New, hydrophobic ionic liquids with low melting points (<-30
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C to ambient temperature) have been synthesizedand investigated, based on 1,3-dialkyl imidazolium cations andhydrophobic anions. Other imidazolium moltensalts with hydrophilic anions and thus water-soluble are alsodescribed. The molten salts were characterized byNMR and elemental analysis. Their density, melting point,viscosity, conductivity, refractive index, electrochemicalwindow, thermal stability, and miscibility with water and organicsolvents were determined. The influence ofthe alkyl substituents in 1, 2, 3, and 4(5)-positions on theseproperties was scrutinized. Viscosities as low as 35cP (for 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazoliumbis((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)amide(bis(triflyl)amide) and trifluoroacetate)and conductivities as high as 9.6 mS/cm were obtained.Photophysical probe studies were carried out toestablishmore precisely the solvent properties of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazoliumbis((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)amide).Thehydrophobic molten salts are promising solvents for electrochemical,photovoltaic, and synthetic applications.