Toxicity of various anions associated with methoxyethyl methyl imidazolium-based ionic liquids on Clostridium sp.

► We investigate the toxicity of various anions associated with 1-methoxyethyl-3-methyl imidazolium on the growth of anaerobic bacterium, Clostridium sp. ► The higher concentration of ionic liquid, the more inhibition it demonstrates. ► Anions incorporating fluorine are more toxic than those without it, and their toxicity rises with an increase in the number of fluorine atoms. ► Addition of a methoxyethyl functional group to the side chain of the imidazolium cation renders it less toxic.