Use Of Ionic Liquids Research Articles

Novel vegetable biolubricants containing ionic liquid

Novel biolubricants based on vegetable avocado oils modified by the ionic liquid diethylmethylammonium methanesulfonate (IL), were investigated. Neat (Av) and epoxidized avocado (EAv) oils with 1 wt% IL were studied in a metal-ceramic tribopair under pin-on-disc configuration. The best tribological performance was found for the EAv+ 1 %IL oil, with higher viscosity, and friction coefficient and wear rate up to 74.5 % and 98.8 % lower than that of neat lubricants. The presence of IL and epoxidized oil tribofilm inside the wear tracks was confirmed using X-ray photoelectronic spectroscopy. These results highlight the potential use of ionic liquids as efficient additives in biolubricant oils.

Ionic Liquids and its Potential as a New Green Solvent for REE Extraction in Philippine Bauxite Residues

Abstract Rare earth elements (REEs) have become necessary for high-technology applications. This has prompted an increase in demand for REE exploration, production, and extraction. Despite its name, REEs are fairly rich in the Earth’s crust. REEs are estimated to have a crustal abundance of 9.2 ppm relative to other elements in our crust. In the Philippines, deposits are found to give adequately high concentrations of REE, ranging from approximately 200 ppm to 600 ppm. Samar bauxite deposits especially had around 500 ppm REE. In line with the planned bauxite production in the Philippines, it is of interest to further uncover ways to maximize its recovery. One of the possible optimizations in its extraction is to utilize its residue. There have been a number of methods to extract REE in bauxite residues. The use of ionic liquids (IL) to recover REE in bauxite offers a possibility of an effective and environmentally safe recovery process. ILs are molten salts that have melting points below 100degC. They exhibit high electrochemical stability, non-flammability, non-volatility, and can be tailored to the desired application. Hence, they have been the topic of study for different research regarding REE extraction in bauxite residues. Herein, the potential of ILs as a green solvent for REE extraction in bauxite is reviewed for future use in the extractive metallurgy of bauxites in the Philippines.

Size polydisperse model ionic liquid under confinement: A molecular dynamics study

The performance of an electric double-layer capacitor is strongly influenced by the choice of electrolyte, and the use of ionic liquid (IL) mixtures as an electrolyte has shown great promise. In this study, a model IL made of a mixture of anions and size-polydisperse cations in equal numbers and confined between two electrodes is investigated by means of molecular dynamics simulations. In particular, using the extent of size-polydispersity (characterized by polydispersity index, δ) as a control parameter, we systematically explore its effect on the local structure, charge profile, ion size distribution in the vicinity of electrode surfaces, and differential capacitance. It is observed that the charge density profiles near cathode, i.e., region comprising both Stern and diffused layers, are significantly affected under the variation of δ in addition to the electrode charge density. Ion population, ordering of different-size cations, and its effective size in the vicinity of electrodes under neutral and applied potential conditions are also quantified. An interesting observation is that the effective cation size in the Stern layer decreases with increasing value of δ in the case of moderate to strong electrode surface charge density. This behaviour can be qualitatively understood from the interplay of enthalpic and entropic forces in the system. Finally, a non-monotomic dependence of capacitance on δ is observed with maximum value of capacitance at a rather small value of δ(≈3%) for the model system.

Construction of Fe3O4@Dop-Triazine-CuCl2 as a novel and green nanocatalyst for C–Se coupling reaction of heterocyclic compounds

