Abstract:
The ionic liquid (LI) 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulphate (bmin + HSO4 -) was synthesized in a stirred batch reactor at 70°C. The products were characterized by means of UV spectrometry, that allowed quantify the conversion of the limiting reagent (1-methyl imidazolium). Additionally, IR and NMR spectroscopy were used to certify the chemical structure of the IL. The optimal synthesis conditions were: 16% molar excess of butyl bromide and an aqueous solution of sulphuric acid 65% W/W added at rate of 1 ml min -1, thus obtaining an 85% yield. The obtained LI, presents light-orange coloration with density 1.3836 g cm -3 and viscosity 340 cp (30°C). The IL sensitized dissolves elemental sulphur (0,05 g sulfur/g LI), important property for use as additive in leaching process of sulphide ores.