Hydrogen bonding in 1-butyl- and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ionic liquids.

A detailed investigation of hydrogen bonding in the pure ionic liquids [C4C1im]Cl and [C2C1im]Cl has been carried out using primarily molecular dynamics techniques. Analyses of the individual atom-atom pair radial distribution functions, and in particular those for C···Cl(-), have revealed that hydrogen bonding to the first methylene or methyl units of the substituent groups is important. Multiple geometric criteria for defining a hydrogen bond have been applied, and in particular the choice of the cutoff angle has been carefully examined. The interpretation of hydrogen bonding within these ionic liquids is highly angle dependent, and justification is provided for why it may be appropriate to employ a wider angle criteria than the 30° used for water or alcohol systems. The different types of hydrogen bond formed are characterized, and "top" conformations where the Cl anion resides above (or below) the imidazolium ring are investigated. The number of hydrogen bonds undertaken by each hydrogen atom (and the chloride anion) is quantified, and the propensity to form zero, one, or two hydrogen bonds is established. The effects of an increase in temperature on the static hydrogen bonding are also briefly examined.