Investigation of hybrid molecular material prepared by ionic liquid and polyoxometalate anion

A solid hybrid molecular material containing 1-butyl 3-methyl imidazolium cations and Keggin anions of phosphotungstic acid has been synthesized. It is fully characterized by CHN analysis, FTIR, XRD, UV-Vis-NIR DRS, 31P MAS NMR, TGA and SEM. The FTIR spectrum of the compound shows the fingerprint vibrational bands of both Keggin molecular anions and imidazolium cations. The aromatic C-H stretch region (2700-3250 cm-1) of imidazolium cation is split due to the interaction between the ring C-H and bulky Keggin anion. The red-shift in the UV-Vis spectra and the downfield 31P MAS NMR chemical shift also confirm the electrostatic interaction between the ions in the compound. Near IR spectral region (1000-2500 nm) shows the elimination of water in the compound which is hydrophobic. © Indian Academy of Sciences.