NMR monitoring of nonequilibrium aggregation in ionic solutions

► The complex shaped 1H NMR signal of [C10mim][Br] has been observed after it was mixed with water. ► Mesoscopic nonequlibrium aggregates enhance Gauss contribution to the Voigt-shaped NMR signal. ► Nonequilibrium heterogeneities in the solution may be induced by temperature gradients. ► The hydrogen-bonded network of water appears to be completely equilibrated.