Solvent-free preparation of ionic liquids using a household microwave oven

Abstract

An efficient solventless protocol for the preparation of a wide variety of ionic liquids is described, which requires a simple exposure of admixed 1-methylimidazole and alkyl halides to microwave irradiation in open glass containers. The details of this clean process using a common household microwave oven, which exploits the newer inverter technology system for better power attenuation, are described. The characterization and thermal stability data on selected ionic liquids and their potential applications are summarized.