Hydrogen-bond acceptor abilities of tetrachlorometalate(II) complexes in ionic liquids

Abstract

The novel salts [emim]2[CoCl4] and [emim]2[NiCl4](emim = 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium cation) have been prepared for use as crystallographic models in an extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) study in ambient-temperature ionic liquids. The salts have been characterized both spectroscopically and crystallographically. The crystals are isomorphous, and contain two distinct anions with differing interactions within the extended hydrogen-bonded structures. The implications of these results for the structure of ambient-temperature ionic liquids are discussed.