IMPC (Propargyl 1H-imidazole-1-carboxylate, >98.0%) as Battery Electrolyte Additive, 5-25 g/bottle, CBEAIMPC

IMPC, Propargyl 1H-imidazole-1-carboxylate (also known as PImC, prop-2-yn-1-yl 1H-imidazole-1-carboxylate, or the Heller-Sarpong Reagent) is a multifunctional organic compound used primarily as a film-forming functional additive in non-aqueous electrolytes for high-voltage lithium-ion, lithium-metal, and post-lithium battery systems. Combining an unsaturated alkyne group, a carbonate linkage (-O-COO-), and an imidazole ring, this molecule functions as a dual-working interphase builder and acid scavenger.

Dual-Layer Interphase Passivation (SEI & CEI): (1) Anode (SEI): The reactive terminal alkyne group (-HC≡C-) undergoes sacrificial reduction at potentials higher than baseline carbonate solvents (typically around 1.2 V to 1.5 V vs. Li/Li+). Polymerization of the triple bond generates an organic-rich, elastic poly-alkyne/carbonate network on graphite or lithium metal anodes. (2) Cathode (CEI): The imidazole ring and carbonate core oxidatively polymerize at cathode surfaces at elevated cutoff voltages (> 4.4 V vs. Li/Li+), creating a thin, protective Cathode Electrolyte Interphase (CEI) that mitigates transition-metal leaching (e.g., Ni^{3+}/Ni^{4+}, Mn^{3+}) in nickel-rich NMC or high-voltage LCO chemistries.

Transition Metal Coordination & Dissolution Suppression: Nitrogen atoms on the imidazole ring act as Lewis bases, coordinating with active transition-metal sites at the cathode surface. This passivates catalytic surface defect sites, blocking parasitic side reactions and suppressing transition-metal migration to the anode.

HF and Lewis Acid Scavenging: In standard LiPF6-based electrolytes, hydrolysis by trace water yields hydrofluoric acid (HF) and Lewis-acidic PF5. The basic nitrogen site on the imidazole moiety scavenges PF5 and neutralizes HF, halting autocatalytic electrolyte degradation, reducing impedance growth, and suppressing gas generation during high-temperature aging (55°C-60°C).

Suppression of Lithium Dendrite Growth: The uniform cross-linked interphase derived from propargyl polymerization levels the local electric field across alkali-metal anodes, fostering uniform Li+ (or Na+) ion flux and inhibiting dendritic growth in lithium-metal cells.

Part Number	CBEAIMPC (C-BEA-IMPC)
CAS	83395-38-4
Chemical Formula	C7H6N2O2
Appearance	White Solid Powder
Purity	>98.0%
Molecular Weight	150.13 g/mol
Melt Point	~45-50 °C (lit.)
Package Size	5 g, 10 g, and 25 g/bottle

Notes: Please store the IMPC powder in a dry place.

References: 

1. Z. Chang, et al. Design and Mechanism Study of High-Safety and Long-Life Electrolyte for High-Energy-Density Lithium-Ion Batteries, ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 2024, 16, 15, 18980–18990.
2. Y. Gao, et al. Low-Temperature and Fast-Charging Sodium Metal Batteries Enabled by Molecular Structure Regulation of Fluorinated Solvents, Adv. Funct. Mater., 2025, 35, 2414652.