The effect of solvent heterogeneity on the solvation and complexation of alkali cations by 18-crown-6: a simulation study in the 90 : 10 chloroform/methanol mixture

Although chloroform is in excess over methanol in the mixture, the predicted ion binding affinities and selectivities are more “methanol-like” than “chloroform-like”.

Radiolysis of crown ether–ionic liquid systems: identification of radiolytic products and their effect on the removal of Sr2+ from nitric acid

The quantitative analysis and identification of the radiolytic products of dicyclohexano-18-crown-6 (DCH18C6), 4′,4′′(5′′)-di-tert-butyldicyclohexano-18-crown-6 (DtBuCH18C6) and benzo-18-crown-6 (B18C6) in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide ([C₄mim][NTf₂]) ionic liquid after irradiation were performed for the first time.

Role of water in complexation of 1,4,7,10,13,16-hexaoxacyclooctadecane (18-crown-6) with Li+ and K+ in hydrophobic 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide ionic liquid

Complexation characteristics of 1,4,7,10,13,16-hexaoxacyclooctadecane (18-crown-6, 18C6) with Li+ and K+ in a hydrophobic ionic liquid of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide under dry and humid conditions at 298.2 K were studied by 1H and 13C NMR chemical shifts. The comparison of the 1H and 13C chemical shifts of 18C6 molecule between the dry and humid IL solutions without the alkali metal ions showed that uncomplexed 18C6 molecules are solvated by water molecules in the humid ionic liquid solution. The changes in the 1H and 13C chemical shifts of 18C6 ligand molecule with the increases in the Li+ and K+ concentrations revealed that in both dry and humid ionic liquid solutions 18C6 molecule forms 1:1 complexes with Li+ and K+. The 1H NMR data of water molecules in the humid ionic liquid solutions demonstrated that water molecules interact with Li+-18C6 complexes and free Li+, but do not with K+-18C6 complexes and free K+. The mechanisms of the formation of the Li+ and K+ complexes in the humid ionic liquid solution are different from each other due to the differences in the complex-water interactions.

Bromide complexation by the Eu(III) lanthanide cation in dry and humid ionic liquids: a molecular dynamics PMF study

We report a molecular dynamics study on the EuBr(n)(3-n) complexes (n=0 to 6) formed upon complexation of Br(-) by Eu(3+) in the [BMI][PF(6)], [BMI][Tf(2)N] and [MeBu(3)N][Tf(2)N] ionic liquids (ILs), to compare the effect of the IL anion (PF(6)(-) versus Tf(2)N(-)), the IL cation (BMI(+) versus MeBu(3)N(+)) and the "IL humidity" on their solvation and stability. In "dry" solutions all complexes remain stable and the first coordination shell of Eu(3+) is purely anionic (Br(-) and IL anions), surrounded by IL cations (BMI(+) or MeBu(3)N(+) ions). Long range "onion type" solvation features (up to 20 Å from Eu(3+)), with alternating cation-rich and anion-rich solvent shells, are observed around the different complexes. The comparison of gas phase-optimized structures of EuBr(n)(3-n) complexes (that are unstable for n=5 and 6) with those observed in solution points to the importance of solvation forces on the nature of the complex, with a higher stabilization by imidazolium- than by ammonium-based dry ILs. Adding water to the IL has different effects, depending on the IL. In the highly hygroscopic [BMI][PF(6)] IL, Br(-) ligands are displaced by water, to finally form Eu(H(2)O)(9)(3+). In the less "humid" [BMI][Tf(2)N], the EuBr(n)(3-n) complexes do not dissociate and coordinate at most 1-2 H(2)O molecules. We also calculated the free-energy profiles (Potential of Mean Force calculations) for the stepwise complexation of Br(-), and found significant solvent effects. EuBr(6)(3-) is predicted to form in both [BMI][PF(6)] and [BMI][Tf(2)N], but not in [MeBu(3)N][Tf(2)N], mainly due to weaker interactions with the cationic solvation shell. First steps are found to be more exergonic in the PF(6)(-)- than in the Tf(2)N(-)-based IL. Molecular dynamics (MD) comparisons between ILs and classical solvents (acetonitrile and water) are also reported, affording good agreement with the experimental observations of Br(-) complexation by trivalent lanthanides in these classical solvents.

Facile solvent extraction separation of Th-227 and Ac-225 based on room-temperature ionic liquids

New separation methodologies for radioisotopes are crucial to many medical applications. In this work, the solvent extraction of Th-227 and Ac-225 based on ionic liquids (ILs) was investigated using N,N,N´,N´-tetraoctyldiglycolamide (TODGA) or di(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (HDEHP) as an extractant. Four ILs, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ([C4mim][NTf2]), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(perfluoroethanesulfonyl)imide ([C4mim][BETI]), 1-butyl-2,3-trimethyleneimidazolium (trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ([BuI5][NTf2]), and 1-benzyl pyridinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ([PhCH2Py][NTf2]) with different cation or anion structural features were used as diluents for the separation of Th-227 and Ac-225. Excellent extraction efficiencies and selectivities were found for Th-227/Ac-225 when HDEHP was used as an extractant in these ILs. The effects of different extractant concentrations in ILs and different aqueous phase acidities on extraction efficiencies and selectivities of Th-227/Ac-225 are also presented. The success in separation of Th-227 and Ac-225 isotopes highlights great potentials of use of ionic liquids in isotope production.

