Speciation of Chlorometallate Ionic Liquids Based on Gallium(III) and Indium(III)

A range of ionic liquids was prepared by mixing 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride with gallium(III) chloride or indium(III) chloride in various ratios, producing both acidic and basic compositions. Their speciation was investigated using (71)Ga NMR or (115)In NMR spectroscopy, as well as extended X-ray absorption fine structure. Polynuclear Lewis acidic anions, [M(x)Cl(3x+1)](-), were found in chlorogallate(III) ionic liquids, but not in chloroindate(III) systems.