In this research, we first fabricated Fe3O4@Dop-Triazine-CuCl2 nanocatalyst by simple method, then its catalytic activity was investigated in the preparation of various derivatives of aryl-heteroaryl and di-heteroaryl selenides through C–Se coupling reactions of aryl iodides with powder selenium and various derivatives of heterocyclic compounds (with active C–H bonds). The catalyst exhibited spherical morphology with a diameter of approximately 20–30 nm and a magnetic saturation moment of 50.032 emu/g. The hydrocarbon content was measured to be around 12% by weight. In this method, a wide range of aryl-heteroaryl and di-heteroaryl selenides (36 examples) were synthesized with high yields (85–97%) using catalytic amount of the Fe3O4@Dop-Triazine-CuCl2 nanomaterial in the presence of KHCO3 in [BMIM]PF6 as solvent. This method has several remarkable features, which can be mentioned as follows: the synthesis of aryl-heteroaryl and di-heteroaryl selenide derivatives with high yields, performing the reactions in a suitable time (4 h), the applicability of this catalytic system for a wide range of substrates, the use of ionic liquid as solvent, high efficiency of Fe3O4@Dop-Triazine-CuCl2 catalyst, simple separation and high reusability of nanocatalyst.

Use of Ionic Liquids for Hemp Fiber Degumming

Use of Ionic Liquids for Hemp Fiber Degumming

Electrodeposition of Amorphous and Nanocrystalline Ni-Co Alloys of Controlled Composition from Protic Ionic Liquid and Their Use for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

In recent years, a growing interest has been paid in developing new and more efficient electrocatalysts for water splitting [1]. This study focuses on the synthesis of amorphous and nanocrystalline Ni-Co alloys through a one-step electrodeposition technique in pure ethylammonium nitrate (EAN), a protic ionic liquid. The use of ionic liquid prevents from the formation of oxide film during the electrodeposition of the metal [2]. However, only few studies involve protic ionic liquids and the use of EAN, in particular, the electrodeposition of Ni/Co-based materials is still scarce. In this work, the physicochemical properties of EAN with different concentrations of Ni2+ and Co2+ salts were investigated, along with the electrochemical behavior of these metal cations in the protic ionic liquid in an aerated atmosphere. Moreover, the redox reversibility of electrochemical systems involving Ni and Co ions were examined by cyclic voltammetry, revealing the formation of an oxide film or side-reactions in the presence of air during electrodeposition, showing the need to prepare these materials in an oxygen-free environment. The deposits have then been characterized by TEM (Figure 1). Nanocrystalline Ni-Co alloys with different atomic ratios were obtained depending on the deposition potential and ion concentrations. We showed that when a higher cathodic potential is applied (-1.3 V/Ag/Ag+), the amorphous Ni51.9Co48.1 alloy could be electrodeposited, instead of nanocrystalline alloys. The XRD and SEM analyses exhibited different morphologies and atomic structures of the synthesized alloys.The electrocatalytic properties of the synthesized materials were investigated towards the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The results showed that the addition of Co in Ni-based alloys could enhance the HER, and notably, amorphous Ni-Co alloys exhibited lower overpotential, indicating better reaction abilities and faster reaction rates. The deposited Ni-Co alloys on Cu board also demonstrated good stability during the recycle measurement. This study provides a new pathway for preparing nanocrystalline and amorphous Ni-Co alloys with different ratios using protic ionic liquid, which can have practical applications and good performances in electrocatalysis such as water splitting.[1] M. Zhao, K. Abe, S.-I. Yamaura, Y. Yamamoto, N. Asao, Chem. Mater. 2014(26) 1056-1061.[2] M. Asnavande, C. Zhao, Chem. Mater. 26 (2014) 1056-1061. ACS Sustain. Chem. Eng. 2017 5 (1) 85-89. Figure 1

Choline and geranate ionic liquid for subgingival biofilm control

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes destruction of the periodontium and eventual tooth loss. The priority in the periodontal treatment is to remove the subgingival biofilm. Chemical removal of biofilms using antimicrobial agents has been applied in clinical practice. However, their clinical effect is still limited because the agents must overcome biofilm’s significant drug tolerance, which is primarily caused by the extracellular matrix, a physical barrier that attenuates drug diffusion. This study aimed to study the use of ionic liquids (ILs), a new class of biocompatible materials, for controlling subgingival biofilms because of their excellent permeability. Choline and geranate (CAGE) IL was tested for its highly potent antiseptic behavior and permeability. Antibacterial tests revealed that the significant efficacy of CAGE against periodontopathic microorganisms was derived from their ability to destroy cell membrane, as demonstrated by membrane permeability assay and transmission electron microscopy imaging. Antibiofilm tests using two pathogenic biofilm models revealed that CAGE exerted efficacy against the biofilm-embedded bacteria, conspicuously neutralized the biofilms, and eventually destroyed the biofilm structure. Furthermore, the penetration of CAGE into the biofilm was visually confirmed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. This study highlighted the potential of CAGE as a powerful antibiofilm therapeutic.

