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There is an urgent need to develop green catalytic transesterification technology to reduce liquid waste and instrument corrosion. Ionic liquids with controlled activity, easy recovery, and corrosion resistance have great potential as catalysts for transesterification reactions. In this paper, a series of ionic liquids were prepared using imidazole and ammonium compounds as cations, and sulphuric acid, p‐toluenesulfonate, and bistrifluoromethanesulfonate anions as anions. In comparison, the ionic liquid made from imidazole with H2SO4 (IMIHS) was found to be the best catalyst for the esterification reaction with high speed, high activity, low corrosion, and high stability, and its catalytic performance was superior to that of sulphuric acid. The optimum reaction conditions were as follows: the molar ratio of ethanol to acetic acid was 1:1, the catalyst amount was 5 wt.%, the reaction temperature was 80°C, and the reaction time was 120 min. The maximum yield of ethyl acetate was 66.2% under the optimum reaction conditions. The catalytic activity was not declined obviously by reusing six times. The activation energy of the reaction is 48.748 kJ/mol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, two new amino acid imidazole ionic liquids IL‐3 and IL‐4 were synthesized for the first time, and their separation performance as the stationary phase for capillary gas chromatography (GC) was tested. The statically coated IL‐3 and IL‐4 capillary columns exhibited moderate to high polarity, and achieved the column efficiency of 2242 plates/m and 2487 plates/m respectively determined by n‐octanol at 120 °C. Importantly, the IL‐3 and IL‐4 columns exhibited excellent separation capability for analytes with varying polarity, including n‐alkanes, arenes, esters, alcohols, bromoalkanes, halogenobenzenes, and halogenated anilines. In addition, the IL‐3 and IL‐4 columns presented high selectivity and separation capability for positional, structural and cis‐/trans‐isomers. In particular, they showed high separation performance of the chloroaniline, bromaniline, iodoaniline and xylidine isomers as an important environmental pollutant. The IL‐3 and IL‐4 columns displayed advantageous resolving capability over the commercial HP‐35 column for aromatic amine isomers, and the separation performance of IL‐4 with long carbon chain was better than that of IL‐3. Moreover, it was applied to determine isomer impurities in real samples, and showing huge potential in GC applications. This work demonstrates the potential of the amino acid imidazole ionic liquids as a new type of stationary phase in GC separations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studied the adsorption characteristics and mechanism of four kinds of ionic liquids (ILs) with different carbon chain lengths in montmorillonite (Mt). The results of isothermal adsorption at 25 °C show that the adsorption of four kinds of IL in Mt conforms to the Modified‐Langmuir model, and the adsorbance of IL in Mt is positively correlated with the dosage and the carbon chain length of IL. The dynamics research results show that the adsorption of IL in Mt fits well with the quasi‐second‐order dynamics equation. The reaction constant k is negatively correlated with the dosage of IL but positively correlated with the carbon chain length. The thermodynamics results show that the adsorption of IL in Mt is exothermic. The carbon chain length and the dosage of IL have a cross effect on the adsorption capacity of Mt for IL and the structure of the adsorption products. The adsorption capacity of Mt increases first and then decreases with the increase of dosage, and it increases with the increase of carbon chain length. The dosage of IL has little effect on the d(001) of IL/Mt with the short carbon chain, but the d(001) of IL/Mt with the long carbon chain increases with the increase of the dosage of IL. The carbon chain length has little effect on the d(001) of IL/Mt with a low dosage of IL, however, when the dosage of IL is high, the d(001) of IL/Mt increases with the increase of carbon chain length. The specific surface area, pore volume and the most probable radius of IL/Mt decrease with the increase of the dosage and carbon chain length, but excessive amounts of IL will still increase the most probable radius. Molecular dynamics simulation results show that when the dosage of IL is 0.3CEC, four ILs with different carbon chain lengths are arranged in a monolayer between Mt layers, N (N in IL) coordinates with Ot (O on the tetrahedral surface) at a distance of 3.0 Å, and the coordination strength increases with the increase of the carbon chain length of IL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Symmetric aqueous high voltage supercapacitors up to 3 V have been demonstrated using concentrated aqueous 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride ([BMIm]Cl), namely, "water‐in‐imidazolium chloride", as working electrolytes, and graphene nanoplatelets‐coated carbon paper as electrodes. Performance enhancement was further achieved either through adding redox species such as 4‐hydroxy‐2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidin‐1‐oxyl (4hT) into the electrolytes (110 Wh kg−1 for a 20 m [BMIm]Cl/H2O with 0.1 m 4hT) or by pre‐inserting ClO4− anions into the graphene platelets. Moreover, the newly studied aqueous electrolytes allow low‐temperature operation at −20 °C and even at −32 °C, retaining competitive energy storage capability (maximum energy densities of 36 and 21 Wh kg−1, respectively). Counterintuitive electrolytes: Aqueous imidazolium chloride electrolytes enable up to 3 V cell voltage for symmetric supercapacitors and sub‐zero temperature operation at −32 °C. Such electrolytes exhibit high energy density and durable performance in combination with commercial graphene nanoplatelets as electrodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of good thermal stability, nonflammability and rich structural designability, ionic liquids (ILs) have been used as flame retardants for poly(lactic acid) (PLA). However, as a small molecule, IL has the disadvantages of poor thermal stability and water resistance, and so on. In this paper, an imidazole‐type poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) containing a phosphate anion was synthesized using 1‐vinylimidazole, triethyl phosphate, and 1,2‐divinylbenzene and marked as PDVE[DEP]. The PDVE[DEP] was used to improve the flame retardancy of PLA. The flame retardancy and thermal degradation behaviors of PLA/PDVE[DEP] composites were investigated by the limited oxygen index (LOI), UL‐94 vertical burning, cone calorimetry, and thermal gravity analysis, and so on. The results showed that only 1.0 wt% PDVE[DEP] allows PLA to