Comparing an Ionic Liquid to a Molecular Solvent in the Cesium Cation Extraction by a Calixarene: A Molecular Dynamics Study of the Aqueous Interfaces

We report a molecular dynamics (MD) study of the interfacial behavior of key partners involved in the Cs(+) cation extraction by a calix[4]arene-crown-6 host (L), comparing an ionic liquid (IL) to a classical molecular solvent (chloroform) as receiving "oil" phase. The IL is composed of hydrophobic 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium cations (BMI(+)) and bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide anions (Tf(2)N(-)) and forms a biphasic system with water. The simulations reveal similarities but also interesting differences between the two types of interfaces. Much longer times are needed to "equilibrate" IL systems, compared to classical liquid mixtures, and there is more intersolvent mixing with the IL than with chloroform, especially concerning the water-in-oil content. There is also some excess of the BMI(+) cations over the Tf(2)N(-) anions in the aqueous phase. Simulations on the Na(+)NO(3)(-) and Cs(+)NO(3)(-) ions show that they sometimes interact at the interface with the IL ions, forming hydrated intimate ion pairs, whereas they are "repelled" by the classical interface. The LCs(+) complex and L ligand also behave differently, depending on the "oil phase". They are better solvated by the IL than by chloroform and thus poorly attracted at the IL interface, whereas they adsorb at the chloroform interface, adopting well-defined amphiphilic orientations. The results are discussed in the context of assisted ion transfer and provide a number of arguments explaining the specificity and efficiency of IL based, compared to classical extraction systems.

Facilitated Transfer of Alkali-Metal Cations by Dibenzo-18-crown-6 across the Electrochemically Polarized Interface between an Aqueous Solution and a Hydrophobic Room-Temperature Ionic Liquid

The facilitated transfer of alkali metal cations (Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+, Cs+) by dibenzo-18-crown-6 (DB18C6) across the electrochemically polarizable interface between an aqueous solution (W) and a hydrophobic ionic liquid, N-octadecylisoquinolinium tetrakis[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borate ([C18Iq][TFPB]), has been studied using cyclic voltammetry at the interface formed at the tip of a micropipet. In cyclic voltammograms (CVs), the current due to the facilitated transfer of the cations by DB18C6 from W to [C18Iq][TFPB] can be measured within the polarized potential window of the [C(18)Iq][TFPB]|W interface. The stoichiometry of the complexes in [C18Iq][TFPB] for Li+, Na+, K+, and Rb+ are found to be 1:1 while for the Cs+ transfer both 1:1 and 1:2 complexes are likely to be formed. The formation constants of the 1:1 complexes for Li+, Na+, K+, and Rb+ in [C18Iq][TFPB], , evaluated from CVs are log = 5.0, 7.0, 8.2, and 7.3, respectively. The value for K+ is 1 order of magnitude greater than that for Na+. This higher selectivity of DB18C6 to K+ over Na+ in [C18Iq][TFPB] compared with that in molecular solvents suggests that the RTIL provides a unique solvation environment for the complexations of DB18C6 with the ions.

Ion Binding to Cucurbit[6]uril: Structure and Dynamics

Molecular dynamics simulations are used to study the microscopic structure and dynamics of cations bound to cucurbit[6]uril (CB[6]) in water and in aqueous solutions of sodium, potassium, and calcium chloride. The molarities are 0.183 M for the salts and 0.0184 M for CB[6]. The cations bind only to CB[6] carbonyl oxygens. They are never found inside the CB[6] cavity. Complexes with Na(+) and K(+) mostly involve one cation, whereas with Ca(2+) single- and double-cation complexes are formed in similar proportions. The binding dynamics strongly depends on the type of cation. A smaller size or higher charge increases the residence time of a cation at a given carbonyl oxygen. When bound to CB[6], sodium and potassium cations jump mainly between nearest or second-nearest neighbors. Calcium shows no hopping dynamics. It is coordinated predominantly by one CB[6] oxygen. A few water molecules (zero to four) can occupy the CB[6] cavity, which is limited by the CB[6] oxygen faces. Their residence time is hardly influenced by sodium and potassium ions. In the case of calcium the residence time of the inner water increases notably. A simple structural model for the cation activity as "lids" over the CB[6] portal cannot, however, be identified. The slowing of the water exchange by the ions is a consequence of the generally slower dynamics in their presence and of their stable solvation shells.