CORROSION INHIBITION OF MILD STEEL BY COUMARATE-BASED IONIC LIQUIDS AND COATINGS.

The use of ionic liquids (ILs) as corrosion inhibitors gainedattention due to their attractive properties such as high inhibition efficiency and ability to absorb onto metal surfaces. In this work, six ILs, based on the coumarate anion combined with different nitrogen cations (triethylammonium, pyrrolidinium and imidazolium with short and long alkyl chain attached to the nitrogen atom)have been synthesized and evaluated as inhibitors for steel. The anticorrosion properties of these ILs in solutionwere investigated electrochemically and the metal surface was analyzed by SEM. Moreover, the IL prepared from the coumarate anion and N-dimethyl-N-tetradecyl ammonium ([DTA]Cou) was incorporated into an UV-coating formulation as an additive and by designing a similar ionic monomer which covalently links to theformulation. Impedance spectroscopy during 11 days of exposure to a solution of NaCl 0,01M, confirmed the high performance of the inhibitor in both solution and whenincorporated into a coating. The synthesized ILs present efficiencies in solution exceeding 70%, in particular the ILs [DTA]Cou and tetradecyl imidazolium coumarate ([C14Im]Cou) showed efficiencies of 88% and 91% respectively. The obtained inhibitors showed interesting anticorrosion behaviors and demonstrated how different cations and an increase in the chain length affect the inhibition properties.

Recent Uses of Ionic Liquids in the Recovery and Utilization of Rare Earth Elements

The importance of rare earth elements as a basis for the development of new technologies or the improvement of existing ones makes their recovery from raw and waste materials necessary. In this recovery, hydrometallurgy and its derivative solvometallurgy play key roles due to their operational characteristics, which are emphasized with the use of ionic liquids. This manuscript reviews the most recent advances (2023 and 2024) in the use of ionic liquids in unit operations (leaching and separation technologies) aimed at the recovery of these valuable and strategic metals. Moreover, a comprehensive review is presented of the use of these chemicals in the development of advanced materials containing some of these rare earth elements.

A Review of Ionic Liquids and Their Composites with Nanoparticles for Electrochemical Applications

The current study focuses on reviewing the actual progress of the use of ionic liquids and derivatives in several electrochemical application. Ionic liquids can be prepared at room temperature conditions and by including a solution that can be a salt in water, or a base or acid, and are composed of organic cations and many charge-delocalized organic or inorganic anions. The electrochemical properties, including the ionic and electronic conductivities of these innovative fluids and hybrids, are addressed in depth, together with their key influencing parameters including type, fraction, functionalization of the nanoparticles, and operating temperature, as well as the incorporation of surfactants or additives. Also, the present review assesses the recent applications of ionic liquids and corresponding hybrids with the addition of nanoparticles in diverse electrochemical equipment and processes, together with a critical evaluation of the related feasibility concerns in different applications. Those ranging from the metal-ion batteries, in which ionic liquids possess a prominent role as electrolytes and reference electrodes passing through the dye of sensitized solar cells and fuel cells, to finishing processes like the ones related with low-grade heat harvesting and supercapacitors. Moreover, the overview of the scientific articles on the theme resulted in the comparatively brief examination of the benefits closely linked with the use of ionic fluids and corresponding hybrids, such as improved ionic conductivity, thermal and electrochemical stabilities, and tunability, in comparison with the traditional solvents, electrolytes, and electrodes. Finally, this work analyzes the fundamental limitations of such novel fluids such as their corrosivity potential, elevated dynamic viscosity, and leakage risk, and highlights the essential prospects for the research and exploration of ionic liquids and derivatives in various electrochemical devices and procedures.

