Electrochemistry of 1-Butyl-3-methyl-1H-imidazolium Tetrafluoroborate Ionic Liquid

Abstract

The electrochemistry of 1-butyl-3-methyl-1H-imidazolium tetrafluoroborate ionic liquid was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and Osteryoung square wave voltammetry. Impurity chloride was identified, its concentration was determined and a way to eliminate it was demonstrated. Constant current electrolysis of was performed and products were analyzed by and and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. and fluorocarbons are produced at the anode while undergoes dimerization and dealkylation reactions at the cathode after reduction to a carbene. © 2003 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.