputation as a key tool among synthetic chemists and materials scientists.
The structure of 1-Vinylimidazole features a five-membered imidazole ring with a vinyl group at the nitrogen atom. This unique arrangement creates an interesting blend of aromaticity and reactivity, as the vinyl group remains exposed for polymerization or further functionalization. The molecular weight clocks in at 94.12 g/mol, making it small enough to slip into reactions with ease. Water solubility shows up as moderate, but it blends well with many organic solvents. This comes in handy for folks designing customized chemical solutions or scaling up for manufacturing needs. The density falls around 1.04 g/cm3 at 20°C, so it sits close to water but with just enough heft to distinguish it in the lab. Viscosity is low, letting it flow with little resistance during pouring or mixing, which helps with dosing and batch prep.
1-Vinylimidazole’s liquid form dominates the commercial landscape. Most suppliers ship it by the liter or larger drums as a free-flowing liquid, a form that balances stability with convenience for both reaction and handling. Sometimes, if stabilized well or processed under cold conditions, it crystallizes into colorless needles. Flakes, powders, or pearls forms surface only in specific applications, such as when formulating high-performance polymer blends or pursuing unique compounding requirements. The substance can appear slightly viscous when cold, but a little warming restores its usual liquidity. In rare cases, minor impurities may tint the liquid yellow, so high-purity grades often earn a premium price for critical fields like electronics or pharma. As a starting material, it flows easily through manufacturing steps such as weighing, dosing to reactors, or blending with monomers and additives.
Customers expect clear product specifications for 1-Vinylimidazole, so suppliers typically state purity—most grades reach 98% or higher, with water and color as secondary markers. Stability in storage matters as well, so the product label usually flags shelf life, storage temperature, and recommended containers. The HS (Harmonized System) Code usually falls within the broader class for imidazoles or nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds, with the most typical number listed as 2933.29. Purity, water content, and presence of inhibitors (to keep from premature polymerization) often show up in detailed specification sheets, especially for buyers needing consistent quality in polymer and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Anyone who handles 1-Vinylimidazole needs to pay attention to safety and environmental impact. The compound can irritate the eyes, skin, and airways, especially if splashed or inhaled as vapor. Standard PPE steps up—nitrile gloves, goggles, and good ventilation. In a closed system or production line, local exhaust and fume extraction keep airborne exposure under control. Chemical safety data sheets spell out potential hazards: this material is classified as harmful if swallowed or inhaled in larger quantities, and it can sensitize the skin after repeated exposure. Its reactivity as a vinyl compound means that storage far from strong acids, oxidizers, or radical initiators matters; suppliers typically stabilize it to prevent runaway polymerization. Spills need quick cleanup with absorbent materials, since evaporation can leave residues tough to remove. Waste goes as hazardous chemical residues and shouldn’t reach sewers or regular landfill sites. Fire risk runs low, but in case of ignition, standard foam or CO2 extinguishers handle the task.
1-Vinylimidazole matters most as a building block for advanced polymers and specialty materials. It brings imidazole’s well-known thermal and chemical resistance to any structure it enters. Its key advantage is the vinyl group, which reacts easily in free-radical and copolymerization reactions, so manufacturers of resins, adhesives, and coatings find countless uses. Water-soluble polymers made from 1-Vinylimidazole improve stability in harsh environments, such as biomedicine, membranes, or specialized electronics. As a raw material, its cost can sway procurement budgets, so market watchers pay attention to both price swings and purity grades. In pharma research, new leads turn to this compound for its unique nitrogen-rich backbone—newer drugs, diagnostic reagents, and imaging agents all benefit. High demand for innovative materials, more robust coatings, and energy storage advancement keeps it high on the list for R&D labs.
On the molecular level, 1-Vinylimidazole stands out for its double unsaturation and the nucleophilic imidazole ring. Chemical reactivity goes beyond just the vinyl addition—the nitrogen atoms in imidazole coordinate with metals or catalyze reactions that help build complex structures. In polymer science, it often features as a co-monomer to deliver both hydrophilic and charge-carrying properties, leading to membranes with tailored permeability or sensors that operate in extreme pH ranges. Its molecular formula—C5H6N2—captures a blend of aromatic stability and vinyl reactivity. From experience in the synthesis lab, its ease of polymerization means runs can go wrong without proper inhibition or temperature control, so experienced chemists plan each step with stability in mind.
Work with 1-Vinylimidazole must always keep health, environmental, and regulatory shifts in view. As demand grows for greener chemistry, more sustainable manufacturing, and reduced volatile emissions, the compound’s handling and disposal merit careful management. Transitioning to closed-loop systems, investing in safe handling training, and working with suppliers who track production transparency help minimize risk. Companies and researchers focused on novel applications—biomedicine, advanced adhesives, separations, and drug discovery—will benefit from ongoing dialogue with safety professionals and environmental officers to craft protocols that protect workers and the planet.
