In continuation of our long-standing interest in Ionic Liquids (ILs) and biopolymers, an effort pertaining to the synthesis and characterization of quaternary ammonium ILs and related salts, with the ability to dissolve cellulose, was undertaken. Special focus was placed on finding exceptionally stable and low-cost ammonium salts that do not degrade under the conditions applied for cellulose homogenization. It has so far been a challenge to find thermally stable salts that might tolerate dissolution and recycling conditions, such to avoid ionic liquid losses or decomposition of cellulose. Striving for an economic approach, simple, selective (in the case of compounds containing more than one nitrogen atom) and high-yield synthesis conditions were sought out. A series of cations were identified that reduce the propensity for decomposition <i>via</i> Hoffmann elimination or nucleophilic attack at alpha positions on ammonium salts. Stability of the quaternary ammonium halides, acetates and hydroxides were assessed through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and NMR studies. The dissolution capability of cellulose, in the electrolytes of these salts, was then determined.

Low-cost and chemically stable quaternary ammonium salts for cellulose homogenisation

255th National Meeting (2018)

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