Developing New Inexpensive Room-Temperature Ionic Liquids with High Thermal Stability and a Greener Synthetic Profile.

Ionic liquids (ILs) have advantageous physical properties, which resulted in a rapid growth of research in this area in the past 15 years. One of the biggest challenges preventing the widespread use of ILs is the cost of production due to complex synthetic routes and/or expensive starting materials. Keeping in mind these industrial needs for scale-up and the desirable properties for applications in the lubrification area, here, we report the design and synthesis of four novel series of hydrophobic room-temperature ILs (RTILs) achieved from cheap and commercially available starting materials, namely, silicon-based, imidazolium-based, phosphonium-based, and monomer imidazolium-based. These syntheses were developed as expedited chemistry protocols and possess a greener synthetic profile compared to previously reported ILs of similar structures. All the RTILs were characterized by 1D NMR (1H NMR, 13C NMR, 31P NMR, 19F NMR, and 11B NMR) and 2D NMR (COSY, HSQC, and HMBC) analyses, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and chemical tests (primarily the silver nitrate test). Preliminary thermal analysis tests by thermogravimetric analysis show all novel RTILs display remarkably high thermal stabilities (386-474 °C). Differential scanning calorimetry data show low glass transitions ranging from -36 to -72 °C, which suggests good free volume and ion mobility.

Introduction

Ionic liquids (ILs) are materials entirely composed of ions with a melting point below of 100 °C.[1−11] ILs have attracted considerable attention during the past two decades because of their capacity to possess a unique combination of physicochemical properties such as minimal volatility, high thermal stability, strong dissolution powers, low flash points, high chemical stabilities, catalytic activities, a tunable range of polarities, and relatively high electroconductivities.[12−17] By changing the structures of cations and their combinations with a range of anions, the desired physicochemical properties can be tailored for a particular application.[18−24]

Mainly due to their recyclability and very low volatility, ILs were first proposed in the chemical industry as “green” alternatives to traditional volatile solvents, as catalysts[25] and in biocatalytic reactions.[26] These applications have now grown to include separation processes,[27] electrochemical sensors,[28] lithium batteries,[29] fuel cells,[30] and dye-sensitized solar cells,[31] in production of nanomaterials,[32] of porous and conductive polymers,[33] in biomass processing,[34,35] and in lubrication[36] with some processes operating already at the industrial scale.[19,37,38] Moreover, extraction of heavy metals with hydrophobic ILs is well documented.[39]

In view of this large and expanding landscape of applications, synthetic methodologies that minimize the generation of hazardous substances and provide more economical approaches for the preparation of novel ILs with improved physicochemical properties are greatly required. We are particularly interested in applications in the area of lubrication.

Results and Discussion

Important cationic partners include ammonium (e.g., imidazolium) and phosphonium ions.

The imidazolium cation, in combination with weakly coordinating anions, exhibits a delocalized π-electron system with a pronounced aromatic bond character.[40] This is one chemical characteristic that allows it to be used as a precursor to N-heterocyclic carbenes for successful transition-metal coordination[41] and as a viable candidate for CO2 capture.[23,42] It has been demonstrated that ILs with longer alkyl chains are strongly adsorbed on sliding surfaces and provide better lubrication properties than the shorter alkyl chains.[43,44]

ILs containing phosphonium cations tend to possess high thermal stabilities, which, for instance, was one of the desirable properties for the industrial adoption of the IL [P8,8,8,18] I,[45] as a Lewis basic IL in the isomerization process of 3,4-epoxybut-1-ene to 2,5-dihydrofuran instead of its ammonium analogue.[19,46,47] Despite their application potential, phosphonium ILs have been less systematically studied than their nitrogen-based counterparts.[48]

In this report, we use traditional anions (NTf2, PF6, and BF4) and partner them with novel cations based on four main structural types described below. In this paper, we report on the design, synthesis, and purification of nine novel, hydrophobic, room-temperature ILs (RTILs) via expedited protocols from cheap, commercially available starting materials.

All protocols involve two synthetic steps: the first is the synthesis of chloride/bromide intermediate ILs, followed by the synthesis of the final product ILs. All chloride/bromide intermediate ILs were synthesized via SN2 displacement reactions of amines with suitable alkyl chlorides (Scheme ) or bromides (Schemes –4). This was followed by an anion exchange reaction, usually occurring in neat, water to afford the final ILs. The chloride/bromide intermediate ILs were not purified further as they were deemed to be of sufficient purity to be used in the next step. Through the anion exchange procedure, the impurities were efficiently eliminated from the final product.

Scheme 1

Synthesis of (above) Product IL [DBU-M-TMSi] NTf2 and (below) Product IL [BM-M-TMSi-im] NTf2 as Novel RTSi-ILs

Scheme 2

Synthesis of (Middle) Bromide Intermediate IL [DMMB-im] Br and (above) Product IL [DMMB-im] BF4 and (below) Product IL [DMMB-im] NTf2 as Novel RTim-ILs

Scheme 4

Synthesis of (Middle) Intermediate Bromide IL [ABM-im] Br and IL Product (Right) [ABM-im] NTf2 as Novel RTMim-ILs

The two-reaction protocol employed minimizes environmental impact and maximizes the friendliness to manufacture processes from both an energy-efficiency perspective and a pollutant-reduction perspective. This was achieved through, respectively, optimization of the reaction temperatures, which were reduced compared to structurally similar ILs reported in the literature, the avoidance of organic solvents (first reaction), the use of water as a solvent (second reaction), the use of equimolar amounts of the reagents in both reactions.

During protocol optimization, reaction progress was monitored by 1H NMR analysis of the reaction mixtures at regular intervals and at a variety of temperatures. This ensured that optimal reaction times and temperatures were found (see Experimental Section). The novel RTILs reported in this work were characterized by several 1D NMR (1H, 13C, and where applicable 11B, 19F and 31P) and 2D NMR (COSY, HSQC, and HMBC) techniques to ensure structural integrity (see Supporting Information), as well as high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) of the ion couples. Purity was assessed through analysis of NMR spectra and the silver nitrate test. All reaction conditions are summarized in Table along with reaction conditions of structurally similar ILs available from the chemical literature. The novel RTILs fall into the four main structural categories described below.

