A comparison of ether- and alkyl-derivatized imidazolium-based room-temperature ionic liquids: a molecular dynamics simulation study

Phys Chem Chem Phys. 2008 Nov 7;10(41):6301-12. doi: 10.1039/b808303g. Epub 2008 Sep 10.

Abstract

Molecular dynamics simulations of ether-derivatized imidazolium-based room-temperature ionic liquids (EDI-RTILs), [C(5)O(2)mim][TFSI] and [C(5)O(2)mim][BF(4)], have been performed and compared with simulations of alkyl-derivatized analogues (ADI-RTILs). Simulations yield RTIL densities, self-diffusion coefficients and viscosity in excellent agreement with experimental data. Simulations reveal that structure in the EDI-RTILs, quantified by the extent of nanoscale segregation of tails as well as cation-ion and cation-cation correlations, is reduced compared to that observed in the ADI-RTILs. Significant correlation between ether tail oxygen atoms and imidazolium ring hydrogen atoms was observed in the EDI-RTILs. This correlation is primarily intramolecular in origin but has a significant intermolecular component. Competition of ether oxygen atoms with oxygen atoms of TFSI(-) or fluorine atoms of BF(4)(-) for coordination of the ring hydrogen atoms was found to reduce the extent of cation-anion correlation in the EDI-RTILs compared to the ADI-RTILs. The reduction in intermolecular correlation, particularly tail-tail segregation, as well as weakening of cation-anion specific interactions due to the ether tail, may account for the faster dynamics observed in the EDI-RTILs compared to ADI-RTILs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Alkanes / chemistry*
  • Computer Simulation*
  • Diffusion
  • Ethers / chemistry*
  • Imidazoles / chemistry*
  • Ionic Liquids / chemistry*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Oxygen / chemistry
  • Quantum Theory
  • Thermodynamics
  • Viscosity

Substances

  • Alkanes
  • Ethers
  • Imidazoles
  • Ionic Liquids
  • Oxygen