Tuning the structural, electronic and electrochemical properties of the 4-methyl-1-phenyl triazolium based [PhMeTAZ][Y 1–8 ] ionic liquids through changing anions: A quantum chemical study

Designing of new functionalized imidazolium based ionic liquids attached to the antracene derivatives and investigation on the influence of intramolecular hydrogen bondings in anions on their intermolecular hydrogen bondings and some of the other properties: A DFT M06-2X-GD3 study

To promote the development of new functionalized ionic liquids, it is necessary to get a deeper insight into their features of physicochemical and electronic and molecular structure. In this study, the interaction energies and structural and vibrational frequencies parameters in accompanied with some of the physiochemical, electronic and optic attributes of ionic liquids designed by the covalently attachement of imidazolium to anthracene derivatives ([X-AnMIM][A2] and [X-AnMIM][A3], X: NH2, OH, OMe, H, Cl, CHO, CN and NO2) ILs have been evaluated. Two conjugate bases of acids 1,3,5-pentanetriol (A2) and 3-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1,3,5-pentanetriol (A3) are used as anions which have two and three intramolecular hydrogen bonds, respectively. Based on the results of calculations at M06-2X-GD3/6-311++(d,p) level of theory, the differences in these properties in addition to the structural type of anions and cations can be attributed to the cation-anion, intra and intermolecular hydrogen bonding, interactions in ionic liquids. The results depict that the ILs based on A2 anions form stronger hydrogen bonds with [X-AnMIM]+ cations. The potency of interaction between cations and anion reduces with the increasement in the number of intramolecular hydrogen bonds and also decreasement in the basic strength in the anionic part. A clear red shift is observed between [X-AnMIM][A2] and [X-AnMIM][A3] ILs and isolated anthracene, which is a clear manifestation of the effect of the imidazolium cation on the electronic energy levels of anthracene. It can be expected that the studied ILs are not electrochemically stable during the electrochemistry applications.

A novel anion replaced gemini surfactant: Investigation on the primary interaction between gemini surfactant and BSA

Gemini surfactants (GS) could serve as the drug carrier agents for the delivery of macromolecules due to the excellent properties and tuneable structures. Little attention has been paid to the impact of counterion change on GS and the interaction between GS and protein. In this work, ibuprofen (Ibu) replaced quaternary ammonium ion GS (GS-Ibu) with the hydrophobic chain length of 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 carbon atoms were prepared for the first-time using extraction technology. The prepared GS-Ibu has stronger electrostatic interaction compared to traditional gemini surfactants with bromide anions (GS-Br). GS were further incubated with the model macromolecule, bovine serum albumin (BSA), to form BSA/GS complexes. The colloid stability of BSA could be affected by the concentration of GS, the length of hydrophobic chain and the type of anion. GS-Ibu exhibited better ability to prevent BSA from aggregating based the result of PAGE test. The molecular level change of BSA after the introduction of GS was first reflected by UV-Visible absorption spectrum. CD spectrum results further revealed that the primary interaction leading to the change in the secondary structure of BSA is electrostatic interaction. Molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulations confirmed the presence of hydrophobic and electrostatic interaction between BSA and GS. In conclusion, the anion replaced GS could be a promising strategy to stabilize the proteins.

Synthesis and Characterization of a Novel Hydroquinone Sulfonate-Based Redox Active Ionic Liquid

Introducing redox-active moieties into an ionic liquid (IL) structure is an exciting and attractive approach that has received increasing interest over recent years for a various range of energy applications. The so-called redox-active ionic liquids (RAILs) provide a highly versatile platform to potentially create multifunctional electroactive materials. Ionic liquids are molten salts consisting of ionic species, often having a melting point lower than 100 °C. Such liquids are obtained by combining a bulky asymmetric organic cation and a small anion. Here, we report on the synthesis of a novel RAIL, namely 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hydroquinone sulfonate ((BMIM)(HQS)). (BMIM)(HQS) was synthesized in a two-step procedure, starting by the quaternization of methylimidazole using butylchloride to produce 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ((BMIM)(Cl)), and followed by the anion exchange reaction, where the chloride anion is exchanged with hydroquinone sulfonate. The resulting product was characterized by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, FT-IR spectroscopy, themogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry, and shows a high stability up to 340 °C. Its electrochemical behavior was investigated using cyclic voltammetry at different temperatures and its viscosity analysis was also performed at variable temperatures. The electrochemical response of the presented RAIL was found to be temperature dependent and diffusion controlled. Overall, our results demonstrated that (BMIM)(mix of HQS and HSQ) is redox active and possesses high stability and low volatility, leading to the employment of this RAIL without any additional supporting electrolyte or additives.

Preparation of mesoporous ZnAl2O4 nanoflakes by ion exchange from a Na-dawsonite parent material in the presence of an ionic liquid

Herein, mesoporous ZnAl₂O₄ spinel nanoflakes were prepared by an ion-exchange method from a Na-dawsonite parent material in the presence of an ionic liquid, 1-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium chloride ([bdmim][Cl]), followed by calcination at 700 °C for 2 h. The as-obtained products were characterized by several techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The ZnAl₂O₄ nanoflakes with the thickness of ∼20 nm were composed of numerous nanoparticles, which resulted in a high specific surface area of 245 m² g⁻¹. The formation mechanism of the ZnAl₂O₄ nanoflakes was comprehensively investigated, and the results showed that a 2D growth process of the Zn₆Al₂(OH)₁₆(CO₃)·4H₂O crystallites with the assistance of [bdmim][Cl] was the key for the induction of ZnAl₂O₄ nanoflakes. Moreover, mesopores were formed between adjacent nanoparticles due to the release of CO₂ and H₂O molecules from Zn₆Al₂(OH)₁₆(CO₃)·4H₂O during the calcination process.

Herein, mesoporous ZnAl₂O₄ spinel nanoflakes were prepared by an ion-exchange method from a Na-dawsonite parent material in the presence of an ionic liquid, 1-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium chloride ([bdmim][Cl]), followed by calcination at 700 °C for 2 h.