Effect of imidazolium-based ionic liquids on the aggregation behavior of twin-tailed cationic gemini surfactant in aqueous solution

Micellization behavior of the twin-tailed surfactants can be modulated by the addition of various modifiers. Ionic liquids (ILs) are one of them and are documented here. The beauty of these environmentally benign neoteric molecules lies in their structural versatility. Here, we have investigated the effect of three ILs: 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide ([C₄mim][Br]), 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide ([C₆mim][Br]), and 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide ([C₈mim][Br]) on the aggregation and surface adsorption behavior of cationic gemini surfactant, bis(hexadecyldimethyl ammonium)propane dibromide (16-3-16) through experimentally measured electrical conductivities, surface tensions, and by spectral methods (UV-vis absorbance and fluorescence measurements). The main focus of the study is to observe the effect of added ILs on the critical micelle concentration (cmc), various surface parameters, aggregation number, and size of the aggregates of gemini surfactant. The results show that the more hydrophobic ILs, that is, [C₆mim][Br] and [C₈mim][Br] behave as electrolyte at lower concentration and cosurfactant at higher concentration, whereas moderately hydrophobic IL [C₄mim][Br] acts as an electrolyte at all concentration ranges studied. The modulating effects of ILs were also compared with conventional electrolyte (NaBr) at similar conditions.     

Theoretical study of interactions between 1-alkyl-3-methyimidazolium tetrafluoroborate and dibenzothiophene: DFT,NBO, and AIM analysis

Density functional theory is employed to study the interaction energies between dibenzothiophene (DBT) and 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([C _n mim]⁺[BF₄]^?). The structures of DBT, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([C₂mim]⁺[BF₄]^?), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([C4mim]+[BF₄]?), 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([C₆mim]⁺[BF₄]^?), 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([C₈mim]⁺[BF₄]^?), [C₂mim]⁺[BF₄]^?–DBT, [C₄mim]⁺[BF₄]^?–DBT, [C₆mim]⁺[BF₄]^?–DBT and [C₈mim]⁺[BF₄]^?–DBT systems are optimized systematically at the B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) level, and the most stable geometries are obtained by NBO and AIM analyses. The results indicate that DBT and imidazolium rings of ionic liquids are parallel to each other. It is found that the [BF₄]^? anion prefers to be located close to a C1–H9 proton ring in the vicinity of the imidazolium ring and the most stable gas-phase structure of [C _n mim]⁺[BF₄]^? has four hydrogen bonds between [C _n mim]+ and [BF₄]?. There are hydrogen bonding interactions, π–π and C–H–π interactions between [C₈mim]⁺[BF₄]^? and DBT, which is confirmed by NBO and AIM analyses. The calculated interaction energies for the studied ionic liquids can be used to interpret a better extracting ability of [C₈mim]⁺[BF₄]^? to remove DBT, due to stronger interactions between [C₈mim]⁺[BF₄]^? and DBT, in agreement with the experimental results of dibenzothiophene extraction by [C _n mim]⁺[BF₄]^?.     

Ionic liquids as porogens in the microwave-assisted synthesis of methacrylate monoliths for chromatographic application

Several imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) with varying cation alkyl chain length (C₄–C₁₀) and anion type (tetrafluoroborate ([BF₄]⁻), hexafluorophosphate ([PF₆]⁻) and bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([Tf₂N]⁻)) were used as reaction media in the microwave polymerization of methacrylate-based stationary phases. Scanning electron micrographs and backpressures of poly(butyl methacrylate-ethylene dimethacrylate) (poly(BMA-EDMA)) monoliths synthesized in the presence of these ionic liquids demonstrated that porosity and permeability decreased when cation alkyl chain length and anion hydrophobicity were increased. Performance of these monoliths was assessed for their ability to separate parabens by capillary electrochromatography (CEC). Intra-batch precision (n = 3 columns) for retention time and peak area ranged was 0.80–1.13% and 3.71–4.58%, respectively. In addition, a good repeatability of RSD_{Retention time} = <0.30% and ∼1.0%, RSD_{Peak area} = <1.30% and <4.3%, and RSD_Efficiency = <0.6% and <11.5% for intra-day and inter-day, respectively exemplify monolith performance reliability for poly(BMA-EDMA) fabricated using 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([C₆mim][BF₄]) porogen. This monolith was also tested for its potential in nanoLC to separate protein digests in gradient mode. ILs as porogens also fabricated different alkyl methacrylate (AMA) (C4–C18) monoliths. Furthermore, employing binary IL porogen mixture such as 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([C₄mim][BF₄]) and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([C₄mim][Tf₂N]) successfully decreased the denseness of the monolith, than when using [C₄mim][Tf₂N] IL alone, enabling a chromatographic run to be performed with 1:1 ratio produced baseline separation for the analytes. The combination of ILs and microwave irradiation made polymer synthesis very fast (∼10 min), entirely green (organic solvent-free) and energy saving process.     

