Non-aqueous Media Research Articles

Recent Progress in Developing a LiOH-Based Reversible Nonaqueous Lithium-Air Battery.

The realization of practical nonaqueous lithium-air batteries (LABs) calls for novel strategies to address their numerous theoretical and technical challenges. LiOH formation/decomposition has recently been proposed as a promising alternative route to cycling LABs via Li2 O2 . Herein, the progress in developing LiOH-based nonaqueous LABs is reviewed. Various catalytic systems, either soluble or solid-state, that can activate a LiOH-based electrochemistry are compared in detail, with emphasis in providing an updated understanding of the oxygen reduction and evolution reactions in nonaqueous media.Weidentify the key factors that can switch the cell chemistry between Li2 O2 and LiOH and highlight the debate around these routes, as well as rationalize potential causes for these opposing opinions. The identities of the reaction intermediates, activity of redox mediators and additives, location of reaction interfaces, causes of parasitic reactions, as well as the effect of CO2 on the LiOH electrochemistry, all play a critical role in altering the relative rates of a series of interconnected reactions and all warrant further investigation.

Over- and underpotential deposition of copper from a deep eutectic solvent: Pt(1 1 1) single crystal versus polycrystalline Pt substrates

• Deposition/dissolution of Cu on Pt from ethaline occur in one-electron reactions. • A full (1x1) monolayer of Cu adatoms is formed on Pt(111) in ethaline. • No voltammetric signals of Cu UPD were observed for Pt(poly) in ethaline. • Surface structure determines the mechanism and rate of Cu OPD at the initial stages. • Cu OPD on Pt(111) and Pt(poly) in ethaline occurs via 2D and 3D growth, respectively. Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) attract ever greater interest as nonaqueous media for the electrodeposition of metals and alloys. This work investigates the initial stages of Cu electrodeposition from DES representing a mixture of choline chloride and ethylene glycol (ChCl:EG) with a (1:2) molar ratio that contains CuCl or CuCl 2 salts. These studies were performed by means of cyclic voltammetry and scanning probe microscopy on single-crystalline Pt(111) and polycrystalline Pt(poly) electrodes. Additional experiments on Cu deposition were carried out using an aqueous Cl - -rich solution (3 M NaCl + 0.01 M CuCl). The process of Cu underpotential deposition (UPD) on the surface of Pt(111) in DES is observed for the first time. It is proposed that a complete (1x1) monolayer of Cu adatoms is formed at potentials more positive than the onset of overpotential deposition (OPD). The comparison of results for Pt(111) and Pt(poly) in ChCl:EG (1:2) and in the aqueous 3 M NaCl solution confirms that the surface morphology and (co)adsorption of solution components play an important role in the Cu UPD process. In DES, as well as in the aqueous solutions containing CuCl, Cu OPD occurs via the reduction of Cu(I) ions. The Cu(I)/Cu(II) redox transition was observed at significantly more positive potentials. We conclude on the basis of voltammetry and in situ scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) data that the mechanism of Cu electrodeposition in DES is determined by the surface structure. STM data demonstrate the layer-by-layer growth of a two-dimensional Cu deposit on Pt(111), while the resulting Cu deposit on Pt(poly) is characterized by a grain-like morphology. We also demonstrate that the mechanism of Cu OPD affects the initial deposition rate under conditions of diffusion limitations.

A Coumarin151 derived ratiomteric and turn on chemosensor for rapid detection of sarin surrogate

A coumarin151-derived electron donor–acceptor-based dyad (DATC) has been designed and developed for the selective detection of sarin surrogate diethylchlorophosphate (DCP) in solution and gas phases, respectively. A ratiometric UV–visible absorption spectral change with a colorimetric visualization from yellow to colorless is observed in the presence of DCP. Turn-on fluorescence at 480 nm is found due to the disrupted excited state intramolecular proton transfer process (ESIPT) within the DATC. Also, the photoinduced electron transfer (PET) process from electron-rich N, N-diethylamino (-NEt2), and imine (–CH = N) functional groups to coumarin moiety is inhibited due to the phosphorylation process. A visual cyan color could be seen under 365 nm UV light irradiation, which is also well supported by the color chromaticity diagram. The sensitivity of DATC toward the detection of DCP can be possible down to the nanomolar (nM) range from aqueous to a non-aqueous medium. Further, a paper strips-based test kit has been fabricated for the practical utility of the present DATC probe to identify a trace amount of DCP in the stockpiles of related analytes. Also, a dip-stick experiment has been demonstrated for the selective detection of DCP vapor. The performance of DATC toward the DCP proved that it could be exploited as a signal tool for real sample analysis.