Table 2

Synthetic Methodology Comparison of Our Novel ILs vs Structurally Related, Currently Available ILs Reported in the Chemical Literature

		intermediate IL		IL product
entry	class	structure	reaction conditions (temperature, °C; reaction time, hours, solvent and/or separation)	structure	reaction conditions (temperature, °C; reaction time, hours, solvent and/or separation)	references
1	1. RTSi-ILs	[DBU-M-TMSi] Cl	70 °C, 2 h, solvent-free	[DBU-M-TMSi] NTf2	RT, 0.5 h, water	this work
2		[BM-M-TMSi-im] Cl	80 °C, 12 h, NaI, CH3CN	[BM-M-TMSi-im] NTf2	RT, 0.5 h, CH2Cl2, water	this work
3	2. RTim-ILs	[DMMB-im] Br	85 °C, 12 h, solvent-free	[DMMB-im] BF4	RT, 1 h, CH2Cl2, water	this work
4				[DMMB-im] NTf2	RT, 0.5 h, water	this work
5	3. RTP-ILs	[TBP888] Br	135 °C, 12 h, solvent-free	[TBP888] NTf2	RT, 0.5 h, CH2Cl2, water	this work
6	4. RTMim-ILs	[ABM-im] Br	40 °C, 4 h, CH3CN	[ABM-im] NTf2	RT, 0.5 h, water	this work
7	5. RTim-ILs	[BMO-im] Br	70 °C, 72 h, CH3CN	[BMO-im] BF4	RT, 0.5 h, water	this work
8				[BMO-im] PF6	RT, 0.5 h, water	this work
9				[BMO-im] NTf2	RT, 0.5 h, water	this work
10	DBU derivatives cf. 1. RTIL	[DBU-Et] Br	60 °C, 48 h, CH3CN	[DBU-Et] SCN	RT, 24 h, CH2Cl2, water	ref (78)
11	cf. 2. RTim-ILs	[DHPA-im] Cla	130 °C, 48 h, solvent-free	[DHPA-im] NTf2a	RT, N/A h, ethyl acetate, CH3CN, water	ref (52)
12	cf. 3. RTP-ILs	[TBP] Cla	120 °C, 72 h, pet. ether, water	[TBP] BF4a	60 °C, 18 h, CH2Cl2,	ref (53)
13				[TBP] NTf2a	40 °C, 18 h, water; CH2Cl2	ref (53)
14		[TOP] Cla	120 °C, 72 h, pet. ether, water	[TOP] NTf2a	60 °C, 18 h, ethanol/water (2:1), CH2Cl2	ref (53)
15		[P8888] Br	110 °C, 72 h, n-hexane	[P8888][(EtO)HPO2]	RT, 6 h, anion exchange resin (Amberlites IRN-78), water/ethanol (1:2, v/v)	ref (61)
16	cf. 1. RTSi-ILs2. RTim-ILs	ene-bearing ILs	110 °C, 48–72 h, toluene (or) 82 °C, 48–72 h, CH3CN	ene-bearing ILs	RT, 24 h, water	ref (61)
17	RTILs cf. 2. RTim-ILs 4. RTMim-ILs5. RTim-ILs	[OM-im] Bra	80 °C, 24 h, toluene	[OM-im] F(CF2)4SO3a	RT, 48 h, acetone, CH2Cl2	ref (71)
18		[TMHEDA] Br	80 °C, 12 h, toluene	[TMHEDA] BF4	RT, 48 h, acetone, CH2Cl2, water	ref (79)
19		[2MOPYR] Br	70 °C, N/A h, CH3CN	[2MOPYR] NTf2	RT, 24 h, CH3CN, CH2Cl2, water	ref (68)
20		[F(CF2)4(CH2)2mim] F(CF2)4SO3	120 °C, 0.33 h, CH2Cl2, microwave, water, 3-layer separation	[F(CF2)4(CH2)2mim] F(CF2)4SO3	reflux, 4 h, dry propanol, CH2Cl2	ref (79)
21		[BCP] Bra	135 °C, 18 h, solvent-free, wash with ethyl acetate	[BCP] NTf2a	70 °C, N/A h, water	ref (80)
22		[iPr2N(CH2)2N112] Cl	reflux, 24 h, CH3CN, Na2CO3	[iPr2N(CH2)2N112] NTf2	RT, N/A h, CH2Cl2, water	ref (181)

Abbreviations used for IL cations retrieved from the chemical literature: [TBP]: tributyl phosphate, [TOP]: tributyl(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)phosphonium, [P8888] Br: tetraoctylphosphonium bromide, [DHPA-im]: 1-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-3-alkylimidazolium, [OM-im]: 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium, [TMHEDA]: N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-N′-hexyl-ethylenediammonium, [2MOPYR]: 1-octyl-2-methylpyridinium, [F(CF2)4(CH2)2mim]: fluoroalkyl methylimidazolium, [iPr2N(CH2)2N112]: 1-(2-diisopropylaminoethyl)dimethylethylammonium, [BCP]: 1-butyl-4-cyanopyridinium. Other abbreviations: cf.: compare to, hr: hour/s, N/A: not available, RT: room temperature.

Room-Temperature Silicon-Based ILs (RTSi-ILs)

Silicon oils are naturally occurring liquid siloxane polymers with branching organic side-chains, with the most industrially important one being polydimethylsiloxane. These polymers are of commercial interest because of their relatively high thermal stability and their lubricating properties.[45] For the thermal stability, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of polydimethylsiloxane showed a degradation temperature starting at circa 400 °C.[6]

The effective lubrication of this IL type has also been investigated on stainless steel, where frictional behavior without a lubricant coating is above 0.8, while that of stainless steel coated with 0.1 μm thick silicone oil is less than 0.2.[45] More recently, synthetic ILs containing the NTf2 anion have found successful applications as additives to base oils for the lubrication of steel on aluminium.[36] IL additives have distinct advantages over traditional lubricant additives, such as zinc dialkyldithiophosphate, in that they are more stable at high temperatures, they are ashless upon decomposition and they are compatible with a wider range of surfaces.[49] Silicon oils are inherently safe and nontoxic compounds that have been used in the treatment of complicated retinal detachments for over 30 years.[50] There are currently no RTSi-ILs on the market, and those previously synthesized are often expensive to produce.[19,51]

Here, we present the synthesis of two novel RTSi-ILs (Scheme ) from cheap starting materials 1,8-diazobicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) and (chloromethyl)trimethylsilane to 1-(methyl trimethylsilane)-1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene chloride, [DBU-M-TMSi] Cl; and 1-benzyl-2-methylimidazole and (chloromethyl)trimethylsilane to 1-benzyl-2-methyl-3-(methyl trimethylsilane)imidazolium chloride, [BM-M-TMSi-im] Cl. These chloride intermediates [DBU-M-TMSi] Cl and [BM-M-TMSi-im] Cl are, respectively, hydrophilic and partially hydrophilic. Hydrophilicity is linked to the use of chloride as a counter ion.[5] In this first reaction, neat conditions and a temperature of 70 °C were appropriate to trigger the SN2 displacement reaction between DBU and the hindered neopentyl carbon of (chloromethyl)trimethylsilane to smoothly afford the IL intermediate [DBU-M-TMSi] Cl in excellent yield (97%), in a short reaction time (2 h), and on a large research laboratory scale (27 g).