achieve the UL‐94 V0 rating and obtain LOI value 25.6 vol%. The PDVE[DEP] improve the flame retardancy of PLA by melting‐away mode. In addition, it catalyzes the transesterification of PLA and changes the degradation products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel aluminium silicate hydroxide additive has shown excellent anti-wear effect in practical applications and has been mainly studied on steels in laboratory conditions. In this paper, the pin-on-disk sliding wear tests were carried out to investigate the wear and worn surfaces of grey cast iron with additives in different concentration. It was found that the silicate additive showed an obvious anti-wear effect and a reliable duration, reduced the number of pits and cracks on the worn surfaces and improved the nanohardness of the worn surfaces of grey cast iron disks by 72%. Furthermore, Raman spectroscopy displayed that the carbon structure of the worn surface of grey cast iron disks with the additive had an obvious transformation from nanocrystalline graphite to amorphous carbon. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ruthenium‐containing organometallic ionic liquids with the B(CN)4 anion were developed that generate microporous amorphous coordination polymers upon UV irradiation. UV light irradiation of [Ru(C5H5)(C6H5R)][B(CN)4] (R=butyl, ethyl, octyl) quantitatively generated a yellow powder of a coordination polymer with the formula [Ru(C5H5){B(CN)4}]n. In this reaction, the arene ligand is eliminated by UV irradiation and coordination polymer is formed by coordination of the cyano groups of the anion to the Ru ion. The photogenerated solids exhibited nitrogen absorption properties due to their microporous structure. This paper proposes a method to fabricate functional coordination polymers by photoirradiation of liquids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A non-aqueous secondary battery has been constructed by using Zn metal as the anode and chemically synthesised PEDOT as the cathode, with a 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium dicyanamide ionic liquid as the electrolyte, which avoids dendritic growth processes on the Zn surface upon charge/discharge cycling. The novel Zn/PEDOT rechargeable cell shows high efficiency and cycling ability, performing over 320 cycles with no indication of short circuit. Both the Zn and PEDOT surfaces showed minimal signs of degradation, suggesting that a Zn/PEDOT electrochemical device would be capable of extended cycle life under numerous charge/discharge cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new hexanuclear niobium cluster compounds of the general formula [Nb6Cl12(HIm)6](A)n ⋅ x(solvent molecule) (HIm=1H‐imidazole, A=mineral acid anion, Cl− (n=2) (1), (SO4)2− (n=1) (2), (CrO4)2− (n=1) (3), and (HAsO4)2− (n=1) (4)) were prepared. Their synthesis can be done in basic ionic liquids, which form on the addition of a mineral acid, which also delivers the counter anion for the final cluster compound, to an excess of the 1H‐imidazole. Some addition of an auxiliary solvent, like methanol, improves the speed of crystallisation. The cluster unit comprises a hexanuclear Nb6 unit of octahedral shape with the edges bridged by Cl atoms and the exo sites being occupied by N‐bonded 1H‐imidazole ligands. The cluster cation carries sixteen cluster‐based electrons. Between the NH groups of the ligands of the cluster unit, the anions and the co‐crystallised water (1), or 1H‐imidazole and methanol molecules (2, 3, and 4) a network of hydrogen bonds exists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable ionic liquids are promising compounds in green chemistry applications. While using them as solvent or reaction media is an important step towards more environmentally friendly chemistry, their synthesis is usually expensive and not green at all. Herein, a benign route to synthesize task ‐ specific ionic liquids is presented, offering several possible functionalities in the cation and anion (artwork by D. Kraban). More information can be found in the Full Paper by C. Liedel et al. on page 11810. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) plays an important role in nearly all living cells. In this study, SOD imprinted poly(ionic liquid)s (SIPILs) were prepared on the surface of the bare Au electrode modified with nano‐palladium and nano‐gold (Au/nPd/nAu/SIPILs). SIPILs was synthesized with 1‐vinyl‐3‐propyl imidazole sulfonate ionic liquids as functional monomers via electrochemically mediated atom transfer radical polymerization (eATRP) catalyzed by SOD. The Au/nPd/nAu/SIPILs was examined by cyclic voltammetry (CV), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy‐dispersive spectrometer (EDS) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The Au/nPd/nAu/SIPILs was also used as an electrochemical sensor to determine SOD by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Under the optimal conditions, the detection range of SOD was from 1.0×10−8 to 1.0×102 mg L−1 with a limit of detection of 8.90×10−9 mg L−1 (S/N=3). Compared with other methods, the sensor based on SIPILs had the broader linear range and lower detection limit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computational studies were performed on novel protic ionic liquids imidazolium‐[1,2‐a]‐pyridine trifluoroacetate [ImPr][TFA] synthesized by the reaction of imidazo‐[1,2a]‐pyridine (ImPr) with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), and on fused salt imidazolium‐[1,2‐a]‐pyridine maleamic carbonate [ImPr][Mal] synthesized by reaction of ImPr with maleamic acid (Mal). Synthesis was performed as one‐pot reactions, which applies green chemistry tenets. Both these compounds begin to decompose at 180°C. Our computational studies suggest another thermal reaction channel, in which [ImPr][Mal] can also thermally polymerizes to polyacrylamide which then cyclizes. This is thermal product remains stable up to 700 degrees, consistent with our thermogravimetric studies. [ImPr][TFA] exhibited good conductivity and ideal ionic behavior, as evaluated by a Walden plot. X‐ray crystallography of [ImPr][TFA] revealed a tightly packed system for the crystals as a result of strong ionic interaction, pi‐stacking, and fluorine—CH interactions. Both synthesized compounds exhibited some CO2 absorptivity, with [ImPr][Mal] outperforming [ImPr][TFA] in this regard. The quantum chemistry based computational methods can shed light on many properties of these ionic liquids, but they are challenged in fully describing their ionic nature. