We have observed that certain bulky salts that are commonly used to synthesize ionic liquids are also highly soluble in a number of polar organic solvents. Thus, ionic liquid character can be easily imparted to commodity chemicals in a straightforward manner. Such mixtures provide a tunable alternative reaction media/solvent, and we have observed that this approach can have significant influence on the properties and yield of the desired product. Furthemore, a mixing approach can streamline/simplify the production of ionic liquids themselves and eliminate separation/purification steps. In this presentation, we will detail thermophysical properties of these polar organic + salt mixtures and discuss the improvements they provide with respect to chemical reactions and separations.
