NMR studies of ionic liquids: Structure and dynamics

The past two decades have seen the advent of a new class of solvents with unique properties, referred to as “Ionic Liquids”. This term describes low-melting organic salts, which open a window for chemical processes in ionic environments near room temperature. A molecular-based understanding of their properties is crucial for a rational design for applications. An important prerequisite is the characterization and understanding of their structure and dynamics. Application of NMR techniques to characterize ionic liquids has rendered many unique and valuable insights on these subjects. Here, recent highlights and typical applications are elucidated along with the advantages and limitations of the various techniques.