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Confined water in aqueous solutions of imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) associated with acetate and imidazolate anions react reversibly with CO2 to yield bicarbonate. Three types of CO2 sorption in these "IL aqueous solutions" were observed: physical, CO2-imidazolium adduct generation, and bicarbonate formation (up to 1.9 molbicarbonatemol-1 of IL), resulting in a 10:1 (molar ratio) total absorption of CO2 relative to imidazolate anions in the presence of water 1:1000 (IL/water). These sorption values are higher than the classical alkanol amines or even alkaline aqueous solutions under similar experimental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diimidazolium-based organic salts, bearing peptides or amino acids as anions have been synthesised and tested for their gelling ability in biocompatible solvents. These low molecular weight salts were successfully used as gelators in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution and ionic liquids. Then, the properties of the obtained soft materials were analysed in terms of melting temperature and gel strength as accounted for by rheological investigations. The gel-phase formation was studied by using UV/Vis and resonance light scattering measurements, whereas the morphology of the soft materials was analysed by using polarised optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. To get information about the organisation of the gelator in the gelatinous matrix, X-ray diffraction measurements were performed both on the neat gelators and their gels. The results collected show that the properties of the gel phases, like the thermal stability, the self-repairing ability, the resistance to flow as well as the morphology, are dependent on the nature of the anion. Furthermore, bioassays revealed that the obtained diimidazolium organic salts possessed antimicrobial activity, against gram-negative and gram-positive tester strains. In particular and noteworthy, the diimidazolium organic salts exert a bactericidal capability, which was retained even if they are included in the gel phase. Thus, a novel kind of bioactive soft material was obtained that could be fruitfully employed as a non-covalent coating exerting antibacterial capability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new strategy involving the computer-assisted design of substituted imidazolate-based ionic liquids (ILs) through tuning the absorption enthalpy as well as the basicity of the ILs to improve SO2 capture, CO2 capture, and SO2/CO2 selectivity was explored. The best substituted imidazolate-based ILs as absorbents for different applications were first predicted. During absorption, high SO2 capacities up to ≈5.3 and 2.4 mol [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the synthesis of task-specific imidazolium ionic compounds and ionic liquids with key functionalities of organic molecules from electro-, polymer-, and coordination chemistry. Such products are highly functional and potentially suitable for technology applications even though they are formed without elaborate reactions and from cheap and potentially green reagents. We further demonstrate the versatility of the used synthetic approach by introducing different functional and green counterions to the formed ionic liquids directly during the synthesis or after metathesis reactions. The influence of different cation structures and different anions on the thermal and electrochemical properties of the resulting ionic liquids is discussed. Our goal is to make progress towards economically competitive and sustainable task-specific ionic liquids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depending on the amount of methanol present in solution, CO2 adducts of N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) and N-heterocyclic olefins (NHOs) have been found to be in fully reversible equilibrium with the corresponding methyl carbonate salts [EMIm][OCO2Me] and [EMMIm][OCO2Me]. The reactivity pattern of representative 1-ethyl-3-methyl-NHO-CO2 adduct 4 has been investigated and compared with the corresponding NHC-CO2 zwitterion: The protonation of 4 with HX led to the imidazolium salts [NHO-CO2H][X], which underwent decarboxylation to [EMMIm][X] in the presence of nucleophilic catalysts. NHO-CO2 zwitterion 4 can act as an efficient carboxylating agent towards CH acids such as acetonitrile. The [EMMIm] cyanoacetate and [EMMIm]2 cyanomalonate salts formed exemplify the first C−C bond-forming carboxylation reactions with NHO-activated CO2. The reaction of the free NHO with dimethyl carbonate selectively led to methoxycarbonylated NHO, which is a perfect precursor for the synthesis of functionalized ILs [NHO-CO2Me][X]. The first NHO-SO2 adduct was synthesized and structurally characterized; it showed a similar reactivity pattern, which allowed the synthesis of imidazolium methyl sulfites upon reaction with methanol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weakly coordinating borate or aluminate anions have recently been shown to yield interesting properties of the resulting ionic liquids (ILs). The same is true for large phenyl-substituted imidazolium cations, which can be tuned by the choice, position, or number of substituents on the aromatic ring. We were therefore interested to combine these aryl alkyl imidazolium cations with the weakly coordinating tetrakis((1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropan-2-yl)oxy)borate [B(hfip)4]¢ anions to study the physical properties and viscosities of these ionic liquids. Despite the large size and high molecular weight of these readily available ILs, they are liquid at room temperature and show remarkably low glass transition points and relatively high decomposition temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thiocyanate-functionalized ionic liquids (ILs) 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium thiocyanate [BMIM][SCN], 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium thiocyanate [EMIM][SCN], and 3-methylimidazolium thiocyanate [MIM][SCN], with varying chain lengths, were synthesized by using metathesis followed by ion exchange under reflux conditions. These ILs were investigated for their application as electrolyte with a ZnFe2O4 nanoflake-based supercapacitor electrode; they exhibited significantly better performance than any other previously reported ILs used as electrolytes. [BMIM][SCN] showed higher specific capacitance (781 F g-1), cycle stability (95 % retention, 3000 cycle), and energy density (156 W h kg-1) than [EMIM][SCN] (590 F g-1, 86 % retention, and 78 W h kg-1) and [MIM][SCN] (250 F g-1, 80 % retention, and 50 W h kg-1). The ZnFe2O4 nanoflake electrodes were able to deliver an energy density of 156 W h kg-1 even at an extra high power density of 7.11 kW kg-1 in [BMIM][SCN] electrolyte, justifying its utility as a potential electrolyte. Furthermore, the effect of how the hydrated ions of the ILs in aqueous media influence