The Chemistry of the C2 Position of Imidazolium Room Temperature Ionic Liquids

Among room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs), those derived from imidazole are the most common. They are generally viewed solely as solvents, but can participate in certain types of chemistry particularly due to the relatively high acidity at C2. Deprotonation affords N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs). This chemistry, and potential means of avoiding it, are discussed as are the use of NHCs in the preparation of new RTILs.