Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are commonly used as solvents for industrial chemical reactions. VOCs are harmful to the environment and toxic to the human body. Recently, ionic liquids have been emerging as novel replacements to VOCs due to their unique properties. Ionic liquids are liquids/low melting solids comprised entirely of ions that are environmentally benign, non-volatile, non-flammable, and inexpensive to manufacture. This project explores the synthesis of a series of nicotinic acid-based ionic liquids. Nicotinic acid, or vitamin B3, is an essential human nutrient. By altering its structure, a series of new ionic compounds have been prepared and their use as alternative solvents and catalysts for organic reactions is being investigated. The synthesis, confirmation of chemical structure and properties, and preliminary studies will be presented.