The 1H NMR of the [DBU-M-TMSi] Cl intermediate displayed one set of peaks, indicative of the reaction having proceeded to completion, and with high purity (>99%) (see Supporting Information). The anion exchange reaction was successfully and efficiently carried out in water on a large scale (29 g). The 1H NMR of the [DBU-M-TMSi] NTf2 product shows that the synthetic protocol afforded high purity (>99%). For the preparation of the second chloride intermediate IL, [BM-M-TMSi-im] Cl, the use of NaI as a Finkelstein catalyst was warranted because imidazole’s nitrogen atom’s reduced nucleophilicity toward carbon electrophiles.[52,53] The above methods provide safer, less energetically costly, and easy-to-purify RTSi-ILs via optimized synthetic protocols that can be adapted to the synthesis of structurally similar systems (Table , entries 1, 2, 10, 16, 22).

Room-Temperature Imidazolium-Based ILs with Small Chain (RTim-ILs)

The synthesis of these imidazolium ILs occur via N-alkylation by SN2 mechanism 1-bromo-3-methylbutane, followed by anion exchange.[54,55] The SN2 reaction attatined completion at 85 °C in 12 h. The anion exchange reaction occurred in water/CH2Cl2 (1:1) at room temperature in 1 h. The product, soluble in CH2Cl2, was collected in the bottom layer. All other reagents and salts remained in the water layer. This layer was decanted off efficiently, and the CH2Cl2 layer was further washed with water to afford the pure product [DMMB-im] BF4. The anion exchange reaction using LiNTf2 was carried out exclusively in water and was completed in 30 min. The product was washed with water three times to provide pure [DMMB-im] NTf2.

On comparing the cation structure of [DMMB-im] BF4 (Scheme ) and of an RTim-IL with a long chain, such as [BMO-im] BF4 (Scheme ), it can be seen that by changing the cation alkyl chain length, the solubility in water can be effectively tuned. Synthetically, using the reaction conditions for the RTim-ILs presented in Scheme , we have shown an improvement in energy use and a shorter reaction time as compared to similar systems that have previously been reported (see Table , entries 3, 4, 11, 16–22).

Scheme 5

Synthesis of (Middle) IL Bromide Intermediate [BMO-im] Br, (above) IL Product [BMO-im] BF4, (Middle) IL Product [BMO-im] PF6, and (below) IL Product [BMO-im] NTf2 as Novel RTMim-ILs

Room-Temperature Phosphonium-Based IL (RTP-ILs)

Phosphonium-based ILs have been reported to possess higher thermal stabilities[53] than most ILs and excellent lubrication properties.[54] They are also efficient media as solvents used in several reactions, including the mild nitration of arenes[56] and the base-promoted Baylis–Hillman reaction[57] through the stabilization of zwitterionic intermediates exerted by polar additives. Alkyldithiophosphate compounds with longer alkyl chain groups provide lower wear rates compared to compounds with shorter chains, as additives in base oil in the concentration range of 0.1–1.0 wt %.[58] The bulkiness of the cation weakens the electrostatic interactions with the anion, resulting in weaker interactions between the ions. The interplay of these interactions within IL structures and between ILs and surfaces are used to design ILs with tunable lubrication properties.[59] Phosphonium cations, such as trialkylphosphines, as well as a limited number of tetraalkylphosphonium halides are currently commercially available.[55,60]

Here, phosphonium IL [TBP888] NTf2 was synthesized as shown in Scheme . Compared to the synthesis of ILs of similar structures (see Table , entries 5, 12–15),[57,61] our novel phosphine-based RTILs were synthesized through a synthetic protocol that massively reduces the reaction time (from 72 to 12 h), the use of solvents (pet ether vs solvent-free for the first step, CH2Cl2/water vs CH2Cl2 for the second step), and the energy expenditure (similar temperatures for the first step, but room temperature vs 40–60 °C for the second step) through the fine-tuning of reaction conditions. Preparation of the bromide intermediate IL, [TBP888] Br, was performed at 135 °C for 12 h in neat conditions. The anion exchange reaction to prepare [TBP888] NTf2 was performed at 40 °C in 18 h in water/CH2Cl2 (1:1) at RT for 30 min. CH2Cl2 was required to solubilize the cation (which is insoluble in water) and it was easier to remove thanks to its low boiling point, after the reaction attained completion. Both steps were carried out on a large research laboratory scale to afford 34 g of [TBP888] NTf2.

Scheme 3

Synthesis of (Middle) Bromide Intermediate IL [TBP888] Br and (Right) RTIL [TBP888] NTf2 as Novel RTP-ILs

Room-Temperature Monomer Imidazolium-Based ILs (RTMim-ILs)

Recently poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs) or polymerized ILs have emerged for applications in materials science and polymer chemistry. PILs are polyelectrolytes that are made up of a polymerized IL block copolymer.[62,63] IL monomers for PIL synthesis are becoming increasingly popular with applications in biphasic reaction catalysis, electromechanical actuator membranes and diluents, separation membranes, and water purification agents.[57]

IL monomer species for use in PIL synthesis tend to be quite expensive. Literature syntheses to monomer intermediate ILs include reaction conditions of 110 °C for 48–72 h in toluene or at 82 °C for 48–72 h in acetonitrile[61] (Table , entries 6, 17–22).

Herein, the monomer ILs were achieved via a greener protocol, as shown in Scheme , and at a much lower cost in comparison with the current monomer ILs in the market.[64] The intermediate monomer IL [ABM-im] Br was synthesized in acetonitrile at 40 °C in 4 h as monitored by 1H NMR analyses run at regular intervals. The anion exchange was then completed at RT, in 30 min, with water as the reaction medium. The bromide intermediate IL [ABM-im] Br is a hydrophilic material, however, product IL [ABM-im] NTf2 is a hydrophobic species.

