Disodium 1-(2-(Carboxymethoxy)Ethyl)-1-(Carboxymethyl)-4,5-Dihydro-2-Undecyl-1H-Imidazolium Hydroxide draws interest for its multi-faceted structure and tailored performance in modern chemistry and industrial processes. At its core, this compound features an imidazolium ring, which consistently shows up in surfactant chemistry and ionic liquids due to its stable interaction with water, oils, and a wide array of solvents. Molecular formula specifics highlight the presence of two disodium ions, carboxymethoxy and carboxymethyl substitutions, plus a long undecyl chain bonded to the imidazolium backbone. This structure brings a unique blend of water solubility, amphiphilicity, and ionic behavior, making the material valuable in detergent, emulsification, and potential chemical synthesis scenarios.
The physical attributes of this compound stand out: depending on synthesis and purification processes, forms range from solid flakes or crystalline powder to viscous, clear liquids. High-purity solids often take shape as colorless or faintly yellowish crystals due to the long hydrocarbon chain and ionic nature. This translates to a density slightly higher than water for the hydrated solid, while the pure compound, when dried, can approach densities around 1.1 to 1.3 g/cm³. Strong ionic interactions, along with carboxyl functionalities, boost the compound’s solubility in water, letting it form solutions at concentrations up to several hundred grams per liter without phase separation. Solutions remain clear, a sign of real solubilization rather than suspension or emulsion, a property sought by industrial chemists looking for efficient carriers or dispersants in aqueous systems.
Production lines often call for this compound among raw materials where a reliable anionic or amphoteric interface is essential. In my experience working with surfactant-rich formulations in detergents and emulsions, this imidazolium-based salt competed with older soap- or amino acid-based systems by offering chemical stability over a wide pH swing and maintaining integrity in the presence of hard water ions. It remains a favorite for research labs needing strong but not overly aggressive surface-active agents. Researchers have tracked its ability to form micelles, stabilize nanoparticle suspensions, and even act as a counter-ion source in catalytic systems, often outperforming simpler alkali metal carboxylates or less robust imidazolium salts.
Customs and shipping authorities reference the Harmonized System (HS) Code to classify this chemical, most often under the broad category for organic surfactants or imidazolium-based specialty chemicals. Manufacturers and logistics professionals should check the precise subheading to stay compliant, as tariffs and documentation requirements can change by country and by the presence of sodium in the structure. Physical handling brings extra consideration. Powders, crystals, and flakes can generate dust if agitation increases; good practice involves using local extraction, gloves, and eye protection, especially in large-scale settings or labs with poor ventilation. The liquid version reduces dust hazard, but splashes remain a risk to skin and eyes because of its moderate alkalinity and the capacity of the hydroxide anion to cause irritation. MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) from reliable manufacturers underline its skin sensitization potential and mildly corrosive properties. While not classed broadly as a highly hazardous or extremely harmful chemical, proper storage—sealed containers, away from acids—lowers accident chances and maximizes shelf life. Regulatory databases, including REACH in the EU and TSCA in the US, typically require notification and usage tracking. Raw material buyers must ask suppliers for up-to-date compliance certificates.
Looking deeper, the molecule’s architecture gives rise to distinctive behaviors. The imidazolium headgroup grants ionic character, supporting both cationic and anionic interactions, which proves valuable for removing stubborn soils or emulsifying heavy oils. The long undecyl chain, rarely smaller than C11, supplies enough hydrophobicity to anchor in nonpolar phases while keeping the molecule’s majority water-liking. Those carboxymethoxy and carboxymethyl arms further tune water solubility and control reactivity, especially when exposed to divalent ions like calcium or magnesium, warding off unwanted precipitations. Analytical labs confirm the structure using NMR and mass spectrometry, focusing on signals from the aromatic imidazole, methylene bridges, and terminal methyl groups. Density values become important when formulating high-performance liquid mixtures, especially where dosing accuracy matters, with lab-calibrated pipettes guiding volumetric additions down to the milliliter. Physical appearance—crystal, powder, solid, pearl, or liquid—depends on synthesis, drying, and packaging choices. For anyone needing material for research or small-batch synthesis, vendors often sell crystals or fine powder in amber glass, limiting light exposure and lowering the chance of air or moisture degradation.
Interest in this compound continues to grow, both as a specialty raw material for chemical manufacturers and a benchmark in green chemistry discussions. Modern supply chains rely on reliable access to upstream precursors: long-chain alkyl groups, imidazole rings, and carboxymethylating agents sourced from glycol or glycine derivatives. Businesses look for sustainable synthesis pathways, minimizing hazardous byproducts and solvent use. In the field, disposal and environmental impact top the list of compliance challenges. My time in regulatory review showed that, despite moderate aquatic toxicity, this compound scores lower on persistent organic pollutant metrics compared to many older cationic surfactants, as its imidazolium backbone can degrade under certain bacterial consortia and sunlight. Still, rigorous wastewater treatment remains essential, with activated carbon and biological filtration mitigating risk ahead of any discharge into the environment. As regulatory scrutiny sharpens, upstream suppliers who invest in greener methods position themselves to win a bigger chunk of the industrial market.
With demand climbing across European, Asian, and North American labs, the question of scale translates into new safety challenges. Repeated small exposures might not draw attention right away, yet persistent contact could lead to skin dryness, irritation, or sensitization, especially among workers in formulation or QC labs. Fit-for-purpose PPE and strong training programs cut risk, as does honest communication of hazard classifications both upstream and downstream. Suppliers who invest in hazard reduction—improving crystallization and minimizing fine particulates—develop a real competitive advantage. For consumers, curiosity about what goes into finished products grows each year. Precise product labeling, open MSDS access, and transparent sourcing stand alongside price and performance as major purchasing factors. Evolving green chemistry standards, stricter data requirements under ECHA and EPA, and inclusion on national chemical registries determine who stays in the market long term. The story of Disodium 1-(2-(Carboxymethoxy)Ethyl)-1-(Carboxymethyl)-4,5-Dihydro-2-Undecyl-1H-Imidazolium Hydroxide continues, driven both by necessity in surfactant science and the push toward stronger, safer, and more sustainable chemical technology.
