Small Amount Of Ionic Liquid Research Articles

Dilute aqueous 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate: properties and solvatochromic probe behavior

Limitations of the properties of water, the most common ‘green’ solvent, may be overcome by adding small amounts of ionic liquids (ILs). Important physical properties, such as density, viscosity and refractive index, of dilute aqueous IL 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (bmimPF6) are shown to be significantly different than those of pure water at different temperatures. Up to 2.00 wt% bmimPF6 behaves like a strong electrolyte in water. Solvatochromic absorbance probe investigation indicates sensitive spectral behavior of a water-soluble betaine dye upon bmimPF6 addition to water. With considerably modified physicochemical properties, dilute aqueous IL solutions may find use in a variety of chemical applications.