Room-Temperature Imidazolium Based ILs with Long Chain Cations (RTim ILs)

In petroleum science and technology, long alkyl chain ILs are used as surfactants to increase oil recovery.[65] Furthermore, 1-decyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate in the oxidative desulfurization of diesel exhibited high catalytic activity for the removal of dibenzothiophene.[66] 1-Alkyl-3-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate ILs (with C6–C14-long alkyl chains) are also utilized as surfactants with catalytic activities[67] and as fuel additives.[36,68]

In this work, the C8-long chain bromide intermediate IL [BMO-im] Br was prepared using low cost raw materials via the SN2 displacement reaction between 1-benzyl-2-methylimidazole and 1-bromooctane in acetonitrile at 70 °C (Scheme ). Consequently, anion exchange in water at room temperature provided the corresponding hydrophobic RTILs [BMO-im] NTf2, [BMO-im] BF4, and [BMO-im] PF6] in 30 min. The anion exchange protocol was carried out on a 29 g scale for IL product [BMO-im] NTf2. Table (entries 7–9, 17–22) compares our synthetic protocols to the ones for ILS of similar structures reported in the chemical literature.

Thermal Decomposition by TGA

For measurement of thermogravimetric data, TGA was carried out on a TA Instruments SDTQ600, and a derivative thermogravimetric analysis (DTG) was used for all TGA data obtained (Figure ). TGA was used to ascertain the thermal stability of the ILs in the range of temperatures 25–600 °C (all data in Figure ). All the novel ILs synthesized displayed relatively high TGA values for ILs, ranging from a minimum value of 380 °C for [BMO-im] BF4 to a maximum value of 474 °C for [DMMB-im] NTf2.

Figure 1

TGA results for [DBU-M-TMSi]NTf2, [BM-M-TMSi-im]NTf2, [DMMB-im]BF4, [DMMB-im]NTF2, [TBP888]NTf2, [ABM-im]NTf2, [BMO-im]BF4, [BMO-im]PF6, [BMO-im]NTf2.

The two main structural parameters under analysis were the anion type and the cation type. The anion’s influence on the thermal stability of the ILs[69] was studied by fixing the cation type (see Figure ) and varying the anion. The order of thermal stability found here was [BMO-im] BF4 < [BMO-im] PF6 < [BMO-im] NTf2 and [DMMB-im] BF4 < [DMMB-im] NTf2. The thermal stability for these is consistent with the current literature data which provides the following thermal stability trend in anionic variations [BF4] < [PF6] < [NTf2].[69] The following general trend is observable here, where the thermal stability of ILs increases as the anion becomes bulkier and the negative charge more delocalized. The thermal stability of ILs with different anions decreases with the increase of nucleophilicity and hydrophilicity of the corresponding anion.[70,71] The thermal decomposition temperature (Td) values ranged from 386 °C for [BMO-im] BF4, to 393 °C for [BMO-im] PF6, and to 450 °C for [BMO-im] NTf2; likewise they increased from 442 °C for [DMMB-im] BF4 to 474 °C for [DMMB-im] NTf2.

The data also indicate that the [DMMB-im] cation provides a more thermally stable RTIL for the same anion (BF4) than [BMO-im], however their respective NTf2 RTILs possess very similar TGA values. The temperature range for the anion series was wider for the [BMO-im] cation than for the [DMMB-im] cation, where a much narrower temperature range was measured for TGA values. The influence of the cation was studied through fixing the anion and varying the cation. In Figure , the NTf2 series is shown with the TGA values for the imidazolium-based RTIL series increasing in the following way [ABM-im] NTf2 < [BM-M-TMSi-im] NTf2 < [BMO-im] NTf2 < [DMMB-im] NTf2. Td values ranged from 408 °C for [ABM-im] NTf2, to 430 °C for [BM-M-TMSi-im] NTf2, to 449 °C for [BMO-im] NTf2 and to 474 °C for [DMMB-im] NTf2. Structurally three of these four RTILs have the same benzyl group bonded to one of the methylimidazolium N atoms, namely, [ABM-im], [BM-M-TMSi-im], and [BMO-im].

Therefore, the difference in Td values can be ascribed to the other side-chain present, which is an allyl group for [ABM-im], a methyl trimethylsilane group for [BM-M-TMSi-im], and an n-octane group for [BMO-im]. The increase in Td values can be rationalized in terms of the relative chemical stabilities of these groups in their bonding with benzyl methylimidazolium. The allyl group seems to be the least thermally stable, which is likely due to the presence of the isolated, terminal double bond, which upon temperature increase can undergo a number of reactions, including condensation, cycloaddition, rearrangement, addition, and isomerization without need for a catalyst.[72] This is in agreement with literature values for allyl-based ILs, which tend to possess the lowest relative thermal stability.[73]

The second most thermally stable RTIL was the [BM-M-TMSi-im] cation, which has a silicon-containing branched alkane. Si-containing alkanes tend to be less thermally stable than their corresponding parent alkane. This can be seen with neopentane and tetramethylsilane flashpoints of −7 and −27 °C, respectively, and thermal decomposition of tetramethylsilane-yielding alkanes.

Linear alkane chains such as n-octane in the [BMO-im] cation can establish van der Waals interactions with adjacent molecules more effectively than branched alkane derivatives, such as methyl trimethylsilane in [BM-M-TMSi-im], which stabilizes these long-chain alkane systems. Furthermore, they tend to be relatively unreactive because of stable σ-bonds between atoms of very similar or equal electronegativities.

The Td value for the [DBBM-im] cation was similar to that for the [BMO-im] cation as they both possess an alkane chain bonded to one of the N atoms of the methylimidazolium ring and the principal structural difference is the methyl group versus the benzyl group bonded to the second methylimidazolium N atom. Benzyl groups can undergo thermal decomposition too, aided by the formation of educts stabilized by aromaticity.[74,75] For the BF4 series, we compared the cations [DMMB-im] and [BMO-im] and the thermal stabilities also followed the trend [BMO-im] BF4 < [DMMB-im] BF4.

Hence, depending on the potential application of the ILs, when imidazolium is the core cationic component, aromatic structures covalently bonded to it play a prominent role in the IL thermal stabilities. The TGA values for the novel ILs demonstrate that their thermal stability is among the highest 5% reported for ILs.[73,76]

Thermal Behavior of ILs

The thermal behavior of the novel ILs was studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), which gives information about phase transitions such as solid–solid phase transitions (e.g., glass transition), solid–liquid phase transitions (e.g., melting), and liquid–solid phase transitions (crystallization).[77] In this study, DSC gives information on phase transitions of our pure novel ILs. Glass transition temperature (Tg) is one of the most important properties of ILs, where the IL transition from a hard and glassy state to a soft and rubbery state is monitored. At this transition, the IL does not melt, but undergoes a slight softening (phase change) at elevated temperatures.