Extraction of luminescent compounds from wastewater by ionic liquids for fabricating fluorescence/afterglow anti-counterfeiting materials

Dyes in industrial wastewater are often toxic, polluting the environment, and harmful to animals and humans. The conventional methods of removing the dyes from wastewater are physical adsorption, precipitation, biodegradation, and photodegradation. Here we report the use of ionic liquids (ILs) to extract dyes from wastewater for the fabrication of fluorescence/afterglow materials. This method not only reduces the dye concentration by two to three orders of magnitude, but also obtains luminescent materials for anti-counterfeiting application. Diverse dyes such as rhodamine, acridones, difluoroboron compounds, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been tested as model dyes in wastewater. In the case of rhodamine and some PAHs, fluorescence materials that exhibit diverse colors can be obtained after extraction by ILs. For difluoroboron compounds, room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) materials have been achieved after extraction. Interestingly, in the case of acridones, the emergence of RTP/TADF dual afterglow emission has been evidenced in ILs, where TADF represents thermally activated delayed fluorescence. By the combination of these luminescent materials, lifetime-coded and multicolor-coded anti-counterfeiting functions have been demonstrated.

A novel intercooling carbon dioxide capture process using ionic liquids with ultra-low energy consumption

This study focuses on the use of ionic liquids as solvents for carbon dioxide capture due to their low energy demand. We screened an ideal ionic liquid, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis[trifluoromethylsulfonyl]imide ([emim][Tf2N]), based on its excellent absorption capacity and low viscosity. We performed thermodynamic modeling of the gas-liquid phase equilibrium to lay the foundation for process simulation. A basic process was designed for benchmarking performance, and various cases were compared by adjusting key operating parameters such as pressure and temperature. The results showed that the lowest specific capture energy achieved was 1.12 GJ/t at 20 bar and 5 °C. However, further improvements in energy performance were constrained by reduced absorption capacity and increased viscosity resulting from lower operating pressures and temperatures. To address these constraints, we proposed a novel process that optimized the temperature profile in the absorption column by dividing it into two sections with intercooling. This approach did not require significant changes to the base case but offered multidimensional benefits, including reduced energy demand and associated equipment costs. The specific capture energy was further reduced to 1.04 GJ/t. Economic analysis indicated that the capture cost at a production scale of 13.7 kt/a was 206 $/t but had the potential to be reduced to 82 $/t. The costs associated with compressors were found to be the major contributors to both equipment and capture costs. The proposed novel process demonstrates promising benefits and highlights the importance of further investigation into low-pressure operation.

Cytotoxicity of acridinium-based ionic liquids: Structure-activity relationship and mechanistic studies

Ionic liquids (ILs) are a class of low melting point salts with physicochemical properties suitable for a range of industrial applications such as chemical processing and battery design. Major challenges to the wide-scale adoption of ILs in industry include their eco- and cytotoxic effects, however, this opens up the possibility of the use of ILs use as novel anticancer agents. Understanding the structural features that promote IL cytotoxicity is therefore important. Key structural features that can impact IL cytotoxicity include size and lipophilicity of the cationic head group. In this study, the cytotoxic effects of acridinium-based ILs containing relatively large tri- and tetracyclic cations were evaluated. It was found that 9-phenylacridinium-based ILs are potent cytotoxic agents that reduce the viability of human MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells with IC50 concentrations in the nanomolar range. In mechanistic studies, it was found that unlike the pyridinium-based analogue, [C16Py][I], acridinium-based ILs did not inhibit oxidative phosphorylation or induce reactive oxygen species formation, and may instead target other mitochondrial processes or components such as mitochondrial DNA.

