Two Cyano-Functionalized, Cadmium-Containing Ionic Liquids

The new ionic liquids 3-cyanomethyl-1-methylimidazolium tetrachlorocadmate (1) and 3-(4-cyanobutyl)-1-methylimidazolium tetrachlorocadmate (2) were obtained from the reaction of the respective alkylimidazolium chlorides with cadmium chloride in 2:1 molar ratios. Structural characterization of 1 by single-crystal X-ray diffraction reveals the existence of [CdCl4](2-) tetrahedra and substantial C-H center dot center dot center dot Cl hydrogen bonding. Although compound 1 melts congruently at 105 degrees C, once molten it can be retained as a liquid at room temperature. Compound 2 just forms a glass upon solidification at approximately -42 degrees C. ((C) Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)