the overall performance of the supercapacitor was studied systematically and found to be contrary to the reported trend and use of pure ILs as electrolytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic particles with suitable surface modification are capable of binding proteins selectively, and magnetic separations have advantages of rapidity, convenience, and high selectivity. In this paper, new magnetic nanoparticles modified with imidazolium ionic liquid (Fe3O4@SiO2@ILs) were successfully fabricated. N-Methylimidazolium was immobilized onto silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles via γ-chloropropyl modification as a magnetic nanoadsorbent for heme protein separation. The particle size was about 90 nm without significant aggregation during the preparation process. Hemoglobin as one of heme proteins used in this experiment was compared with other nonheme proteins. It has been found that the magnetic nanoparticles can be used for more rapid, efficient, and specific adsorption of hemoglobin with a binding capacity as high as 5.78 mg/mg. In comparison with other adsorption materials of proteins in the previous reports, Fe3O4@SiO2@ILs magnetic nanoparticles exhibit the excellent performance in isolation of heme proteins with higher binding capacity and selectivity. In addition, a short separation time makes the functionalized nanoparticles suitable for purifying unstable proteins, as well as having other potential applications in a variety of biomedical fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Main observation and conclusion: A series of novel polyethylene glycol‐dicationic imidazolium‐based ionic liquids (mPEG‐ILs) were synthesized by facile quaternization reaction from various elaborately designed di‐imidazoles and PEG, which were then studied as green plasticizers for sustainable polylactide (PLA) material. The influences of the chain structure, content, and molecular weight of the mPEG‐ILs on the plasticizing effect were systematically investigated by characterization of a series of PLA/mPEG‐ILs blending systems. FTIR results show there is combination of ion‐dipole interaction and hydrogen bonds interaction between PLA and mPEG‐ILs, which is beneficial for the compatibility. Thermal behaviors indicate that mPEG‐ILs have a significant plasticizing effect on PLA. Particularly, mPEG400‐amide‐IM can remarkably improve the mobility of PLA chain, leading to decreased glass transition temperature (Tg) and cold crystallization temperature (Tcc) of PLA. Tensile test results show that the ductility of plasticized PLA is greatly enhanced, and its elongation at break reaches 249.4%, which is 22 times that of neat PLA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we report the use of a 1,8‐diazabicyclo [5.4.0]‐undec‐7‐en‐8‐ium imidazolate ionic liquid as a catalyst as well as a green solvent for the expeditious multicomponent transformation of tetra‐ and trisubstituted imidazole scaffolds via four‐ and pseudo‐four‐component reactions with short reaction time, excellent yield, and purity of products. The ionic liquid is cheap, biodegradable, and can be recovered and reused for more than five consecutive cycles. The advantage of this protocol for gram‐scale synthesis adds to its practical applicability. Selected synthesized tetra‐ and trisubstituted imidazole scaffolds were screened for their in vitro antiproliferative properties against the human cancer cell lines EC‐109, MCF‐7, HGC‐27, and PC‐3. Compounds 4m, 5e, and 5v showed potent cytotoxic activity against the human breast cancer cell line PC‐3, MCF‐7, and HGC‐27, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The core‐shell of Fe3O4@SiO2 modified by epichlorohydrin and 1‐methyl‐imidazole (Fe3O4@SiO2‐EPIM), a new green recyclable nanocatalyst, was designed and prepared. This nanocatalyst was characterized using fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), elemental mapping technique, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) techniques, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), N2 adsorption‐desorption by Brunauer‐Emmet‐Teller (BET) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The catalytic activity of Fe3O4@SiO2‐EPIM was assessed for synthesis of trisubstituted imidazoles via one‐pot condensation reactions of benzil, aldehyde and ammonium acetate under the optimal reaction condition (PEG 200, 100 °C, 0.02 g catalyst). This nanocatalyst displayed remarkable superiorities, such as environmental friendliness, shorter reaction time, excellent yields, reusability of the catalyst and simple workup procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a new class of tunable aryl alkyl ionic liquids (TAAILs) containing different palladate counter ions. Solid‐state structures for representative compounds have been obtained. Their properties are presented in comparison to those of newly synthesized and reported palladate ionic liquids with conventional counter ions. It was found that the aryl substitution pattern and the type of anion have a profound influence on the melting point. The speciation of the different anions in solution has been rationalized by DFT calculations. Customize, adapt, overcome: Ionic liquids containing a palladate anion are accessible in a very flexible synthetic procedure. The choice of aryl substituent, alkyl group, type of palladate counter ion and halide ligand can all be modified to allow for fine‐tuning of the properties of a wide range of new compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to their ease of synthesis, diffuse positive charge, and chemical stability, 1‐alkyl‐3‐methylimidazolium cations (i.e. [Cnmim]+) are one of the most routinely utilized and historically important components in ionic liquid (IL) chemistry. However, while this is a routinely encountered member of the IL family as cations, relatively few workers have explored the versatile chemistry of azoles to allow their use as an anionic component in ILs, as azolates. Azolate anions possess many of the desired properties for IL formation, including a diffuse ionic charge, tailorable asymmetry, and synthetic flexibility, with the added advantages of not relying on halogen atoms for electron‐withdrawing effects, as is commonly encountered with IL anions such as hexafluorophosphate. This review explores the 122 azolate‐containing ILs known in the literature (prepared from only 39 disparate azolate anions), with a view to highlighting not only their demonstrated utility as an IL component, but the ways in which the larger scientific community may utilize their advantageous properties for new tailored materials. Overlooked but not forgotten! Versatile azolate anions as a promising ionic liquid component for new tailored materials. Azolate anions possess many