离子液体型表面活性剂研究

以1-甲基咪唑为原料, 制备了6个常规离子液体: 1-正丁基-3-甲基咪唑四氟硼酸盐及六氟磷酸盐(简称[bmim][BF₄]及[bmim][PF₆])、1-正己基-3-甲基咪唑四氟硼酸盐及六氟磷酸盐(简称[hmim][BF₄]及[hmim][PF₆])、1-正十六烷基-3-甲基咪唑四氟硼酸盐及六氟磷酸盐(简称[C₁₆mim][BF₄]及[C₁₆mim][PF₆])和4个功能化离子液体: 1-(2-羟乙基)-3-甲基咪唑四氟硼酸盐及六氟磷酸盐(简称[2-hemim][BF₄]及[2-hemim][PF₆])、1-乙氧羰基甲基-3-甲基咪唑四氟硼酸盐及六氟磷酸盐(简称[eocmmim][BF₄]及[eocmmim][PF₆]). 研究了这两类离子液体的一些物理性能, 旨在挖掘离子液体在香料香精化妆品工业中的应用价值. 分别检测了它们与一般溶剂的互溶性, 并测定了它们的表面张力和发泡性能, 实验结果表明, 仅[C₁₆mim][BF₄]和[C₁₆mim][PF₆]具有发泡性能, 发泡力分别为68和120 mm.     

The synthesis of Fe-containing ionic liquid and its catalytic performance for the dehydration of fructose

Four Fe-containing ionic liquids (ILs) were synthesized by coupling of conventional imidazole ionic liquids [C_xmim]Cl (x = 4, 8, 12, 16) with FeCl₃ and were characterized by FT-IR, Raman, ESI–MS and TG. All of the Fe-containing ILs were applied to the conversion of fructose into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Bmim]Cl) subsequently and the result showed that [C₁₆mim]FeCl₄ exhibited excellent catalytic performance. Then the different reaction parameters with [C₁₆mim]FeCl₄ as catalyst were studied in detail. A 92.8% yield of HMF was obtained with 0.03 g [C₁₆mim]FeCl₄ and 0.1 g fructose in 1.0050 g [Bmim]Cl at 80 °C for 40 min in fructose/[Bmim]Cl solution.     

Calorimetric Study on the Ion Pairing and Aggregation of 1-Ethyl-3-Methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide ([C2mim][NTf2]) and Related Ionic Liquids in the Low-Dielectric Constant Solvent Chloroform

A calorimetric study of dissolution of the ionic liquids (ILs) 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide ([C₂mim][NTf₂]), 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide ([C₆mim][NTf₂]), and 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium tris(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)methide ([C₆mim][CTf₃]) into chloroform (CHCl₃) is presented with particular focus on [C₂mim][NTf₂]. The interpretation of the calorimetric data for [C₂mim][NTf₂] was aided by additional NMR self-diffusion measurements and viscosity measurements that through the Stokes–Einstein equation provided information about the average size of the species present. It is evident that the main equilibrium species are ion pairs and aggregates. An estimate for the enthalpy contribution from aggregate formation for [C₂mim][NTf₂] was found to be ?2.09 kJ per mol of added IL at 288.2 K and slightly decreasing in magnitude to ?1.11 kJ·mol^?1 at 318.2 K. While all three ILs release heat upon dissolution into CHCl₃, different temperature trends are observed demonstrating the fine balance of competing contributions from breaking IL interactions, cavity formation for the solutes to reside in, and the establishment of new solute–solvent interactions.     

