A cobalt(Ⅱ) bis(salicylate)-based ionic liquid that shows thermoresponsive and selective water coordination

摘要

A metal-containing ionic liquid (MCIL) has been prepared in which the [Co~Ⅱ(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.