A cobalt(ii) bis(salicylate)-based ionic liquid that shows thermoresponsive and selective water coordination†
Abstract
A metal-containing ionic liquid (MCIL) has been prepared in which the [CoII(salicylate)2]2− anion is able to selectively coordinate two water molecules with a visible colour change, even in the presence of alcohols. Upon moderate heating or placement in vacuo, the hydrated MCIL undergoes reversible thermochromism by releasing the bound water molecules.