Figure shows the DSC results for the novel ILs with the Tg values summarized in Table . A comparison of the NTf2 anion containing ILs shows that [DBU-M-TMSi] NTf2 displayed a lower Tg than [BM-M-TMSi-im] NTf2: −56.3 °C as compared to −43.3 °C. This difference indicates that the [DBU-M-TMSi] cation provides a lower viscosity, higher free volume, and ion mobility than the [BM-M-TMSi-im] cation. These silicon-based ILs could be useful even for low temperatures as oil additives for lubrication applications.

Figure 2

DSC heating traces (10 °C min–1) of novel ILs.

Table 1

Tg Results of Novel ILs

ILs	[DBU-M-TMSi] NTf2	[BM-M-TMSi-im] NTf2	[DMMB-im] NTf2	[TBP888] NTf2	[ABM-im] NTf2	[BMO-im] BF4	[BMO-im] PF6	[BMO-im] NTf2
Tg	–56.3	–43.3	–72.4	–71.7	–59.3	–42.5	–36.1	–59.3

Furthermore, due to the flat geometry of the imidazolium and benzene rings means the [BM-M-TMSi-im] cations can more easily form a regular, crystalline lattice at lower temperatures. [DMMB-im] NTf2 shows the lowest Tg (−72.4 °C) due to the small, asymmetrical cation, which provides more ion mobility as well as free volume and results in a lowering of the Tg.

[TBP888] NTf2 displays a similarly low Tg (−71.7 °C), even though it has a localized charge on the phosphonium cation. Its big and asymmetrical structure along with the free rotation of the benzyl ring may help to decrease its Tg.

Comparing the [BMO-im] cation series to determine the effect of changing the structure of anions reveals that, as the anion species becomes bigger and the charge more delocalized, its Tg shifts to lower values, which results in an increase of ion mobility, free volume, and/or less viscosity.

Starting Materials and Yields

In this work, low-cost, commercially available starting materials were used for the syntheses, such as technical grade 1-benzyl-2-methylimidazole (90%) and the reaction conditions were optimized to deliver high yields and highly pure IL products over two synthetic steps. These readily available starting materials, optimized synthetic and greener protocols are crucial to the large-scale commercialization of ILs. In this work, yields for all the novel ILs are provided in Figure . Furthermore, all IL products are liquids at room temperature, which for industrial use is a very advantageous physical property (e.g., for transportation) (Figure ).

Figure 3

Yield of novel RTILs over two synthetic steps.

Figure 4

Images of selected novel RTILs. (Left) [TBP888] NTf2, (middle) [BMO-im] NTf2, and (right) [DBU-M-TMSi] NTf2. Photograph courtesy of Mahdi Ghorbani. Copyright 2020.

Comparison with Previous Works

We summarized the optimized synthetic methodologies for our ILs to protocols of structurally related and currently available ILs from the chemical literature in Table .

Conclusions

Greener, safe, environmentally friendly, and expeditious synthetic methodologies were developed to produce novel series of imidazolium-, phosphine-, imidazolium monomer-, and silicon-based ILs in high yields, purities, and laboratory scales. Characterization of the ILs were carried out through the study of their 1D NMRs, namely, 1H, 13C, 31P, 19F, 11B NMR, and 2D NMRs, high-resolution mass spectra, thermal stabilities, and behaviors. One of the critical challenges for RTIL production that has been addressed in this paper is the very high manufacturing costs that currently limits their large-scale production in industry. Herein, the use of low cost and commercially available starting materials to synthesize RTILs possessing highly desirable purities and physical properties is reported. Furthermore, it is noted that silicon-based RTILs are not yet available on the market for either academic or industrial applications. These ILs have potential applications as lubricants or as additives for light-weight materials, such as aluminum.[47,81,82]

Experimental Section

General Experimental Section

Materials

1-Benzyl-2-methylimidazole (technical grade, 90%), DBU (98%), 1-bromo-3-methylbutane (96%), 1-bromooctane (99%), allyl bromide (99%), trioctylphosphine (97%), NaBF4 (98%), and benzyl bromide (98%) were purchased from Sigma Aldrich. Sodium iodide (99.5%), 1,2-dimethylimidazole (98%), and potassium hexafluorophosphate (99%) were purchased from Alfa Aesar. (Chloromethyl)trimethylsilane (98%) was gifted by Wacker Co. The reagents were used as provided without further purification, with NMR analysis confirming an acceptable degree of purity and correct structural identity.

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) Spectra were recorded on Bruker Ascend TM 400, in the deuterated solvent stated. Chemical shifts (δ) are quoted in ppm and coupling constants (J) in Hz. Residual signals from the solvents were used as an internal reference, using the following reference chemical shifts: CDCl3 at 7.26 ppm for 1H NMR and 77.2 ppm for 13C NMR.[83]

Mass Spectrometry

HRMS spectra were obtained at the Analytical and Biomolecular Research Facilities at the University of Newcastle, Australia, from samples resuspended in 1 mL of acetonitrile with 0.1% formic acid (∼1 mg/mL), before being further diluted to ∼10 ng/mL in 50% acetonitrile/water containing 0.1% formic acid. Samples were infused directly into the HESI source of a Thermo Scientific Q Exactive plus (QE+) using an on-board syringe pump at 5 mL/min. Data were acquired on the QE+ in both positive and negative ion mode at a target resolution of 70,000 at 200 m/z. Raw MS files were manually processed using Thermo Qualbrowser while the isotopic patterns of predicted chemical formula were modeled using Bruker Compass Isotope Pattern to give a predicted formula.

Thermogravimetric Analysis

TGAs were obtained on a SDTQ600 thermogravimetric analyzer (TA Instruments). Each IL sample (5–10 mg) was placed in an alumina pan under an atmosphere of nitrogen with a flow rate of 100 mL/min. Pyrolysis of each IL sample was then carried out over a temperature range 25–800 °C with a temperature ramp rate of 5 °C/min.

Differential Scanning Calorimetry

DSC measurements were made using a Netzsch DSC 214 Polyma instrument with liquid N2 cooling, driven by Proteus 70 software. Samples (5–20 mg) were sealed in Al pans inside an argon-filled glovebox. Samples were cooled at 10 °C min–1 from room temperature to −100 °C and, after an isothermal equilibration time of 10 min, heated to 60 or 80 °C at the same scan rate. Three thermal cycles were performed for samples with heat flow regulated to a rate of 10°/min for all the samples.

Drying of ILs

In order to minimize water content, all ILs were dried for 6 h on a rotary evaporator at 60 °C as low as the pressure allowed to go (a few mbars). Then, they were dried under high vacuum overnight.

