Discuss the use of lonic liquids as a reaction medium.

Short Answer

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Ionic liquids are useful as a reaction medium as they are liquids over a wide range of temperature, have strong solvent power, are non-volatile, and have good electrical conductivity. Examples of reactions using ionic liquids include Heck Reaction and Diels-Alder reaction.

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01

Introduction to Ionic Liquids

Ionic liquids are salts in a liquid state. They are composed of ions and short-lived anions, possessing some interesting properties such as low melting points (below 100°C), they do not evaporate easily, and are excellent solvents for wide range of compounds.
02

Properties making them suitable as Reaction Medium

The properties that make ionic liquids suitable as a reaction medium include: 1) Broad liquid range: Due to their low melting points and high thermal stability, ionic liquids can exist in a liquid state over a wide temperature range, providing a lot of flexibility for conducting reactions. 2) Solvent Power: As they can dissolve an extensive range of inorganic and organic materials, reactions can take place inside the solution. 3) Non-volatility: Since they possess negligible vapor pressure, they are safe to use, avoiding toxic or flammable fumes during reactions. 4) Conductivity: Being composed of ions, ionic liquids are good conductors of electricity, making them suitable for electrochemical reactions.
03

Examples of Reactions

An example of a reaction using ionic liquids is the Heck Reaction - a carbon-carbon cross coupling reaction. The ionic liquid '1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate' ([bmim][PF6]) has been used successfully as a solvent in this reaction. Another example is the Diels-Alder reaction, which is a concerted cycloaddition reaction. Ionic liquids improve selectivity and yields in this reaction as well.

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