Thermodynamic and Spectroscopic Studies of SDS in Cinnamaldehyde + Ethanol Mixtures: Influences of Temperature and Composition

The study of intermolecular interactions between ethanol (E-OH), cinnamaldehyde (CAD) with anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in non-aqueous media has been examined by utilizing conductometric and spectroscopic techniques. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) values have been determined. The experimental conductance data were analyzed against temperature and concentration using standard relations. The pseudo phase separation model has been adopted to calculate various thermodynamic parameters like standard free energy, ∆G°mic, enthalpy, ∆H°mic, and entropy, ∆S°mic, of micelle formation. Fourier transforms infrared analysis (FTIR), and Fluorescence spectra were taken out to assess the possible interactions prevailing in the micellar systems. The findings demonstrated that the presence of SDS, and the composition of CAD + ethanol might affect the thermodynamic parameters. The discrepancy in these parameters with the surfactant concentration or with the temperature change indicates the manifestation of different interactions prevailing in the studied systems.

Alkyl Polyglucoside (APG) Nonionic Surfactant-Based Reverse Micellar Dyeing of Cotton Fabric – A Study of Reactive Dyes with Different Functional Groups

ABSTRACT Reverse micellar dyeing of cotton woven fabrics with natural and biodegradable alkyl polyglucoside-based (APG-based) nonionic surfactant in decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5) non-aqueous medium with reactive dyes of different functional groups was investigated and compared with conventional aqueous water-based dyeing in terms of reflectance, color yield, levelness, CIE L*a*b* values, washing fastness and color fading properties. Experimental results have revealed that APG reverse micellar method can provide a higher color yield (K/Ssum value) and lower color reflectance (better dye uptake) than conventional water-based method, along with comparable washing fastness, leveling and color fading properties. Hetero-bifunctional reactive dyes can attain the highest color yield, followed by homo-bifunctional reactive dyes and mono-functional reactive dyes. Mono-functional reactive dyes and homo-bifunctional reactive dyes produce the best levelling properties with smallest levelness variation when compared with that of hetero-bifunctional reactive dyes in non-aqueous D5 dyeing medium.

Sustainable dyeing of wool yarn with Monascus pigments in non-aqueous medium

Wool fiber is commonly dyed with synthetic dyes in water medium, which may cause resource and environmental pressure arising from consumption of water and toxic chemicals. In this study, wool yarn was dyed with natural Monascus pigments in decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5) medium to minimize water consumption and effluent generation. Results indicated that K/S value of wool yarn dyed in D5 medium was higher than that of the samples dyed using the conventional aqueous dyeing methods. Moreover, wool yarn exhibited the highest color strength, good color fastness and bacteriostatic rate of 71.25% against Staphylococcus aureus when it was dyed under pH3 at 80 °C for 50 min. Meanwhile, XRD analysis revealed that crystal property of wool yarn did not change significantly when it was dyed in D5 solvent, and a similar phenomenon was observed in surface morphology by SEM analysis.

Polypyrrole-based sensors for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) sensing and capturing: A comprehensive review

Smart and precise sensing is very important for the protection of both environment and personal security in modern civilized society. There are numerous sensing devices for detecting physical and chemical changes such as temperature, humidity, pressure, and chemical species. In this regard, conducting polymers is at the core of attention for the fabrication of next-generation sensor applications. Polypyrrole (PPy), is one of the emerging intelligent materials with a wide range of applications in the field of optical, electronic, and electrochromic devices and sensors. The stability in a different environment, ease of deposition from aqueous and non-aqueous media, adherence to diverse substrates, and high electrical conductivity made PPy a unique choice for sensor development. In recent years, PPy has proven an excellent candidate for sensing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) due to its selectivity and sensitivity towards target gas molecules, and detection of inorganic gases and VOCs. Consequently, to develop outstanding sensing devices attempts have been dedicated to developing PPy-based sensors for excellent mechanical and electrochemical performance. This review aims to provide a recent overview of progress in PPy-based advanced sensing devices. This review aims to provide a recent overview of progress in PPy-based advanced sensing devices. We have systematically discussed the challenges and future development of various sensing devices. Furthermore, the current understanding and performance evaluation of gas sensing mechanisms in PPy-based sensors are discussed theoretically and experimentally. We have also identified gaps in the state-of-the-art and hope that this study would lead to further research works into using PPy to make gas sensors. Finally, the future directions of various sensors with advanced PPy-based sensing systems have been prospected.

