I would like to prepare n-methylimidazole in the lab., I did find a clear protocol for that and I am happy if anybody can send me a protocol and video for teaching how.
metilimidazol o N-metilimidazol es un compuesto orgánico heterocíclico aromático de fórmula CH₃C₃H₃N₂. Es un líquido incoloro que se utiliza como disolvente especial, base y como precursor de algunos líquidos iónicos.
N-methylimidazole is an organic compound that can be synthesized in the laboratory using a simple procedure. Here are the steps involved in the synthesis of N-methylimidazole:
Materials and tools needed:
Imidazole
Methyl iodide
Sodium hydroxide (NaOH)
Ethanol
Round-bottom flask
Condenser
Separatory funnel
Drying agent (e.g. magnesium sulfate or sodium sulfate)
Vacuum filtration apparatus
Procedure:
In a round-bottom flask, dissolve 5 g of imidazole in 100 mL of ethanol.
Add 8 g of sodium hydroxide to the flask and stir until the sodium hydroxide dissolves.
Add 10 mL of methyl iodide to the flask and stir the mixture for 2-3 hours at room temperature.
After the reaction is complete, transfer the mixture to a separatory funnel and add water to the funnel.
Separate the organic layer containing the N-methylimidazole from the aqueous layer and transfer it to a clean round-bottom flask.
Add a drying agent (e.g. magnesium sulfate or sodium sulfate) to the flask to remove any remaining water.
Filter the mixture through a vacuum filtration apparatus to obtain the solid N-methylimidazole.
Recrystallize the N-methylimidazole from ethanol to obtain pure crystals.
Note: Methyl iodide is a hazardous chemical and should be handled with care. The reaction should be carried out in a fume hood with appropriate personal protective equipment.
Overall, the synthesis of N-methylimidazole requires basic laboratory equipment and common reagents, making it a relatively straightforward procedure for those with experience in organic chemistry.