Ionic liquids are not always green: hydrolysis of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate

1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium fluoride hydrate has been identified crystallographically as a decomposition product created during purification of the hydrophobic ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate. This highlights the need to treat ionic liquids much as one would any other research chemical with potentially hazardous properties, unknown toxicity and/or stability, particularly when searching for 'green solvents'.

"Irish Perspectives on EC Law by Mary Catherine Lucey and Cathrina Keville (eds.), Dublin, Thomson Round Hall, 2003 (ISBN 1-85800-280-X)"

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