Liquid-Ammonia-Mediated Dyeing Process of Wool at a Lower Temperature

Liquid ammonia as a non-aqueous medium has many physical properties close to water, such as small molecular weight and strong permeability. It has been widely used for the ecological processing of cellulosic fibers to improve their luster, softness and dyeing properties. However, there are few reports on the dyeing of wool treated with liquid ammonia, especially at a lower temperature. Herein, a continuous liquid ammonia finishing machine was used to batch process wool followed by dyeing in a commonly-used wool dyeing machine. The results showed that many scale flakes and some cuticle cracking were seen on the fiber surface, and the disulfide bonds of cystine were broken down after liquid ammonia treatment, which promoted the diffusion of dyestuff into the fiber. Moreover, the uptakes and K/S value of wool dyed with Lanaset and Lanasol CE dyes were higher than the untreated wool, and the dyeing temperature could decrease to 85 °C, while the degree of fiber strength reduction merely decreased by 3–5%. Furthermore, for the reactive dyes, the dyeing temperature can reduce to 70 °C with the chemical auxiliaries Miralan LTD, while the degree of strength reduction decrease by 8–10%. Liquid ammonia treatment can be used for dyeing at a lower temperature than boiling temperature (100 °C), reduce energy consumption and reduce the degree of fiber strength reduction of wool. The method shows considerable to great value and is significant in providing a feasible approach for the industrial application of low-temperature dyeing technology.

Nonaqueous Capillary Zone Electrophoresis for Polyesters and Polyamides Using Hexafluoroisopropyl Alcohol as Electrophoretic Medium

Nonaqueous capillary zone electrophoresis (NACZE) utilizing cationic reagents as an electrophoresis promoter has the potential for separating water-insoluble synthetic polymers and that with tetrahydrofuran based electrophoretic media containing cationic reagents has been reported. In this study, NACZE using hexafluoroisopropyl alcohol (HFIP)-based media was developed for separating polyesters and polyamides, which were insoluble in tetrahydrofuran. Nonaqueous media of HFIP containing 400 mM cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) and 50 mM trihexyl(tetradecyl)phosphonium chloride (P66614Cl) were used, and it was found that hydrophobic P66614 cation enhanced the electrophoresis of both polyesters and polyamides compared with cetyltrimethylammonium cation. The media containing CTAC resulted in partially separated poly(ethylene terephthalate)/poly(hexamethylene terephthalate) and poly(ethylene terephthalate)/poly(ethylene naphthalate), but P66614Cl failed to separate them. By contrast, nylon 6I and nylon 6/6I were separated with the P66614Cl media, whereas they were co-eluted in the media with CTAC.

Study on the interaction of anions with A2B cobalt corroles in non-aqueous medium

A series of five cobalt corrole complexes Co[(p-NO2Ph)2RCor](py)2 where R is functionalized with different aromatic aldehydes at meso positions, was examined in acetonitrile solvent. Three of the five complexes changed color to green in 10[Formula: see text] M acetonitrile solution. Their potential to sense anions was investigated using the colorimetric and spectroscopic approach in 14 different tetrabutyl ammonium salts of F[Formula: see text], CN[Formula: see text], CH3COO[Formula: see text], NO[Formula: see text], AsO[Formula: see text], AsO[Formula: see text], Cl[Formula: see text], Br[Formula: see text], I[Formula: see text], ClO[Formula: see text], H2PO[Formula: see text], S[Formula: see text], HS[Formula: see text]and PF[Formula: see text]. Co-1, Co-2 and Co-4 shows selectivity towards F[Formula: see text], CN[Formula: see text]and CH3COO[Formula: see text] by their changing of color from green or reddish-brown to dark reddish-brown. The complexes exclusively bind these three anions at their axial positions. The binding constant determination gives the number of binding species (n) >1 at less than one equivalent concentration of anions in the acetonitrile solution of the complex. A band appeared at around 735 nm, on the other hand, suggests that a bis(CN)-derivative of corrole complex could form under >1 equivalent anionic conditions. The limit of detection for the Co-4 was superior than Co-1 and Co-2, which were 0.0068 [Formula: see text]M for CN[Formula: see text], 0.0082 [Formula: see text]M for F[Formula: see text]and 0.0177 [Formula: see text]M for CH3COO[Formula: see text] ion. Although the complexes detect all three anions at less than 1 equivalent of the anion addition, the Co-1 and Co-2 are more selective towards CH3COO[Formula: see text]ion, whereas Co-4 selectively detects CN[Formula: see text]anion at larger equivalents of these anions.