Experimental Section

RTSi-ILs

Preparation of 1-(Methyl trimethylsilane)-1,8-diazobicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene Chloride [DBU-M-TMSi]Cl and of 1-(Methyl trimethylsilane)-1,8-diazobicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene Bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide [DBU-M-TMSi] NTf2

Under neat conditions, (chloromethyl)trimethylsilane (20.00 mmol, 2.453 g) was added dropwise to 1,8 diazabicyclo[4.5.0]undec-7-ene (20.00 mmol, 3.045 g) under an atmosphere of nitrogen at RT. After the addition was complete, the temperature was raised to 70 °C and the reaction stirred for 2 h. After completion of the reaction, monitored via 1H NMR, the temperature was allowed to return to RT and the resulting product 1-(methyl trimethylsilane)-1,8-diazobicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene chloride [DBU-M-TMSi] Cl was an off-white solid (5.344 g, 97%), which was used in succeeding reactions without further purification.

The [DBU-M-TMSi] Cl (19.44 mmol, 5.344 g) was dissolved in deionized water (5 mL) and stirred at RT. Bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide lithium (19.44 mmol, 5.581 g) dissolved in deionized water (5 mL) was added slowly to the stirred solution of [DBU-M-TMSi] Cl, dissolved in deionized water (10 mL) at RT. The resulting solution was stirred for a further 30 min at RT with immiscible colorless liquid forming at the bottom of the reaction vessel. The water was decanted off and the liquid was washed with water (3 × 5 mL) and dried under vacuum to afford 9.796 g (97.0%) of pure [DBU-CH2-TMS] NTf2 as colorless liquid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ (ppm) 0.12 (s, 9H), 1.67–1.74 (m, 6H), 2.05 (p, J = 5.9 Hz, 2H), 2.70 (d, J = 10.4 Hz, 2H), 3.09 (s, 2H), 3.38 (t, J = 5.6 Hz, 2H), 3.47 (t, J = 6.4 Hz, 2H), 3.55 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 2H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3): δ (ppm) −2.2, 19.7, 22.6, 25.8, 28.3, 28.6, 46.1, 48.7, 48.9, 55.0, 114.9, 118.1, 121.3, 124.5; 19F NMR (376 MHz, CDCl3): δ (ppm) −78.88; HRMS (FTMS ESI+): for [DBU-M-TMSi] (cation) [M]+ requires, 239.19380; found, 239.19377; (FTMS ESI–): for NTf2 (anion) [NTf2] [M]− requires, 279.91675; found, 279.89721.

RTim-ILs

Preparation of 1-Benzyl-2-methyl-3-(methyl trimethylsilane)imidazolium Chloride ([BM-M-TMSi-im] Cl) and of 1-Benzyl-2-methyl-3-(methyl trimethylsilane)imidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide [BM-M-TMSi-im] NTf2

To a stirring solution of 1-benzyl-2-methylimidazole (5.00 mmol, 0.861 g) in acetonitrile (3 mL), (chloromethyl)trimethylsilane (5.00 mmol, 0.613 g) was added dropwise and then NaI (20 mmol %, 0.150 g) under an atmosphere of nitrogen at RT. After the addition was complete, the temperature was raised to 80 °C and the reaction was allowed to stir for 12 h. After completion of the reaction, monitored via 1H NMR, the temperature was allowed to return to RT. The acetonitrile was evaporated in vacuo to give 1-benzyl-2-methyl-3-(methyl trimethylsilane) chloride [BM-M-TMSi-im] Cl as an off-white powder, which was used in succeeding reactions without further purification.

[BM-M-TMSi-im] Cl was dissolved in CH2Cl2 (2 mL). Bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide lithium (5.00 mmol, 1.435 g), dissolved in deionized water (2 mL), was added slowly to the stirring solution of [BM-M-TMSi-im] Cl at RT. The resulting solution was stirred for a further 30 min at RT with an organic layer forming at the bottom of the reaction vessel. The water was decanted off, and the liquid was washed with water (3 × 2 mL) and dried under vacuum to afford 1.620 g (60.0%) of pure [BM-M-TMS] NTf2 as yellow liquid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ (ppm) 0.14 (s, 9H), 2.53 (s, 3H), 3.69 (s, 2H), 5.27 (s, 2H), 7.08 (d, J = 2.4, 1H), 7.16 (d, J = 2.1 Hz, 2H), 7.18–7.20 (dd, J = 2.3 Hz, 2H), 7.38–7.40 (m, 2H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3): δ (ppm) −2.6, 10.3, 40.9, 52.7, 115.2, 118.4, 121.6, 121.8, 121.9, 124.8, 127.9, 129.5, 129.7, 132.6, 143.1; 19F NMR (376 MHz, CDCl3): δ (ppm) −78.79; HRMS (FTMS ESI+): for [BM-M-TMSi-im] (cation) [M]+ requires, 259.16250; found, 259.16259; (FTMS ESI–): for NTf2 (anion) [NTf2] [M]- requires, 279.91675; found, 279.89712.

Preparation of 1,2-Dimethyl-3-(3-methylbutane)imidazolium Bromide [DMMB-im] Br and of 1,2-Dimethyl-3-(3-methylbutane)imidazolium Tetrafluoroborate [DMMB-im] BF4

Under neat conditions, 1,2-dimethylimidazole (10.00 mmol, 0.961 g) was added dropwise to 1-bromo-3-methylbutane (10.00 mmol, 1.510 g) under an atmosphere of nitrogen at RT. After the addition was complete, the temperature was raised to 85 °C and the reaction allowed to stir for 12 h. After completion of the reaction, monitored via 1H NMR, the temperature was allowed to return to RT and the product 1,2-dimethyl-3-(3-methylbutane)imidazolium bromide [DMMB-im] Br formed as a light orange solid, which was used in succeeding reactions without further purification.

[DMMB-im] Br was dissolved in CH2Cl2 (3 mL) and stirred at RT. Sodium tetrafluoroborate (10.00 mmol, 1.098 g), dissolved in deionized water (2 mL), was added slowly to the stirring solution of 2-dimethyl-3-(3-methylbutane)imidazolium bromide dissolved in CH2Cl2 (10 mL) at RT, and the resulting solution was stirred for one further hour at RT with immiscible liquid forming at the bottom of the reaction vessel. The water was decanted off, and the organic layer was washed with water (3 × 3 mL) to afford a liquid, which was dried under vacuum to give 1,2-dimethyl-3-(3-methylbutane)imidazolium tetrafluoroborate as pale yellow liquid (2.311 g, 91.0%). 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ (ppm) 0.93 (d, 6H), 1.62–1.65 (m, 3H), 2.57 (s, 3H), 3.76 (s, 3H), 4.03 (t, J = 7.9 Hz, 2H), 7.23 (d, J = 2.1 Hz, 1H), 7.28 (d, J = 2.1 Hz, 2H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3): δ (ppm) 9.4, 22.2, 25.6, 35.1, 38.4, 47.1, 120.8, 122.7, 143.9; 11B NMR (128 MHz, CDCl3): δ (ppm) −1.18; 19F NMR (376 MHz, CDCl3): δ (ppm) −152.3; HRMS (FTMS ESI+): for [DMMB-im] (cation) [M]+ requires, 167.15428; found, 167.15383; (FTMS ESI–): for 10BF4 (anion) [M]− requires, 86.00600 (24.8%); found, 86.00025 (21.6%); (FTMS ESI–): for 11BF4 (anion) [M]− requires, 87.00237 (100%); found, 86.99644 (100%).