Rapid fractionation of corn stover by microwave-assisted protic ionic liquid [TEA][HSO4] for fermentative acetone–butanol–ethanol production

BackgroundThe use of ionic liquids (ILs) to fractionate lignocelluloses for various bio-based chemicals productions is in the ascendant. On this basis, the protic ILs consisting of triethylammonium hydrogen sulfate ([TEA][HSO4]) possessed great promise due to the low price, low pollution, and high efficiency. In this study, the microwave-assistant [TEA][HSO4] fractionation process was established for corn stover fractionation, so as to facilitate the monomeric sugars production and supported the downstream acetone–butanol–ethanol (ABE) fermentation.ResultsThe assistance of microwave irradiation could obviously shorten the fractionation period of corn stover. Under the optimized condition (190 W for 3 min), high xylan removal (93.17 ± 0.63%) and delignification rate (72.90 ± 0.81%) were realized. The mechanisms for the promotion effect of the microwave to the protic ILs fractionation process were ascribed to the synergistic effect of the IL and microwaves to the depolymerization of lignocellulose through the ionic conduction, which can be clarified by the characterization of the pulps and the isolated lignin specimens. Downstream valorization of the fractionated pulps into ABE productions was also investigated. The [TEA][HSO4] free corn stover hydrolysate was capable of producing 12.58 g L−1 of ABE from overall 38.20 g L−1 of monomeric sugars without detoxification and additional nutrients supplementation.ConclusionsThe assistance of microwave irradiation could significantly promote the corn stover fractionation by [TEA][HSO4]. Mass balance indicated that 8.1 g of ABE and 16.61 g of technical lignin can be generated from 100 g of raw corn stover based on the novel fractionation strategy.

SYNTHESIS OF POLYACRYLAMIDE HYDROGELS WITH PORPHYRIN FRAGMENTS IN THE SIDE CHAIN IN THE PRESENCE OF IMIDAZOLIUM IONIC LIQUIDS

The acrylamide hydrogels containing the porphyrin fragments have been obtained by radical polymerization in a solution. The synthesis has been carried out in the presence of imidazolium ionic liquids with length of the alkyl substituent in the imidazolium ring from C4 to C8. The influence of the used ionic liquids on the structure and some properties of the resulting porphyrin-containing acrylamide hydrogels has been established. The addition of an ionic liquid with a different length of the alkyl substituent into the reaction system can influence the structural changes that occur with the porphyrin comonomer during copolymerization with acrylamide. The formation of bacteriochlorin-like structures is inhibited in the presence of an ionic liquid in the reaction medium. This effect is most noticeable when using an imidazolium ionic liquid with a C8 alkyl substituent length. Hydrogels synthesized in the presence of ionic liquids have lower specific surface area compared to ones obtained without the use of ionic liquids. The lowest specific surface area values were shown by hydrogels synthesized using 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide. It was also found that the introduction of ionic liquid into the reaction mixture can contribute to both increase and decrease in the numerical values of the sorption characteristics of the resulting hydrogels, depending on the length of the alkyl substituent in the imidazolium ring and a porphyrin : acrylamide ratio. Hydrogels synthesized using 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide and 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide at an initial porphyrin : acrylamide ratio of 1:20 have the highest degree of swelling. Varying the ratio of the initial monomers and the structure of the imidazolium ionic liquid during the copolymerization process allows to control the physicochemical characteristics of the resulting porphyrin-containing hydrogels, which can be useful for solving various applied problems. For citation: Pechnikova N.L., Smirnov A.S., Lyubimtsev A.V., Aleksandriiskiy V.V., Ageeva T.A. Synthesis of polyacrylamide hydrogels with porphyrin fragments in the side chain in the presence of imidazolium ionic liquids. ChemChemTech [Izv. Vyssh. Uchebn. Zaved. Khim. Khim. Tekhnol.]. 2024. V. 67. N 6. P. 73-79. DOI: 10.6060/ivkkt.20246706.7053.