Up-Scaling and Stabilization of Processes for the Electrodeposition of Aluminum Alloys for Corrosion Protection

Aluminum and its alloys have excellent properties (e.g. specific weight, corrosion resistance) that are beneficial for a wide range of industrial applications. By forming a natural oxide layer of a few nm thickness, these materials are able to protect themselves from the progression of corrosive attack. Unfortunately, this oxide layer limits the use of pure aluminum for cathodic corrosion protection. Adding the right alloying elements can help to prevent the formation of the oxide layer and thus self-passivation.Electrodeposition is an elegant and cost-efficient method to deposit thin films on substrates with complex shapes. The choice of the electrolyte, its composition and the deposition parameters allow the tuning of the layer properties. Electroplated aluminum materials open up the possibility of replacing environmentally hazardous materials such as cadmium. Aluminum cannot be electrodeposited from aqueous electrolytes due to its negative Nernst potential (-1.66 V vs. NHE). Non-aqueous media make this possible due to large electrochemical windows. However, they are often limited by expensive and highly flammable chemicals (e.g. SIGAL and REAL process). High investment costs for process and plant technology are the consequence. Ionic liquids (ILs) allow the deposition of reactive metals such as aluminum at room temperature. They have a very low vapor pressure and are non-flammable. In addition, they exhibit good solubility for numerous metal salts and lower differences in the deposition potentials of the metals.This paper discusses the use of imidazolium-based chloroaluminate ILs for the electrochemical deposition of aluminum alloys for cathodic corrosion protection of high-strength steel. As an essential part of upscaling IL-based processes, the use of multianodes, their limitations, and the use of additives to optimize the deposition process and the coating properties will be discussed.

Densities, sound velocities, refractive indices, and relevant excess properties for the binary solutions of 3-amino-1-propanol in aqueous and non-aqueous media at different temperatures between T = 298.15 K and 323.15 K

Density ρ, sound velocity, u, and refractive index, nD, were measured for the binary mixtures of Water (W) + 3-amino-1-propanol (AP) and Acetonitrile (ACN) + AP over the whole range of composition at different temperatures ranging between T = 298.15 and 323.15 K. From measured ρ, u and nD, some derived properties such as molar volume, Vm, partial molar volume, V¯i and its value at infinite dilution, V¯i∞, thermal expansivity, α, isentropic compressibility, κs, as well as molar refractions, Rm, followed by the relevant deviations/excess properties were computed. Data of ρ, α, u, κs, and nD were correlated to the concentration-dependent polynomials within satisfactory limits, whereas the calculated deviations/excess properties were fitted well to the Redlich-Kister equation. The temperature dependency of experimental ρ also finds satisfactory correlation to the Jouyban-Acree model.Data analysis reveals that, for both the systems cross H-bonding interaction occurs, and it is stronger between W and AP compared to that between ACN and AP. Effects due to the hydrophobicity of AP, as well as that due to interstitial incorporation of the W or ACN into the networks of AP also played significant roles. Moreover, in W + AP solutions the contribution in the overall volume reduction is remarkably greater due to W, while for the solutions of ACN + AP it is greater due to the component AP.

Fungal lipases as biocatalysts: A promising platform in several industrial biotechnology applications.

