Catalysis, Separations and New Methodologies with Ionic Liquids

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The use of room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) in chemical applications has gained significant and varied interest over the last few decades. In addition to use as novel reaction media they have enjoyed applications in materials, catalysis, and separations amongst others. RTILs possess a unique set of chemical and physical properties, some of which are tuneable, making them attractive targets for investigation. Such properties include tuneable liquid range, viscosity, volatility, polarity, and biodegradability. RTILs can also have high conductivity, thermal and electrochemical stability and superior solvating ability. However, there are a number of concerns related to RTILs that need to be addressed if they are to enjoy widespread use. These include attention being given to entire life cycle, manufacture and disposal of RTILs, toxicity, biodegradability, and cost. Specific applications of RTILs of interest to our research such as in metal separations and catalysis require that issues related to RTIL leaching, water miscibility, and metal binding ability be adequately addressed.****     Hence, the overall theme of our research program involves the exploitation of the useful chemical and physical properties of RTILs while being mindful of applying Green Chemistry principles and relevant issues whenever possible. Their unique set of properties allows the solvation of chemical species, reactants, intermediates (charged and uncharged) and products in an ionic environment - potentially imparting novel solvent effects. Consequently, our research program has evolved into four main areas of interest: (1) The development of novel ionic organocatalysts that can be recycled through their use in RTIL systems.; (2) The design, synthesis, and characterization of new ionic liquids for use as alternative solvents and materials targeted toward organometallic methodology and biomass conversion.; (3) Adaptation of bimetallic and organometallic addition reactions to RTIL systems.; (4) The development of functionalized RTILs for use in metal separations or in the preparation of RTIL-metal complexes that can be easily recycled as immobilized homogeneous catalysts.******