Chelated orthoborate ionic liquid as a reactant for the synthesis of a new cobalt borophosphate containing extra-large 16-ring channels.

1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(oxalato)borate ([Emim][BOB]), a room-temperature ionic liquid, has been prepared and used for the first time to develop new borate-containing material. A new open-framework cobalt borophosphate, (NH(4))(7)Co(4)(H(2)O)[B(2)P(4)O(15)(OH)(2)](2)[H(2)PO(4)][HPO(4)], with peanut shaped extra-large 16-ring channels has been obtained.