Many researchers have found fungi as a reliable source of lipase due to the versatility of their properties, ease of mass production, thermal stability, pH stability, broad substrate specificity, retained activity in organic solvents, and their low-cost extraction procedure. This review paper presents an overview about the main aspects of fungal lipases screened from several types of strainsas well as their use as biocatalysts. Additionally, some biochemical properties will be reported. As commonly known, lipases can be produced from animals, plants, and microorganisms. Compared to other lipases, those obtained from fungi have been found to be more productive, a fact that encouraged the massive production of most fungal lipases due to their considerable commercial importance during the past few years. This paper is concerned about some of the major characteristics that made fungal lipases desirable products in the industrial fields. Due to the enantioselective properties of fungal lipases and their ability to remain active under extreme temperature, pH, and organic solvents, enzymes are capable to synthesize esters as well as to catalyze a variety of chemical reactions that include esterification, transesterification, acidolysis and aminolysis in aqueous and nonaqueous media. Furthermore, lipases are considered to have a commercial importance for biotechnological application fields, which makes them increasingly popular in food, detergent, cosmetic, organic synthesis, and pharmaceutical domains. The biotechnological potential of lipases has made the latter a coveted choice in industries for the present and future as biocatalysts. In addition, a classification of these fungal enzymes is also highlighted in this review. Moreover, the impact of an immobilization strategy of these fungal strains to achieve higher yields and to improve their production is discussed. Finally, fungal enzymes have played a crucial role from ancient times to today in different fields using several types of biological systems, which gives them a great interest for the production of these enzymes in large amounts with low cost and easy viability to enlarge their use in many industries. Likewise, some future perspectives on lipase production will also be discussed by focusing on special cases on lipase engineering.

Single-Molecule Unidirectional Processive Movement along a Helical Polymer Chain in Non-aqueous Medium.

In this work, a molecule “walking” along a single chain of a synthetic helical polymer, which is used as a rail on a substrate in an organic solvent at room temperature, is observed. The walking comprises the unidirectional processive movement of a short-chain molecule along a chiral helical chain in 3 nm steps, driven by Brownian motion and a tapping effect of the atomic force microscopy tip based on a flash ratchet mechanism. Furthermore, the rail consists of a long-chain substituted phenylacetylene polymer with pendant cholesteryl groups, along which the short-chain molecule can walk as a result of van der Waals interactions. The macromolecular motion is videoed using a fast-scanning atomic force microscope, and additionally, this phenomenon is also simulated by all-atom molecular dynamics calculations. On the basis of these results, we propose the principle of a polymer molecular motor. This is the first report of a synthetic walking machine of a chiral helical polymer driven by thermal fluctuation as an artificial life function.

Influence of liquid ammonia on the structure of wool fiber

Liquid ammonia treatment of worsted fabric was carried out by a continuous liquid ammonia finishing machine, and the effects of liquid ammonia on wool surface morphology, chemical structure and crystallinity were studied and corresponding mechanism was discussed in detail. The results showed that liquid ammonia made the surface scales of wool remove partially and decreased the content of hydrophobic lipid layer and hydrophobic property. After liquid ammonia treatment, the secondary structure of wool macromolecule was changed, manifested in increased α-helix and decreased β-sheet; the disulfide bonds were broken to form cysteine sulfonate, cysteic acid and cystine oxides. Liquid ammonia increased the content of α-crystallization, causing an increase in the crystallinity of wool. As our knowledge goes, this is the most systematic report to date on the effect of liquid ammonia on the structure of wool fiber, and provides a novel medium for the modification of wool in a large scale. Furthermore, it also provides a theoretical basis for the commercial application of liquid ammonia as a non-aqueous medium in wool textile industry.

What It Takes for Imidazolium Cations to Promote Electrochemical Reduction of CO2.

Imidazolium cations enhance the performance of several electrodes in converting CO2 to CO in non-aqueous media. In this publication, we elucidate the origin of the function of imidazolium cations when exposed to Au electrodes in anhydrous acetonitrile in CO2 atmosphere. We demonstrate that imidazolium cations lead to unprecedentedly low overpotentials for CO2 reduction to CO on Au, with ∼100% Faradaic efficiency. By modification of the N1 and N3 functionality of the imidazolium cation, we show a direct correlation between the performance in CO2 reduction and the C2–H acidity of the cation. Based on NMR analyses, DFT calculations, and isotopic labeling, showing an inverse kinetic isotope effect, we demonstrate that the mechanism involves a concerted proton–electron transfer to the electrode-adsorbed CO2 intermediate. The demonstrated mechanism provides guidelines for improvement in the energy efficiency of non-aqueous electrochemical CO2 reduction, by a tailored design of electrolyte cations.