Preparation of 1,2-Dimethyl-3-(3-methylbutane)imidazolium Bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide [DMMB-im] NTf2

1,2-Dimethyl-3-(3-methylbutane)imidazolium bromide (10.00 mmol, 2.472 g) was dissolved in water (3 mL) and stirred at RT. Bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide lithium (10.00 mmol, 2.870 g), dissolved in deionized water (5 mL), was added slowly to the stirring solution at RT. The resulting solution was stirred for a further 30 min at RT with immiscible pale yellow liquid forming at the bottom of the reaction vessel. The water was decanted off, and the liquid was washed with water (3 × 5 mL) and dried under vacuum to afford 4.162 g (93.0%) of pure 1,2-dimethyl-3-(3-methylbutane)imidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide as a pale yellow liquid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ (ppm) 0.92 (d, 6.3H), 1.62–1.64 (m, 3H), 2.54 (s, 3H), 3.73 (s, 3H), 3.99 (t, J = 9.6 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (dd, J = 2.2 Hz, 2H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3): δ (ppm) 9.4, 22.0, 25.5, 35.2, 38.2, 47.2, 115.0, 118.2, 120.7, 121.4, 122.5, 124.6, 143.7; 19F NMR (376 MHz, CDCl3): δ (ppm) −79.1; HRMS (FTMS ESI+): for [DMMB-im] (cation) [M]+ requires, 167.15428; found, 167.15418; (FTMS ESI–): for NTf2 (anion) [NTf2] [M]− requires, 279.91675; found, 279.91799.

RTP-ILs

Preparation of Benzyltri-n-octylphosphonium Bromide [TBP888] Br and of 3-Benzyltri-n-octylphosphonium Bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide [TBP888] NTf2

Under neat conditions, trioctylphosphine (25.00 mmol, 9.226 g) was added neatly dropwise to stirring benzylbromide (25.00 mmol, 4.276 g) under an atmosphere of nitrogen at RT. The temperature was raised to 135 °C and the reaction allowed to stir for 12 h. After completion of the reaction, monitored via 1H NMR, the temperature was allowed to return to RT and the product benzyltrioctylphosphonium bromide [TBP888] Br formed as a crystalline snowy solid, which was used in succeeding reactions without further purification.

The [TBP888] Br was dissolved in CH2Cl2 (20 mL) and stirred at RT. Bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide lithium (25.00 mmol, 7.177 g), dissolved in deionized water (10 mL), was added slowly to the stirring solution of [TBP888] Br, dissolved in deionized water (10 mL) at RT. The resulting solution was stirred for a further 30 min at RT with immiscible colorless liquid forming at the bottom of the reaction vessel. The water was decanted off, and the liquid was washed with water (3 × 10 mL) and dried under vacuum to afford 17.064 g (92.0%) of pure [TBP888] NTf2 as transparent colorless liquid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ (ppm) 0.87 (t, J = 6.4 Hz, 9H), 1.24–1.42 (m, 36H), 2.03–2.09 (m, 6H), 3.60 (d, 14.4, 2H), 7.21–7.23 (m, 2H), 7.36–7.38 (m, 3H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3): δ (ppm) 14.2, 18.4, 18.9, 21.5, 21.6, 22.7, 28.8, 29.0, 30.6, 30.7, 31.8, 124.9, 127.7, 127.8, 128.9, 129, 115.2, 118.5, 121.7, 129.81, 129.86, 129.88, 129.91; 31P NMR (162 MHz, CDCl3) 31.72; 19F NMR (376 MHz, CDCl3): δ (ppm) −78.75; HRMS (FTMS ESI+): For [TBP888] (cation) [M]+ requires, 461.42707; found, 461.42587; (FTMS ESI–): for NTf2 (anion) [NTf2] [M]− requires, 279.91675; found, 279.89856.

RTMim-ILs

Preparation of 1-Allyl-3-benzyl-2-methylimidazolium Bromide [ABM-im] Br and of 1-Allyl-3-benzyl-2-methylimidazolium Bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide [ABM-im] NTf2 as Monomer ILs

A stirring solution of 1-benzyl-2-methylimidazole (5.00 mmol, 0.861 g) in acetonitrile (3 mL) was added dropwise to allyl bromide (5.00 mmol, 0.605 g) under an atmosphere of nitrogen at RT. After the addition was complete, the temperature was raised to 40 °C and the reaction allowed to stir for 4 h. After completion of the reaction, monitored via 1H NMR, the temperature was allowed to return to RT. The acetonitrile was evaporated in vacuo to give 1-allyl-2-benzyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide [ABM-im] Br as yellow viscous liquid that was used in succeeding reactions without further purification.

The product [ABM-im] Br was then dissolved in deionized water (3 mL) and stirred at RT. Bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide lithium (5.00 mmol, 1.435 g) dissolved in deionized water (3 mL) was added slowly to the stirring solution of [ABM] Br, dissolved in deionized water (5 mL) at RT. The resulting solution was stirred for a further 30 min at RT with immiscible yellow liquid forming at the bottom of the reaction vessel. The water was decanted off, and the liquid was washed with water (3 × 5 mL) and dried under vacuum to afford 2.146 g (87.0%) of pure ([ABM] NTf2) as yellow liquid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ (ppm) 2.55 (s, 3H), 4.67 (d, J = 5.8 Hz, 2H), 5.20 (d, J = 14.4 Hz, 1H), 5.22 (s, 2H), 5.37 (d, J = 10.4 Hz, 2H), 5.84–5.94 (m, J = 6.7, 1H), 7.09 (d, J = 2.2 Hz, 1H), 7.17 (d, 2.2 Hz, 1H), 7.20–7.23 (m, J = 2.4 Hz, 2H), 7.34–7.40 (m, 3H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3): δ (ppm) 9.9, 50.9, 52.3, 115.0, 118.2, 121.2, 121.3, 121.4, 121.5, 124.6, 128.1, 129.2, 129.4, 129.6, 132.3, 114.1; 19F NMR (376 MHz, CDCl3): δ (ppm) −78.96; HRMS (FTMS ESI+): For [ABM-im] (cation) [M]+ requires, 213.13863; found, 213.13821; (FTMS ESI–): for NTf2 (anion) [NTf2] [M]− requires, 279.91675; found, 279.89856.

