Synthesis and characterization of 1-(hydroxyethyl)-3-methylimidazolium sulfate and chloride ionic liquids

We have used the imidazole as a starting compound for the preparation of a new ionic liquid 1-(hydroxyethyl)-3-methylimidazolium sulfate, with a yield of 98% in the two-steps synthesis. This new ionic liquid at room temperature exhibits a greater chemical activity. For the first step, we change the previous synthetic route using 2-chloroethanol as starting material, and with 1-methylimidazole to prepare the 1-(hydroxyethyl)-3-methylimidazolium chloride [EtOHMIM+][Cl-]. In the second stage, we have exchanged the anion Cl- with HSO4-. The ionic liquid shows reasonably high conductivity and thermal stability up to 340 degrees C. Our samples are characterized by H-1 NMR, C-13 NMR and FT-IR. The physical characteristics of the ionic liquid, such as solvation capacity were studied using a thermo-gravimetric Analyzer (NETZSCH DSC 204 F1) in the range of 40-400 degrees C. The results show that the Its may be used as polyelectrolyte for electrochemical applications. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.