of the desired properties for IL formation, including a diffuse ionic charge, tailorable asymmetry, and synthetic flexibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citrate trisulfonic acid (CTSA), as a novel recyclable and eco‐benign organocatalyst, was employed for the efficient and one‐pot synthesis of trisubstituted imidazoles and tetrasubstituted imidazoles using aldehydes, ammonium acetate or aniline, and benzoin, benzyl, or 9,10‐phenanthrenequinone under solvent‐free conditions providing high to excellent yields. CTSA is easily prepared via the reaction of trisodium citrate and chlorosulfonic acid in high purity. Compared to the conventional procedures, the present method offers several advantages, including high yields, easy work‐up, short reaction time, reusability of the catalyst, and simple purification of the products. Citrate trisulfonic acid (CTSA), as a novel, recyclable, and eco‐benign organocatalyst, was applied for the efficient and one‐pot synthesis of 2,4,5‐trisubstituted imidazoles and 1,2,4,5‐tetrasubstituted imidazoles using aldehydes, benzoin, benzil or 9,10‐phenanthrenequinone and ammonium acetate or aniline under solvent‐free conditions providing high to excellent yields. CTSA is easily prepared via the reaction of trisodium citrate and chlorosulfonic acid in high purity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reactions of copper, silver, and gold with the imidazolium‐based polyhalide ionic liquid (IL) [C6C1Im][Br2I] were investigated by using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), weight‐loss measurements, and gas‐phase mass spectrometry. All three Group 11 metals are strongly corroded by the IL at moderate temperatures to give a very high content of dissolved CuI, AgI, and AuI species. The IL–metal solutions are stable against contact with water and air. The replacement of imidazolium with inorganic sodium cations decreased metal corrosion rates by orders of magnitude. Our results clearly indicate metal oxidation by iodide from dibromoiodide anions to form molecular iodine and anionic [Br‐MI‐Br]− (M=Cu, Ag, Au) complexes stabilized by imidazolium counterions. From experiments with a trihalide IL with imidazolium methylated at the 2‐position, we ruled out the formation of imidazole–carbene as a cause of the observed corrosion. In contrast to Group 11 metals, molybdenum is inert against the trihalide IL, which is attributed to surface passivation. Soluble gold: The coinage metals Au, Ag, and Cu are strongly corroded by the dibromoiodide anions of the ionic liquid 1‐hexyl‐3‐methylimidazolium dibromoiodide ([C6C1Im][Br2I]) to form iodine and stable metal(I)–bromide complexes (see figure), as shown by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and gas‐phase mass spectrometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ionic liquids (ILs) are gaining attention in CO2 absorption, thanks to their favorable selectivity towards CO2 and physical characteristics, yet their corrosion behavior towards metallic equipment needs deeper evaluation, especially when approaching potential working conditions. Here we investigate the behavior of carbon steel and stainless steel in imidazolium based ILs with different alkyl chain lengths, mixed with various water contents. Oxygen reduction is identified as cathodic process, with limiting current density affected by fluid viscosity, oxygen solubility and diffusivity. The effect of water on ILs corrosiveness changes with its quantity and depends on the formation of a miscible solution or phase separation. Moreover, dissociation of ILs anions releases fluoride ions in water phase, increasing electrolyte aggressiveness. The corrosion behavior of steels in imidazolium based ILs with PF6− anion indicates that cathodic reaction is oxygen reduction, with different limiting current density depending on water content. PF6− hydrolysis can cause acidification, increasing corrosiveness. Yet, increasing the amount of water a phase separation occurs, reducing IL acidity and increasing corrosion risk in the water phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of a homoleptic HgII complexes with in situ‐formed N‐heterocyclic carbene telluride ligands is reported. Tetrakis(1‐hexyl‐3‐methylimidazole‐2‐tellurone) mercury(II), [(C6C1imTe)4Hg]2+ (1), and tetrakis(1‐octyl‐3‐methylimidazole‐2‐tellurone) mercury(II), [(C8C1imTe)4Hg]2+ (2), emerge from reaction mixtures containing telluridomercurate anions and potassium cations in imidazolium‐based ionic liquids (CnC1Im)[BF4] (n = 6, 8), if these are exposed to ambient conditions, that is, air, moisture and room temperature. The compounds crystallize with two of the ionic liquid cations each, and form van der Waals dimers via Te···Te interactions in the crystal. Although being coordinated in a homoleptic manner, the orientation of the imidazolium ligands is such that two of them undergo π‐stacking interactions, while the others interact with neighboring units via their alkyl chains. The [BF4]– salts of the very unusual complex cations tetrakis(1‐alkyl‐3‐methylimidazole‐2‐tellurone) mercury(II), [(CnC1imTe)4Hg]2+ (1, n = 6 and 2, n = 8), were observed upon in situ formation of the corresponding tellurones in a side reaction of ionothermal chalcogenido metalate syntheses. These reactions point towards carbene formation from imidazolium based ionic liquids. The cations form dimers that undergo Te···Te and π‐stacking interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Facile access to diverse C5‐substituted imidazoles and oxazoles via sequential Van Leusen–Suzuki, Van Leusen–Heck, and Van Leusen–Sonogashira protocols, employing imidazolium‐ILs as solvents along with piperidine‐appended imidazolium [PAIM][NTf2] as task‐specific basic IL has been demonstrated, in a high‐yielding one‐pot method, starting with readily available aldimines (for imidazole) or aldehydes (for oxazole) and tosylmethylisocyanide (Tos‐MIC), under mild conditions with potential for recycling and reuse of the IL solvent. The scope of the method is supported 49 examples. By sequencing the Van Leusen imidazole and oxazole syntheses with Suzuki, Heck and Sonogashira reactions, diverse libraries of C5‐functionalized imidazoles and oxazoles were synthesized in one‐pot reactions employing [BMIM][X] as a solvent and [PAIM][NTf2] as a base. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: [Bis(imidazolyl)–BH2]+[bis(triazolyl)–BH2]− and [bis(imidazolyl)–BH2]+[tris(triazolyl)–BH]− were synthesized, the cations and anions of which were functionalized with B−H groups and azoles. As B−H groups contribute to the hypergolic activity and azole groups improve the energy output, the resulting ionic liquids exhibited ignition delay times as low as 20 ms and energy outputs as high as 461.1 kJ mol−1. In addition, densities (1.07–1.22 g cm−3) and density‐specific impulse (≈360 s g cm−3) values reached a relatively high level. These ionic liquids show great promise as sustainable rocket fuels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A thermochemical investigation of the series of 1‐alkyl‐3‐methylimidazolium ionic liquids (ILs) with the trifluromethanesulfonate CF3SO3− anion is presented. Absolute vapor pressures and vaporization enthalpies were measured by using a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). The enthalpies of solutions were determined by solution calorimetry. Gas‐phase enthalpies of the formation of ILs were calculated by applying the high‐level quantum‐chemical method G3MP2. From a combination of experimental and theoretical results, the enthalpy of formation of aqueous CF3SO3− anion was derived for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel, eco-friendly method for the activation of lignin by controlled oxidation was studied. The results obtained for six acidic imidazolium ionic liquids containing the hydrogen sulfate anion were compared. The key goal of this research was to increase the content of carbonyl groups in the lignin structure because these may play the main role in the transport of protons and electrons in active materials for electrochemical applications. By means of a variety of analytical techniques (FTIR, 13C CP/MAS NMR, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy; selected reactions to determine the presence of carbonyl groups; SEM; zeta-potential analysis; thermogravimetric analysis/ differential thermogravimetric analysis; and porous structure analysis), it was determined that the product obtained after treatment with 3-cyclohexyloxymethy-1-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate had favorable properties, in terms of the target application. Electrochemical tests proved that the obtained materials could be used as anodes in lithium batteries. The results show that the activation of lignin with ionic liquids can increase its capacity and maintain stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aggregation morphology of 2 cationic surfactants (cetyldimethylethanolammonium bromide and cetyldiethylethanolammonium bromide), an anionic surfactant (sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate), a nonionic surfactant (Triton X‐100), and 2 gemini surfactants (16‐4‐16,2Br−[butanediyi‐1,4‐bis(dimethyldohexylammonium bromide)] and 16‐6‐16,2Br−[hexanediyi‐1,6‐bis(dimethyldohexylammonium bromide)]) in the presence of the ionic liquid (IL) 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazoliumbromide [Emim][Br] is studied using various techniques such as surface tension, conductivity, and UV–visible and fluorescence spectroscopy. Increasing the concentration of [Emim][Br] results in a decrease in the critical micelle concentration (CMC) value of the surfactants. Various interfacial properties, namely the surface excess concentration (Гmax), minimum area per molecule at the air–water interface (Amin), and surface pressure at the CMC (πcmc), as well as the thermodynamic parameters such as free energy of the given air/water interface ( G min s), Gibbs free energy of micelle formation ( Δ G m °), Gibbs free energy of micellization per alkyl tail ( Δ G m , tail °), Gibbs energy of transfer ( Δ G trans °), and standard free energy of adsorption ( Δ G ads °) were also investigated. The aggregation number (Nagg) was determined by the fluorescence method. It was observed that Nagg decreased with increasing weight‐percent of the IL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Aedes aegypti is an important mosquito species that can transmit several arboviruses such as dengue fever, yellow fever, chikungunya and zika. Because these mosquitoes are becoming resistant to most chemical insecticides used around the world, studies with new larvicides should be prioritized. Based on the known biological profile of imidazolium salts (IS), the objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of six IS as larvicides against Ae. aegypti, as tested against Ae. aegypti larvae. Larval mortality was measured after 24 and 48 h, and residual larvicidal activity was also evaluated. RESULTS: Promising results were obtained with aqueous solutions of two IS: 1‐n‐octadecyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride (C18MImCl) and 1‐n‐hexadecyl‐3‐methylimidazolium methanesulfonate (C16MImMeS), showing up to 90% larval mortality after 48 h exposure. C18MImCl was more effective than C16mIMeS, causing mortality until day 15 after exposure. An application of C18MImCl left to dry under ambient conditions for at least 2 months and then dissolved in water showed a more pronounced residual effect (36 days with 95% mortality and 80% mortality up to 78 days). CONCLUSION: This is the first study to show the potential of IS in the control of Ae. aegypti. Further studies are needed to understand the mode of action of these compounds in the biological development of this mosquito species. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperature dependences are compared for 1H and 13C NMR 1/T1 curves relaxation rates in three imidazolium‐based ionic liquids (ILs), namely, in [bmim]PF6, [bmim]BF4, and [emim]CH3COO. 13C curves show alike behavior for all three ILs and follow a well‐known Bloembergen‐Pound‐Purcell (BPP) equation. On the contrary, an essential part of 1H curves differ strongly from corresponding 13C ones and also have different shapes for different ILs. For the first time, we have detected the specific, two‐maximum shape of 1H relaxation curve for hydrogen atom of C(2)H group of the [emim]CH3COO. Assuming that this maximum reflects the correlated rotation of several adjoining ion pairs, we have tried to destroy this rotation by addition of glycerol to the [emim]CH3COO. The second, high‐temperature maximum has disappeared in the [emim]CH3COO–glycerol mixture, and this fact confirms our assumption. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We used 1H pulsed field gradient nuclear magnetic resonance to study the self‐diffusion of polyethylene glycol (PEG) with average molecular mass of 200 and ions in mixtures of PEG with imidazolium bis(mandelato)borate (BMB) and imidazolium bis(oxalato)borate ionic liquids (ILs). The IL was mixed with PEG in the concentration range of 0–100 wt%. Within the temperature range of 295 to 353 K, the diffusion coefficient of BMB is slower than that of the imidazolium cation. The diffusion coefficients of PEG, as well as the imidazolium cation and BMB anions, differ under all experimental conditions tested. This demonstrates that the IL in the mixture is present in at least a partially dissociated state. Generally, increasing the concentration of PEG leads to an increase in the diffusion coefficients of PEG and both the ions and decreases their activation energy for diffusion. Nuclear magnetic resonance chemical shift alteration analysis showed that the presence of PEG changes the chemical shifts of both ions but in different directions. Impedance spectroscopy was used to measure the ionic conductivity of the ILs mixed with PEG. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the very first application of a Transient 1D 1H{19F} NOE NMR experiment in neat ionic liquids. In comparison with classical 2D HOESY NMR spectroscopy, a substantial reduction in measurement time is gained with comparable quality and information content of the spectra. In combination with classical X‐ray crystallography, we have applied this technique for the determination of inter‐ionic distances (i.e. probabilities of presence) utilizing an ionic liquid containing a monofluorinated imidazolium cation. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel application of iron(III)porphyrin catalyst, 5,10,15,20 − tetrakis − (2′,6′‐dichlorophenyl)porphyrinatoiron(III) chloride is reported for the reaction of methyl methacrylate with hydrogen peroxide in imidazolium ionic liquids at ambient temperature. The reaction furnished polymethyl methacrylate in 75–94% yields. The yield of the polymer was optimized upon changing the reaction media, ratio of catalyst, oxidant and substrate, reaction time and quenchers. The polymethyl methacrylate was secured as highly stereoregular with predominantly syndiotactic sequences as analyzed with the aid of NMR (1H and 13C) and infrared spectroscopy. Besides, the number‐average molecular weights (Mn) were attained in the range of 15,000 to 55,000 with narrow polydispersity (~1.1–1.9) as calculated using gel permeable chromatography (GPC). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unfortunately, imidazole-based ionic liquids (ILs) tend to build high-boiling impurities like chromophores. This results in reduced process stability and product conditions like stained cellulose fibers. Therefore, different adsorbent materials were tested for their capability to purify the IL 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate. The product quality was monitored by UV-vis spectroscopy. It was observed that activated carbon showed the best purification results. The purified IL was successfully reused in the process of cellulose dissolution and shaping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT We report the liquid crystalline (LC) assembly and lower critical solution temperature (LCST) properties of wedge-shaped block copolymer (BCP)/1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([C nMIM][BF4], n = 2, 4, 6) complexes ( 1- 3) depending on the alkyl chain length of the ionic liquids (ILs). In contrast to the crystalline BCP, all of the ionic samples showed LC phases. 1 with [C2MIM][BF4] exhibited a hexagonal columnar phase, and 3 with [C6MIM][BF4] exhibited a gyroid phase. Interestingly, a temperature-dependent transformation from columnar phase to gyroid phase was revealed for 2 with [C4MIM][BF4]. The phase difference may be explained by the supramolecular shape change that was dependent on the alkyl chain length of the ILs. The LCST behavior was characterized using the differential scanning calorimetry, turbidity observations, and the X-ray diffraction techniques. Notably, the primary d-spacing began to decrease at the clouding temperature ( Tc). 3 showed the highest Tc at 130 °C, which is greater than the temperature of the order-to-disorder transition. The results demonstrate that the subtle variation in the IL structure affects the morphological and LCST properties. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 3587-3596 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For technical applications of supported ionic liquids (ILs), the stability of the IL layers both with regard to thermal decomposition and to losses by evaporation is of great importance. An innovative radio frequency-based method is presented to determine the pore filling degree of supported ILs in situ and in a contactless way. As an example, the IL 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, which was supported on the internal surface of porous silica, was selected. The complex permittivity of the porous solid coated with the IL increases linearly with the IL pore filling degree. Therefore, the evaporation rate of the IL in a fixed bed could be measured in situ in the reactor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT In this investigation, the incorporation of imidazolium salt, 1-(2-hydroxehtyl)-2,3-dimethylimidazolium chloride [hydemmim][Cl] within bisphenol A polycarbonate (PC) matrix and the subsequent formation of membranes via casting were studied. Characterizations that aimed to establish structure-property correlations by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, and water vapor transport (WVT) were performed. The results indicated that the presence of ionic liquid (IL) within the PC matrix significantly alter the local and macromolecular structure. The thermal stability is increased for all levels of incorporation. The plasticizing and antiplasticizing effects were observed due to the influence of the proportions of IL incorporated and of the cation's substituent chain of this IL. Distinct mechanisms of WVT were also observed in the presence of IL. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45117. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ionic liquids with perfluorinated side chains were prepared as hybrid materials for surface impregnation. For the cationic part, methyl and ethyl pyridinium as well as imidazolium scaffolds were used. The anions investigated were hydroxide, acetate, trifluoroacetate, triflate, triflimide, chloride, bromide, iodide, hydrogensulfate, and perfluorododecanoate. A key feature of this investigation is the finding that the use of relatively short perfluorohexyl residues as the fluorinated part of the salts is beneficial for the target compounds compared with established products, because of their lower bioaccumulativity. One compound yielded single crystals that were suitable for X-ray structure analysis, revealing a layered structure with relatively well-resolved, hard ionic domains alternating with disordered, soft perfluorinated layers. The wettability of all 30 materials was investigated by water contact angle measurements of a thin film on a glass surface. In two cases, promising contact angles (130° and 140°) were observed, indicating that the products might be suitable candidates for the impregnation of surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ruthenium complexes of the type [RuCl(η6-arene)(NN)]X (X = BF4 or BPh4) featuring an