Preparation of 1-Benzyl-2-methyl-3-octylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate [BMO-im] BF4

([BMO-im] Br) (5.00 mmol, 1.828 g) was dissolved in deionized water (3 mL) and stirred at RT. Sodium tetrafluoroborate (5.00 mmol, 0.549 g), dissolved in deionized water (2 mL), was added slowly to the stirring solution of [BMO-im] Br and the resulting solution was stirred for a further 30 min at RT with immiscible yellow liquid forming at the bottom of the reaction vessel. The water was decanted off, and the liquid was washed with water (3 × 3 mL) and dried under vacuum to afford 1.582 g (85.0%) of pure 1-benzyl-2-methyl-3-octylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate [BMO-im] BF4 as yellow compound. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ (ppm) 0.86 (t, J = 6.9 Hz, 3H), 1.23–1.28 (m, 10H), 1.75 (t, J = 6.8 Hz, 2H), 2.57 (s, 3H), 4.04 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 2H), 5.28 (s, 2H), 7.23–7.27 (m, 4H), 7.33–7.35 (m, 3H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3): δ (ppm) 9.8, 14.1, 22.6, 26.3, 29.01, 29.07, 29.7, 31.7, 48.7, 52.0, 121.2, 121.7, 126.9, 128.2, 120.0, 129.1, 129.4, 133.0, 143.8; 11B-NMR (128 MHz, CDCl3): δ (ppm) −1.04; 19F NMR (376 MHz, CDCl3): δ (ppm) −152.05; HRMS (FTMS ESI+): for [BMO-im] (cation) [M]+ requires, 285.23253; found, 285.23179; (FTMS ESI–): for 10BF4 (anion) [M]- requires, 86.00600 (24.8%); found, 86.00014 (23.2%); (FTMS ESI–): for 11BF4 (anion) [M]− requires, 87.00237 (100%); found, 86.99631 (100%).

Preparation of 1-Benzyl-2-methyl-3-octylimidazolium Hexafluorophosphate [BMO-im] PF6

1-Benzyl-2-methyl-3-octylimidazolium bromide (17.00 mmol, 6.211 g) was dissolved in deionized water (10 mL) and stirred at RT. Potassium hexafluorophosphate (17.00 mmol, 3.129 g), dissolved in deionized water (20 mL), was added slowly to the stirring solution of [BMO-im] Br. The resulting solution was stirred for a further 30 min at RT with immiscible yellow and cloudy liquid forming at the bottom of the reaction vessel. The water was decanted off, and the liquid was washed with water (3 × 5 mL) and dried under vacuum to afford 6.239 g (86.0%) of pure [BMO] NTf2 as yellow liquid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ (ppm) 0.85 (t, J = 6.8 Hz, 3H), 1.22–1.28 (m, 10H), 1.75 (t, J = 6.8 Hz, 2H), 2.54 (s, 3H), 4.0 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 2H), 5.2 (s, 2H), 7.08 (d, J = 2.4, 1H), 7.17 (d, J = 2.4 Hz, 1H), 7.21 (dd, 7.2 Hz, 2H), 7.34–7.36 (m, 3H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3): δ (ppm) 9.7, 14.2, 22.7, 26.3, 29.0, 29.1, 29.6, 31.8, 48.8, 52.1, 121.2, 121.6, 128.3, 129.3, 129.6, 132.7, 143.8; 19F NMR (376 MHz, CDCl3): δ (ppm) −73.65, −71.76; 31P NMR (162 MHz, CDCl3): δ (ppm) −131.27, −135.67, −140.07, −144.46, −148.86, −153.26, −157.65; HRMS (FTMS ESI+): for [BMO-im] (cation) [M]+ requires, 285.23253; found, 285.23168; (FTMS ESI–): for PF6 (anion) [M]− requires, 144.96363; found, 144.95380.

Preparation of 1-Benzyl-2-methyl-3-octylimidazolium Bromide [BMO-im] Br and of 1-Benzyl-2-methyl-3-octylimidazolium Bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide [BMO-im] NTf2

A stirring solution of 1-benzyl-2-methylimidazole (20.00 mmol, 3.445 g) in acetonitrile (5 mL) was added dropwise to 1-bromooctane (20.00 mmol, 3.862 g) under an atmosphere of nitrogen at RT. After the addition was complete, the temperature was raised to 70 °C and the reaction allowed to stir for 3 days. After completion of the reaction, monitored via 1H NMR, the temperature was allowed to return to RT. The acetonitrile was evaporated in vacuo to give 1-benzyl-2-methyl-3-octylimidazolium bromide [BMO-im] Br as a yellow, soft, and crumbly solid, which was used in succeeding reactions without further purification.

The [BMO-im] Br was dissolved in deionized water (10 ml) and stirred at RT. Bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide lithium (20.00 mmol, 5.742 g), dissolved in deionized water (5 mL), was added slowly to the stirring solution of [BMO-im] Br. The resulting solution was stirred for a further 30 min at RT with immiscible yellow and cloudy liquid forming at the bottom of the reaction vessel. The water was decanted off, and the liquid was washed with water (3 × 5 mL) and dried under vacuum to afford 9.728 g (86.0%) of pure [BMO] NTf2 as transparent yellow liquid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ (ppm) 0.86 (t, J = 6.8 Hz, 3H), 1.278 (m, 10H), 1.79 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 2.58 (s, 3H), 4.04 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 5.24 (s, 2H), 7.10 (d, J = 2.4 Hz, 1H), 7.20–7.23 (m, 3H), 7.38–7.40 (m, 3H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3): δ (ppm) 9.9, 14.0, 22.5, 26.2, 28.8, 28.9, 29.5, 31.6, 48.9, 52.3, 118.2, 121.1, 121.4, 121.5, 124.6, 127.5, 128.1, 129.4, 129.6, 132.3, 143.6; 19F NMR (376 MHz, CDCl3): δ (ppm) −78.9; HRMS (FTMS ESI+): for [BMO-im] (cation) [M]+ requires, 285.23253; found, 285.23238; (FTMS ESI–): for NTf2 (anion) [NTf2] [M]− requires, 279.91675; found, 279.89726.