Optimizing Recovery of Fracturing Fluid in Unconventional and Tight Gas Reservoirs Through Innovative Environmentally Friendly Flowback Additives

Hydraulic fracturing, a method used to stimulate oil and gas from shale and tight formations, faces challenges like fluid blockage and fast declining oil or gas production rates due to the significant impact of capillary forces on water retention. To address this, surfactants and microemulsions are commonly employed as flowback additives to reduce surface and interfacial tension, enhancing water recovery during hydraulic fracturing. The effectiveness of flowback additives is highly impacted by harsh subsurface conditions, such as high salinity and high temperature. This study aims to assess the performance and effectiveness of methylimidazolium chloride-based ionic liquids as flowback additives at high salinities and temperatures.Different experimental analysis were conducted to screen different concentrations of methylimidazolium chloride-based ionic liquids (X1, X2, and X3). Surface tension measurements were conducted to estimate the critical micelles concentrations. A spinning drop tensiometer (SDT) was utilized to measure interfacial tension, in addition, contact angle measurements were used to evaluate the impact of the flowback additive on the wettability and the displacing behavior. Seawater was used as the base fracturing fluid with a salinity of 57,000 ppm and temperatures up to 90°c for all experiments. Coreflood experiments were conducted using tight formations to evaluate the regained hydrocarbon permeability and the fracturing fluid recovery in the presence of flowback additives.Various formulations, with surface tension values ranging from 30 to 45 mN/m and CMC values between 0.5 and 1 gallon per thousand units (gpt), were examined. The lowest interfacial tension value, notably 3 mN/m, was achieved with the X3 formulation. Ionic liquids demonstrated favorable surface tension reduction, where longer carbon chains led to lower values. Introducing diverse ions, especially divalent ions, enhanced the performance of ionic liquids. Interfacial tension measurements indicated a significant reduction with the addition of X3 to both 5 wt% KCl and the fracturing base fluid. Contact angle measurements revealed a shift towards greater water-wettability after treating the rock with flowback additives. Moreover, the use of ionic liquids improved permeability by 25%, enhancing fluid recovery to around 56%.According to our results, methylimidazolium chloride-based ionic liquids can be used as environmentally friendly flowback additives, especially in harsh conditions of high temperature and high salinity where the conventional additives are not suitable. This will contribute to the development of more sustainable and environmentally conscious practices in hydraulic fracturing operations. Ultimately, the utilization of these additives can help mitigate water blockage, reduce formation damage, and enhance shale gas production.

Active corrosion protection of micro-arc oxidation-based composite coating on magnesium alloy: Multiple roles of ionic liquid modified layered double hydroxide

Multifunctional composite coatings have been extensively used to protect metal substrates from corrosion. However, the use of ionic liquids (ILs) to modify the micro-arc oxidation/layered double hydroxides (MAO/LDHs) composite coating, to our best knowledge, has not been reported for the corrosion protection on metal substrates. It is thus necessary to prepare the ILs-modified MAO/LDHs composite coatings and understand in depth their corrosion resistance and active anticorrosive mechanism. Herein, a composite coating is constructed by introducing the MgAl-LDH modified by a choline 3-morpholinopropanesulfonate [Ch][MOPS] ionic liquid on an MAO film (CM-LDH/MAO). It is found that the CM-LDH/MAO composite coating shows the optimal corrosion protection on magnesium alloy, with a corrosion current density of 8.38 × 10−10 A cm−2, clearly lower than those of the MAO and LDH/MAO coatings. More importantly, a small pitting appears at the edge of the CM-LDH/MAO film only after long-term exposure of 216 h in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. Such an improvement of corrosion resistance can be ascribed to the synergetic mechanism including the physical barrier of the composite coating, the self-repairing ability of the LDH nanosheets on the microporous flaws of the MAO film, as well as the formation effect of the Mg-based chelates by the adsorption of the [Ch]+ cations and the re-adsorption of the [MOPS]– anions released from the LDH interlayers.

