Synthesis and anti-microbial activity of hydroxylammonium ionic liquids

► We synthesize eight new room temperature ionic liquids (ILs). ► Synthesis is via acid-base neutralization of ethanolamines with organic acids. ► Characterization is via IR and NMR spectroscopies and elemental analysis. ► All eight ILs are toxic to Staphylococcus aureus. ► Two ILs show high anti-microbial activity against a wide range of human pathogens.