Volumetric studies to examine the interactions of imidazolium based ionic liquids with water by means of density and speed of sound measurements

Densities and speeds of sound for aqueous solutions of ionic liquids having 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium as cation and chloride, bromide, iodide, acetate, tetrafluoroborate, and trifluoromethanesulfonate as anions were accurately measured at various concentrations and temperatures. The data were used in evaluating thermodynamic properties as apparent molar volumes and apparent molar isentropic compressions. Infinite dilution values of these properties were determined using appropriate extrapolation procedures utilizing Debye–Hückel limiting law for electrolyte solutions. Apparent molar isobaric expansions at infinite dilutions were also evaluated from the temperature dependence of apparent molar volumes. The results were interpreted in terms of ionic liquid–water interactions.

► Imidazolium based ionic liquids in water were investigated thermodynamically.
► Densities and speeds of sound were measured for these systems.
► Apparent molar volumes and isentropic compressions were calculated.
► Apparent molar isobaric expansions at infinite dilution were derived.
► The results were interpreted in terms of ionic liquid–water interactions.