A functionalised ionic liquid: 1-(3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl)-3-methyl imidazolium chloride

Abstract

An ionic liquid (IL) containing an appended 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl functionality group 1-(3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl)-3-methyl imidazolium chloride was synthesised by the reaction of N-methyl imidazole, hydrochloric acid and epichlorohydrin. The ionic liquid showed reasonably high conductivity and heat stability up to 230°C. Its structures were characterised by FT-IR, ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR spectra. The physical characteristics of the ionic liquid, such as conductivity and solvation abilities have been investigated. Due to its high polarity, the IL is able to dissolve many inorganic salts, and due to hydroxyl-rich microenvironment, it is able to dissolve cellulose go up to 10 (wt%). The ILs can be used for synthesising other ILs or polyelectrolyte.

Keywords:

• 1-(3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl)-3-methyl imidazolium chloride
• N-methyl imidazole
• epichlorohydrin
• functionalised ionic liquids
• synthesis
• property

Acknowledgement

The author acknowledges the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong, China (No. 7301526) for financially supporting this work.