Adsorption and Purification of Baicalin from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi Extract by Ionic Liquids (ILs) Grafted Silica

Baicalin which has multiple biological activities is the main active component of the root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (SBG). Although its isolation and purification by adsorption methods have aroused much interest of the scientific community, it suffered from the poor selectivity of the adsorbents. In this work, an environmentally benign method was developed to prepare ionic liquids (ILs) grafted silica by using IL 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([C₄mim]NTf₂) and ethanol as reaction media. The IL 1-propyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([C₃mim]Cl) grafted silica ([C₃mim]⁺Cl⁻@SiO₂) was used to adsorb and purify baicalin from the root extract of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (SBG). Experimental results indicated that the adsorption equilibrium can be quickly achieved (within 10 min). The adsorption behavior of [C₃mim]⁺Cl⁻@SiO₂ for baicalin was in good agreement with Langmuir and Freundlich models and the adsorption was a physisorption process as suggested by Dubinin–Radushkevich model. Compared with commercial resins, [C₃mim]⁺Cl⁻@SiO₂ showed the strongest adsorption ability and highest selectivity. After desorption and crystallization, a purity of baicalin as high as 96.5% could be obtained. These results indicated that the ILs grafted silica materials were promising adsorbents for the adsorption and purification of baicalin and showed huge potential in the purification of other bioactive compounds from natural sources.     

A new disposable ionic liquid based coating for headspace solid-phase microextraction of methyl tert-butyl ether in a gasoline sample followed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection

A new ionic liquid (IL) based solid-phase microextraction (SPME) fiber was investigated and used for headspace (HS) extraction of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) in a gasoline sample. Using the new IL coated HS-SPME fiber with the combination of gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID); sub-to-low μg L⁻¹ concentrations of MTBE were detected. Four different ILs including 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetraflouroborate ([C₄C₁IM] [BF₄]), 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium tetraflouroborate ([C₈C₁IM] [BF₄]), 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium hexaflourophosphate ([C₈C₁IM] [PF₆]) and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ethylsulphate ([C₂C₁IM] [ETSO₄]) were synthesized and examined for extraction, preconcentration and determination of MTBE. It was observed that [C₈C₁IM] [BF₄] showed the highest extraction efficiency and possessed the best extractability for MTBE. The fiber coating takes up the compounds from the sample by absorption in the case of liquid coatings. The calibration graph was linear in a concentration range of 1-120 μg L⁻¹ (R² > 0.994) with the detection limit of 0.09 μg L⁻¹ level. The new IL-coated fiber was applied successfully for the determination of MTBE in a gasoline sample with good recoveries between 90 and 95%.     

The physicochemical properties of some imidazolium-based ionic liquids and their binary mixtures

The density, viscosity and conductivity of ionic liquids (ILs), 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([omim][BF4]), 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([omim][Cl]), 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([hmim] BF4]), 1-hexyl- 3-methylimidazolium chloride ([hmim][Cl]), 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([hmim][PF6]), and the [omim][BF4] + [omim][Cl], [hmim][BF4] + [hmim][Cl], and [hmim][PF6] + [hmim][Cl] binary mixtures were studied at dif- ferent temperatures. It was demonstrated that the densities of both the neat ILs and their mixtures varied linearly with temper- ature. The density sensitivity of a binary mixture is between those of the two components. The excess molar volumes (VE) of [hmim][BF4] + [hmim][Cl] and [hmim][PF6] + [hmim][Cl] mixtures are positive in the whole composition range. For [omim][BF4] + [omim][Cl], the VE is also positive in the [omim][Cl]-rich region, but is negative in the [omim][BF4]-rich re- gion. The viscosity or conductivity of a mixture is in the intermediate of those of the two neat ILs. For all the neat ILs and the binary mixtures studied, the order of conductivity is opposite to that of the viscosity. The Vogel-Tammann-Fulcher (VTF) equations can be used to fit the viscosity and conductivity of all the neat ILs and the binary mixtures. The neat ILs and their mixtures obey the Fractional Walden Rule very well, and the values of the Walden slopes are all smaller than unit, indicating obvious ion associations in the neat ILs and the binary mixtures.     

