Proton transfer and esterification reactions in EMIMOAc-based acidic ionic liquids

Anh T. Tran, Phuoc H. Lam, Alexandra M. Miller, Dustin J. Walczyk, Jay Tomlin, Timothy D. Vaden, Lei Yu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Acetate-based ionic liquids (such as 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate, EMIMOAc) have potential applications for CO2 absorption and electrochemical reduction, chemical separations and extractions, and Fischer esterification of alcohols, amines, and starch. Both strong and weak organic acids can be dissolved in EMIMOAc and yield interesting proton-rich acidic ionic liquid solutions. We have used GC-MS vapor pressure measurements, spectroscopic methods, calorimetry, and viscosity/conductivity measurements to investigate the properties and reactions of various acids dissolved in EMIMOAc. Unique proton transfer and esterification reactions are observed in many of these acidic solutions with carboxylic acids or sulfonic acids as solutes. Some acids react with the acetate anion to produce acetic acid, which provides a measure of acid strength in ionic liquid solvents. In addition, we observed an esterification reaction that might involve the imidazolium cation and the acetate anion to yield methyl acetate.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)18333-18339
Number of pages7
JournalRSC Advances
Volume7
Issue number30
DOIs
StatePublished - 2017

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Chemistry
  • General Chemical Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Proton transfer and esterification reactions in EMIMOAc-based acidic ionic liquids'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this