η6-arene ligand modified with an imidazolium ring and incorporating the bis(azo) chelating (NN) ligands 2-hydroxyphenylbis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)methane or 2-nitrophenylbis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)methane are reported. The catalytic activities of the complexes were evaluated in the transfer hydrogenation of benzaldehyde to benzyl alcohol with iPrOH as the hydrogen donor in the absence of a base and under biphasic conditions; one of the two phases was iPrOH, and the other was an ionic liquid. The catalysts featuring the imidazolium-modified η6-arene could be recycled and reused with only a minor decrease in substrate conversion after multiple reaction cycles. The reaction rate was strongly influenced by the type of ionic liquid employed in the biphasic system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic carbon nanotube-supported imidazolium ionic liquid (CNT-Fe3O4-IL) was synthesized and investigated using various characterization techniques, including Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopies, X-ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometry, scanning and transmission electron microscopies, and thermogravimetric and differential thermal analyses. In order to synthesize the CNT-Fe3O4-IL nanocomposites, Fe3O4-decorated multi-walled CNTs were modified with 1-methyl-3-(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)-1 H-imidazol-3-ium chloride. This catalytic system was found to be a highly stable, active, reusable and solid-phase catalyst for the synthesis of 2-aminothiazoles via the of ketone, thiourea and N-bromosuccinimide under mild conditions. Immobilized magnetic ionic liquid combines the advantages of ionic liquid media with magnetic solid support nanomaterials which enables the application of nanotechnology and in chemical processes. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND The use of CO2 as a raw material to synthesize cyclic carbonates has attracted much attention in recent years. Ionic liquids ( ILs) due to their unique properties are often used as effective catalysts for the reaction between CO2 and epoxide to afford cyclic carbonates. This report describes an efficient method for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates in the presence of IL with HSO4− anion as a catalyst which could be easily separated and reused. RESULTS The synthesis of cyclic carbonates from CO2 and epoxides using the two-component catalytic system consisting of the ionic liquid based on the imidazolium cation and the hydrogensulphate anion and an aqueous solution of zinc iodide is described. The cyclic carbonates were obtained with high yields (69-99%) and selectivities (>99%) under the optimized conditions: 120 °C, 2 MPa of CO2, without utilization of any organic solvents. CONCLUSION The new and effective catalytic system allows one to obtain cyclic carbonates in high yields and can be reused several times without significant loss of activity. Therefore, the proposed method seems to be useful for practical applications. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) was non-covalently functionalized with room-temperature ionic liquid (IL), 1-butyl-3-methyl-imidazolium tetrafluoroborate and blended with epoxy pre-polymer (ER) with the assistance of ultrasonication in the presence of acetone as a diluting medium. The ability of IL in improving the dispersion of MWCNT in epoxy pre-polymer was evidenced by transmission optical microscopy. The corresponding epoxy/MWCNT networks cured with anhydride displayed an increase of the electrical conductivity of around three orders of magnitude with the addition of IL in a proportion of MWCNT/IL = 1:5 mass ratio. The effect of IL on dynamic mechanical properties and thermal conductivity was also evaluated. The improved thermal and electrical properties was attributed to the better dispersion of MWCNT within the epoxy matrix by IL, evidenced by transmission electron microscopy of the ER/MWCNT networks cured with anhydride. Raman spectroscopy was also used to confirm the interaction between MWCNT and IL. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43976. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New polymer electrolytes for lithium ion batteries with enhanced operational safety with the addition of room temperature imidazolium ionic liquids are reported. Imidazolium salts modified by us were applied as ionic liquids, which, for higher reduction potential stability, were substituted at position C2 with oligooxyethylene groups of various length ([ BuMeIm nEO]+X−, where n = 3.5, 7, 8.4 and X = CF3SO3, BF4, N(CF3SO2)2). Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), copolymers of vinylidene fluoride with hexafluoropropylene (p(VdF- co-HFP)) and of acrylonitrile with butyl acrylate (p(AN- co-BuA)) were utilized as polymer matrices. Thermal and electrochemical characterizations of the obtained electrolytes were carried out. On the basis of impedance measurements, the ionic conductivity and lithium transference numbers were determined. The best conducting properties were shown by systems with an ionic liquid [BuMeIm 3.5EO]+TFSI− and PEO or p(VdF- co-HFP) characterized by ambient temperature ionic conductivity of the order of 10−5 S cm−1. On the basis of polarization measurements by the variable-current method, the proportion of lithium cations in electric charge transfer was determined. The values obtained were low, as those typically obtained for ionic liquids (they do not exceed several percent), except for some cases, for which a value of 0.4 was reached. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of hexahalocerate(III) salts with the general formula [cation]3[CeHal6] have been prepared by dissolving anhydrous cerium trihalides in imidazolium halide ionic liquids. Complexes with different anions, [CeCl6]3-, [CeBr6]3- and [CeBr3Cl3]3-, were synthesized and their cationic alkyl chains were varied. To confirm the structures of the prepared salts, X-ray crystallography was used to characterize [BMIM]3[CeCl6]. Two different crystal structures were found: [BMIM]3[CeCl6] and the linear coordination polymer [BMIM] x[Ce(µ-Cl)2Cl2(EtOH)2] x containing coordinated solvent. All the synthesized compounds were characterized by DSC and TGA. The influence of the cationic and anionic structures on the melting points and decomposition temperatures is discussed. Furthermore, the Ce-containing salts [BMIM]3[CeHal6] show interesting photoluminescence properties: intense Ce3+-based 5d-4f-centred emission from the soft UV-B region to the border of visible light is observed that is driven both by direct excitation of Ce3+ as well as by a sensitizer effect of the [BMIM]+ cation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]