Fluorescence Spectroscopic Analysis of the Interaction of Papain with Ionic Liquids

The interaction between papain and two typical ionic liquids (ILs), 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([C₈mim]Cl) and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([C₄mim]Cl), was investigated by using fluorescence spectroscopy technique at a pH value of 7.4. The results suggested that ILs could quench the intrinsic fluorescence of papain probably via a static quenching mechanism. The binding constants were determined by employing the fluorescence quenching method. They were very small compared with that of volatile organic solvents, indicating that only very weak interaction between ILs and papain existed. The Gibbs free energy change (?G), enthalpy change (?H), and entropy change (?S) during the interaction of papain and ILs were estimated. Negative values of these parameters indicated that the interaction between ILs and papain was a spontaneous process, also implying that hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces played important roles in the interaction processes.

Modulation of the aggregation behaviour and physicochemical properties of 1-dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide in aqueous solutions by β-CD

The modulation of aggregation behaviour of ionic liquids (ILs) in aqueous media is one of the important research topics. In the present work, aggregation behaviour of 1-dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide ([C₁₂mim]Br) modulated by beta-cyclodextrin (β-CD) has been investigated by using conductivity, volume, fluorescence, dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy techniques. The results suggested that the addition of β-CD significantly affects the aggregation of [C₁₂mim]Br in aqueous solutions. For example, the apparent critical micelle concentration increases with the increase of β-CD concentration; the average micellar size reduced with the increasing concentration of β-CD, and the process for micelle formation of [C₁₂mim]Br in aqueous β-CD solution is driven by entropy at lower temperature, while driven by enthalpy at higher temperature. It is expected that findings in this study would shed light on the potential applications of IL in supramolecular chemistry.     

Electrochemistry of water in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate at nickel electrode: application to hydrogen peroxide production and water sensing

The electrochemistry of water dissolved in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([C₄mim][BF₄]) was studied by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy using a nickel electrode. Hydrogen peroxide is being produced by direct electrolysis of water in a cooperative process between the nickel electrode and [C₄mim][BF₄]. There is linear response between the concentration of water and the oxidation peak current at 1.60 V. Impedance decreases significantly with increasing concentration of water. The findings resulted in two promising applications: The first is the production of hydrogen peroxide, and the second is in water sensing. Both methods are environmentally friendly and convenient.     

LLE for (water + ionic liquid) binary systems using [Cxmim][BF4] (x = 6, 8) ionic liquids

Liquid–liquid equilibrium diagrams were determined for (IL + water) systems using the family of ILs 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborates, where the alkyl groups are hexyl and octyl ([C_xmim][BF₄] with x = 6 and 8). The gravimetric method was used to determine the equilibrium compositions at temperatures ranging from 278.15 to 340.15 K. Both systems present an upper critical solution temperature (UCST), which increases from [C₆mim][BF₄] to [C₈mim][BF₄]. The experimental data were correlated using the NRTL and eNRTL models. The binary interaction parameters were calculated for each system and model, and good agreement between experimental and calculated equilibrium compositions was obtained. Finally, the apparent Gibbs energy, enthalpy and entropy of water solution in the ILs were calculated using a modified van’t Hoff equation. The three thermodynamic functions were found to be positive for both ILs.     

Temperature dependence of the microstructure of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate in aqueous solution

Many applications of ionic liquids (ILs) are closely related with their microstructure in mixtures. For example, morphology and pore size of the MCM-41 prepared in aqueous ILs are greatly dependent on the aggregation behavior of the ILs in water. Therefore, the study on the microstructure of ILs in aqueous solutions is of great importance. In this work, ¹H NMR, dynamic light scattering and attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy have been used to investigate the temperature effect on the structures of aqueous 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([C₄mim][BF₄]) solutions. It was shown that the size of the IL aggregates becomes larger with decreasing temperature. When the system temperature is below the upper critical solution temperature (UCST) of the binary mixture at about 4 °C, the aggregate size of the IL is larger than 1000 nm. Additionally, the two-dimensional IR results reveal that at low IL concentrations, H₂O can interact with [BF₄]⁻ prior to the CH groups of the imidazolium ring, whereas cation and anion of the IL tend to form aggregate at high IL concentrations. With the decrease of temperature, the interactions between cation and anion of the IL become stronger, but those between the IL and water become weaker, thereby resulting in the growth of the aggregate of cation with anion of the IL. This result may give a reasonable explanation for the origin of the UCST behavior of aqueous [C₄mim][BF₄] solution.     