Inhibitory Effect of DMSO on Halohydrin Dehalogenase: Experimental and Computational Insights into the Influence of an Organic Co-solvent on the Structural and Catalytic Properties of a Biocatalyst.

Although the application of organic solvents in biocatalysis is well explored, in-depth understanding of the interactions of solvent with proteins, in particular oligomeric ones, is still scant. Understanding these interactions is essential in tailoring enzymes for industrially relevant catalysis in nonaqueous media. In our study, the homotetrameric enzyme halohydrin dehalogenase (HHDH) from Agrobacterium radiobacter AD1 (HheC) was investigated, as a model system, in DMSO/water solvent mixtures. DMSO, the most commonly used co-solvent for biocatalytic transformations, was found to act as a mixed-type inhibitor with a prevalent competitive contribution. Even 5 % (v/v) DMSO inhibits the activity of HheC by half. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations showed that DMSO keeps close to Ser-Tyr catalytic residues forming alternate H-bonds with them. Stability measurements paired with differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic light scattering methods and MD studies revealed that HheC maintains its structural integrity with as much as 30 % (v/v) DMSO.

Use of quaternary ammonium salt as a dye fixing agent and antimicrobial agent in sustainable, single-step single-bath dyeing and finishing

In this investigation, a novel sustainable approach was employed to combine the dyeing and antimicrobial finishing steps for nylon fabric in a decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5) non-aqueous media dyeing system. Nylon fabric was dyed with acid dye and quaternary ammonium salt (QAS). Dimethyloctadecyl[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]ammonium chloride was employed in the dyebath as a fixing agent. The dyeing efficiency was assessed by measuring the color characteristics and colorfastness of the dyed fabric. The success of antibacterial treatment was analyzed by observing the reduction in bacteria colony forming units. These results showed that uniformly dyed samples with higher color strength than the aqueous bath and excellent colorfastness were obtained in the D5 non-aqueous media dyeing system. After five Launder-Ometer washing cycles, the treated samples still showed good antibacterial activity. These results showed that the acid dyeing and QAS finishing processes of nylon fabric can be carried out in a D5 solvent bath at the same time.

Biocatalysis for the asymmetric synthesis of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs): this time is for real

ABSTRACT Introduction Biocatalysis has emerged as a powerful and useful strategy for the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The outstanding developments in molecular biology techniques allow nowadays the screening, large-scale production, and designing of biocatalysts, adapting them to desired reactions. Many enzymes can perform reactions both in aqueous and non-aqueous media, broadening even further the opportunities to integrate them in complex pharmaceutical multi-step syntheses. Areas covered This paper showcases several examples of biocatalysis in the pharmaceutical industry, covering examples of different enzymes, such as lipases, oxidoreductases, and transaminases, to deliver active drugs through complex synthetic routes. Examples are critically discussed in terms of reaction conditions, motivation for using an enzyme, and how biocatalysts can be integrated in multi-step syntheses. When possible, biocatalytic routes are benchmarked with chemical reactions. Expert Opinion The reported enzymatic examples are performed with high substrate loadings (>100 g L−1) and with excellent selectivity, making them inspiring strategies for present and future industrial applications. The combination of powerful molecular biology techniques with the needs of the pharmaceutical industry can be aligned, creating promising platforms for synthesis under more sustainable conditions.

Translation of a Phosphine- and Azide-Based Reaction to Chemical Modification of Biomolecules in Ionic Liquid

AbstractThe difference of reaction design principles between traditional, small-molecule synthetic chemistry and biomolecular chemical reactions prevented the simple translation of small-molecule chemistry into biomolecular reactions. One of the key challenges of bioconjugation, or reactions on biomolecules, are the necessity of aqueous solutions as the solvent. In this Synpacts article, we describe our pursuit of using an ionic liquid as a nonaqueous reaction medium to conduct phosphine- and azide-based bioconjugation reactions.