Synthesis, characterization and the antimicrobial activity of new eco-friendly ionic liquids

A green microwave-assisted procedure for the preparation of a series of 24 new 1-alkyl-3-ethylimidazolium ionic liquids with different functional groups in the alkyl chain is described. Moreover, the synthesis of a variety of ten new geminal dicationic ionic liquids is reported. Their structures were characterized by FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 11B, 19F, 31P, and mass spectrometry. Several ionic liquids were selected for antimicrobial activity studies, yielding very interesting and promising results.

► A green synthesis of new eco friendly 1-alkyl-3-ethylimidazolium ionic liquids.
► The synthesis of a variety of new geminal dicationic ionic liquids is reported.
► The antimicrobial activity of some selected ILs is very interesting and promising.