High-pressure infrared spectroscopy of ionic liquids mixed with Tween 80

In this study, the possibility of using Tween 80 to disturb the microstructures of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([BMIM]BF₄) and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([BMIM]PF₆) was investigated under high pressures. The imidazolioum C H absorptions of pure ionic liquids (ILs) are significantly blue-shifted under high pressures. However, mild changes in imidazolioum C H stretching frequencies were observed for IL/Tween 80 mixtures. Tween 80 may hinder cations of ILs to form network structures with anions under high pressures via pressure-enhanced cation-Tween 80 interactions. Based on the experimental results, Tween 80-[BMIM]PF₆ interactions are more effective in disturbing the local structure of imidazolium C H than Tween 80-[BMIM]BF₄ interactions.     

[Bmim]PF6 and BF4 ionic liquids as novel and recyclable reaction media for aromatic amination

Activated aryl halides undergo smooth nucleophilic substitution reactions with secondary amines in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([bmim]PF₆) or 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([bmim]BF₄) ionic liquids (ILs) at room temperature to afford the corresponding arylamines in excellent yields under mild and neutral conditions.     

离子液体[BMIM]Br与[BMIM][BF4]配比浓度对Br-离子电荷转移的调节

利用X射线吸收精细结构光谱(XAFS)及紫外吸收光谱两种方法, 分析了离子液体1-丁基-3-甲基咪唑溴盐([BMIM]Br)中逐渐掺入1-丁基-3-甲基咪唑四氟硼酸盐([BMIM][BF₄])时, Br^-阴离子与咪唑阳离子之间氢键作用及电荷偏移量的改变. 随着[BMIM][BF₄]加入量增多, Br 元素XAFS近边(XANES)显示吸收峰降低, 吸收边位置向低能端位移0.9 eV; 扩展边(EXAFS)算出径向结构显示Br 与近邻原子间平均配位数降低、平均键长增长; 紫外光谱也有明显蓝移减色效应. 这些结果都表明Br₄^-的掺入改变了Br^-与阳离子间的电荷偏移量, 负电荷更多地转移到Br^-上, 量化计算的数据同样支持该结论.     

Antistatic ability of 1-n-tetradecyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide and its effects on the structure and properties of polypropylene

In this study, 1-n-tetradecyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide ([C₁₄mim]Br), one kind of imidazolium ionic liquid (imi-IL), was incorporated into polypropylene (PP) via melt blending. The measurement of surface resistance (R_s) and volume resistance (R_v) of neat PP and PP/[C₁₄mim]Br blends indicated that [C₁₄mim]Br had excellent antistatic properties. The PP/[C₁₄mim]Br blend had the best antistatic ability, when the weight ratio of [C₁₄mim]Br to PP reached 3/100. The surface resistance of PP/[C₁₄mim]Br decreased from the 7.67 × 10¹³ to 1.40 × 10⁷ Ω whereas the volume resistance of PP decreased from 2.67 × 10¹⁴ to 2.60 × 10⁷ Ω. Semicrystalline morphology and crystal structure were investigated by polarized optical microscopy (POM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The spherulites of PP became smaller with the addition of [C₁₄mim]Br, implying that [C₁₄mim]Br had a nucleating effect in the PP matrix. The XRD study indicates the crystallization process of PP was affected by [C₁₄mim]Br, and the crystallinity of PP was thus decreased. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies reveal that [C₁₄mim]Br had good dispersion in PP; thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) shows the addition of [C₁₄mim]Br remarkably increased the thermal stability of PP even though it is a small molecule.     

Evaluation of Spectroscopic and Morphological Properties of PMMA Modified with ILs

Summary: In recent years, an important class of new compounds, ionic liquids (ILs), has been investigated as additives for polymers. In this work, we carried out the synthesis of 4 different ILs: 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BMIM.BF₄), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (BMIM.PF₆), and the chiral ILs acetyl-(−)menthol-1-buthylimidazole tetrafluoroborate ([amebim]BF₄) and acetyl-(−)menthol-1-buthylimidazole hexafluorophosphate ([amebim]PF₆). These ILs were added to poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) in 10, 20 and 30% ratios by weight and the ILs, PMMA and the obtained materials (PMMA:ILs) were characterized by infrared, visible spectroscopy and atomic force microscope. The ILs added to PMMA did not provide significant changes in the infrared spectra, compared to pure PMMA. However, the absorption spectra in the visible region of the PMMA:ILs materials showed differences, compared to the spectrum of pure PMMA.