A step towards the a priori design of ionic liquids

Phys Chem Chem Phys. 2013 Jul 21;15(27):11566-78. doi: 10.1039/c3cp50521a. Epub 2013 Jun 10.

Abstract

A range of methods for the computational prediction of experimentally derived α and β Kamlet-Taft parameters, indicators of hydrogen bond (H-bond) acidity and basicity for ionic liquids (ILs) have been explored. Most usefully, a good correlation has been established between several simple and easily computed quantities which allow for a "quick bench-top" evaluation. More accurate, but also more sophisticated methods employing TD-DFT calculations involving the Kamlet-Taft dyes have been examined and evaluated. Importantly, these techniques open up the opportunity for pre-screening and a priori prediction of properties for ILs not yet synthesised. A key fundamental insight into IL H-bonds has been the determination of an estimate for the energy associated with replacing both neutral molecules in a H-bond with ionic molecules, thus forming the "doubly ionic" H-bond found in ILs.

MeSH terms

  • Hydrogen Bonding
  • Ionic Liquids / chemistry*
  • Molecular Structure
  • Quantum Theory

Substances

  • Ionic Liquids