Raman spectra of a pseudo‐oxocarbon anion in ionic liquids

Abstract

AbstractRaman and electronic spectra of the [3,5‐bis(dicyanomethylene)cyclopentane‐1,2,4‐trionate] dianion, the croconate violet (CV), are reported in solutions of ionic liquids based on imidazolium cations. Different normal modes of the CV anion, ν (CO), ν (CO) + ν (CC) + ν (CCN), and ν(C≡N), were used as probes of solvation characteristics of ionic liquids, and were compared with spectra of CV in common solvents. The spectra of CV in ionic liquids are similar to those in dichloromethane solution, but distinct from those in protic solvents such as ethanol or water. The UV–vis spectra of CV in ionic liquids strongly suggest π–π interactions between the CV anion and the imidazolium cation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.