Electrophile-mediated ionic liquid strategy for transforming inert natural polymers into highly active iodine adsorbents

The separation and conversion of gas resources are crucial aspects of sustainable energy development. Developing general methods to overcome bottlenecks in gas adsorption and conversion within natural polymers is an urgent global concern. In this work, the use of ionic liquids as electrophiles was proposed, and the Ionic Liquid Solution Process (ILSP) was employed to prepare alginate polymers-based on natural polymers. ILSP achieved a remarkable 0-to-1 transformation in gaseous iodine adsorption, converting inactive alginic acid (∼0 g g−1 in saturated adsorption capacity) into a highly active iodine adsorbent (5.24 g g−1). It was revealed that electrophiles effectively regulated the electron cloud distribution of functional groups by replacing acidic protons on alginic acid, exerting a volumetric effect. This increased the electron density near the deprotonated carboxylic groups, enhancing the nucleophilicity of carboxylic groups. Consequently, it promoted halogen interaction between electron-rich oxygen atoms and iodine during adsorption, thereby improving the efficiency of charge transfer complex formation and polyiodide ion conversion. The ILSP strategy could provide guidance for the separation and conversion of gases such as iodine, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen.

Mechanisms of Biological Effects of Ionic Liquids: From Single Cells to Multicellular Organisms.

The review presents a detailed discussion of the evolving field studying interactions between ionic liquids (ILs) and biological systems. Originating from molten salt electrolytes to present multiapplication substances, ILs have found usage across various fields due to their exceptional physicochemical properties, including excellent tunability. However, their interactions with biological systems and potential influence on living organisms remain largely unexplored. This review examines the cytotoxic effects of ILs on cell cultures, biomolecules, and vertebrate and invertebrate organisms. Our understanding of IL toxicity, while growing in recent years, is yet nascent. The established findings include correlations between harmful effects of ILs and their ability to disturb cellular membranes, their potential to trigger oxidative stress in cells, and their ability to cause cell death via apoptosis. Future research directions proposed in the review include studying the distribution of various ILs within cellular compartments and organelles, investigating metabolic transformations of ILs in cells and organisms, detailed analysis of IL effects on proteins involved in oxidative stress and apoptosis, correlation studies between IL doses, exposure times and resulting adverse effects, and examination of effects of subtoxic concentrations of ILs on various biological objects. This review aims to serve as a critical analysis of the current body of knowledge on IL-related toxicity mechanisms. Furthermore, it can guide researchers toward the design of less toxic ILs and the informed use of ILs in drug development and medicine.

Molecular interaction between N-butylpyridinium tetrafluoroborate and cyclic sulfur compounds: A DFT study

Extraction of sulfur compounds from crude oil is one of the problems of industries related to crude oil. The use of ionic liquids (ILs) as a green solvent to extract these sulfur compounds, especially cyclic sulfur compounds, can be considered a potential point in this regard. A functional theory comparison was made to investigate the interaction between N-butylpyridinium tetrafluoroborate as IL and several different cyclic sulfur compounds including Thiophene, benzothiophene, dibenzothiophene, and 4,6-dibenzothiophene. The difference between the solution phase and the gas phase has been investigated. Based on the results, the proper interaction between the components of IL and the cyclic sulfur compounds, the extraction of these compounds is theoretically possible. Natural bond orbital, atoms in molecules, HOMO-LUMO overlap integral, and electron density difference were analyzed. The analysis informs on the use of ionic liquids as solvents for the removal of sulfur compounds from crude oil. The hydrogen and vander Waals bonds formed between the anion and cation of ionic liquid and the sulfur compounds have been determined. The main bonds are formed between the anion of ionic liquid and the sulfur compounds. Between the compound [C4Py][BF4] and C4H4S, the hydrogen bonds are S…H13, F29.... H38, F26…H38, has been established. The hydrogen bonds between the anion of the ionic liquid and the sulfur compound are shorter than the other hydrogen bonds formed. Due to the intermolecular bonds, the transition state with the lowest energy has been obtained. In this way, we will have a proposed mechanism for the extraction of the cyclic compounds from oil with the help of ionic liquids.