The [BMI][Tf2N] Ionic Liquid/Water Binary System: A Molecular Dynamics Study of Phase Separation and of the Liquid−Liquid Interface

We report molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the aqueous interface of the hydrophobic [BMI][Tf2N] ionic liquid (IL), composed of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium cations (BMI+) and bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide anions (Tf2N-). The questions of water/IL phase separation and properties of the neat interface are addressed, comparing different liquid models (TIP3P vs TIP5P water and +1.0/-1.0 vs +0.9/-0.9 charged IL ions), the Ewald vs the reaction field treatments of the long range electrostatics, and different starting conditions. With the different models, the "randomly" mixed liquids separate much more slowly (in 20 to 40 ns) than classical water-oil mixtures do (typically, in less than 1 ns), finally leading to distinct nanoscopic phases separated by an interface, as in simulations which started with a preformed interface, but the IL phase is more humid. The final state of water in the IL thus depends on the protocol and relates to IL heterogeneities and viscosity. Water mainly fluctuates in hydrophilic basins (rich in O(Tf2N) and aromatic CH(BMI) groups), separated by more hydrophobic domains (rich in CF3(Tf2N) and alkyl(BMI) groups), in the form of monomers and dimers in the weakly humid IL phase, and as higher aggregates when the IL phase is more humid. There is more water in the IL than IL in water, to different extents, depending on the model. The interface is sharper and narrower (approximately 10 A) than with the less hydrophobic [BMI][PF6] IL and is overall neutral, with isotropically oriented molecules, as in the bulk phases. The results allow us to better understand the analogies and differences of aqueous interfaces with hydrophobic (but hygroscopic) ILs, compared to classical organic liquids.

Molecular dynamics simulations of the aqueous interface with the [BMI][PF6] ionic liquid: comparison of different solvent models

We report a Molecular Dynamics (MD) study of the interface between water and the hygroscopic room temperature Ionic Liquid "IL" [BMI][PF6] (1-butyl-3-methyl-imidazolium hexafluorophosphate), comparing the TIP3P, SPC/E and TIP5P models for water and two IL models where the ions are +/-1 or +/-0.9 charged. A recent MD study (A. Chaumont, R. Schurhammer and G. Wipff, J. Phys. Chem. B, 2005, 109, 18964) showed that using TIP3P water in conjunction with the IL(+/-1) model led to water-IL mixing without forming an interface, whereas a biphasic system could be obtained with the IL(+/-0.9) model. With the TIP5P and SPC/E models, the juxtaposed aqueous and IL phases are found to remain distinct for at least 20 ns. The resulting IL humidity, exaggerated with the IL(+/-1) model, is in better agreement with experiment using the IL(+/-0.9) model. We also report demixing simulations on the "randomly mixed" liquids, using the IL(+/-0.9) model for the ionic liquid. With the three tested water models, the phases separate very slowly ( approximately 20 ns or more) compared to "classical" chloroform-water mixtures (less than 1 ns), leading to biphasic systems similar to those obtained after equilibration of the juxtaposed liquids. The characteristics of the interface (size, polarity, ion orientation, electrostatic potential) are compared with the different models. Possible reasons why, among the three tested water models, the widely-used TIP3P model exaggerates the inter-solvent mixing, are analyzed. The difficulty in computationally and experimentally equilibrating water-IL mixtures is attributed to the slow dynamics and micro-heterogeneity of the IL and to the different states of water in the IL phase.

Alkali Cation Extraction by Calix[4]crown-6 to Room-Temperature Ionic Liquids. The Effect of Solvent Anion and Humidity Investigated by Molecular Dynamics Simulations

We report a molecular dynamics study on the solvation of M+ (Na+ to Cs+) alkali cations and of their LM+ complexes with a calix[4]arene host (L = 1,3-dimethoxy-calix[4]arene-crown-6 in the 1,3-alternate conformation) in the [BMI][PF6] and [BMI][Tf2N] room-temperature ionic liquids "ILs" based on the BMI+ (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium) cation. The comparison of the two liquids and the dry versus humid form of the former one (with a 1:1 ratio of H2O and BMI+PF6- species) reveals the importance of humidity: in [BMI][PF6]-dry as in the [BMI][Tf2N] liquid, the first solvation shell of the "naked" M+ ions is composed of solvent anions only (four PF6- anions, and from four to five Tf2N- anions, respectively, quasi-neutralized by a surrounding cage of BMI+ cations), while in the [BMI][PF6]-humid IL, it comprises from one to three solvent anions and about four H2O molecules. In the LM+ complexes, the cation is shielded from solvent, but still somewhat interacts with a solvent anion in the dry ILs and with water in the humid IL. We also report tests on M+ interactions with solvent anions PF6- and Tf2N- in the gas phase, showing that the AMBER results are in satisfactory agreement with QM results obtained at different levels of theory. The question of ion recognition by L is then examined by free energy perturbation studies in the three liquids, predicting a high Cs+/Na+ selectivity upon liquid extraction from an aqueous phase, in agreement with experimental results on a parent calixarene host. A similar Cs+/Na+ selectivity is predicted upon complexation in a homogeneous IL phase, mainly due to the desolvation energy of the free cations. Thus, despite their polar character, ionic liquids qualitatively behave as classical weakly polar organic liquids (e.g., choroform) as far as liquid-liquid extraction is concerned but more like polar liquids (water, alcohols) as far as complexation in a single phase is concerned.