What is the true definition of an ionic liquid?

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The discussion centers on the term "ionic liquid," which is often misunderstood. Initially, it was thought that ionic liquids simply referred to ionized solutions, but further exploration reveals that this is not the case. A key distinction is made between true ionic liquids and solutions like NaCl dissolved in water; the former is defined as salts that remain liquid at room temperature, while the latter is just a typical aqueous solution. The conversation highlights that while molten salts can be considered ionic liquids in some contexts, the term "ionic liquid" is more specifically applied to substances like ethylammonium nitrate, first identified in 1914. Ethylammonium nitrate is noted for its complete miscibility with water, raising questions about the precise criteria that define an ionic liquid. The discussion suggests that the terminology surrounding ionic liquids is often used loosely, indicating a need for clearer definitions in scientific literature.
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Hi. I have a question about the term, "Ionic liquid"

When I researched the papers, I found the word "Ionic liquid" in many papers.

First, I thought the ionic liquid just means the solution that solvent is ionized.

But as I read other papers, I found that people don't mean ionized solution as ionic liquid.

For example... What is a difference between (1) NaCl ionic liquid and... just a (2) solution that I pour NaCl powder in DI water and just it with stick ?I hope I find the answer here...

Thanks!
 
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There is no such thing as "NaCl ionic liquid*", but I know what you are trying to say.

A terminologically incorrect* but intuitive analogy would be molten salt. Ionic liquid is like a molten salt except the melting temperature is below RT.
*We usually refer to ionic liquid as salts that are liquid in RT. However, in a broader sense, molten salt is also considered an ionic liquid in some literature on ionic liquids. I am not sure if this is for sake of discussion in trying to let the readers intuitively understand, or if this term is technically correct under the definition.
 
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HAYAO said:
There is no such thing as "NaCl ionic liquid", but I know what you are trying to say.

A terminologically incorrect but intuitive analogy would be molten salt. Ionic liquid is like a molten salt except the melting temperature is below RT.
Thank you so much!
 
First discovered true ionic liquid, by Walden in 1914, was ethylammonium nitrate.
Is ethylammonium nitrate miscible with water?
At which point does it cease to qualify as "ionic liquid"?
 
snorkack said:
First discovered true ionic liquid, by Walden in 1914, was ethylammonium nitrate.
Is ethylammonium nitrate miscible with water?
At which point does it cease to qualify as "ionic liquid"?
Quick research says that it is miscible with water at any composition.

I don't know the exact definition of "ionic liquid". In a broad sense, even molten salt is ionic liquid. The nomenclature "ionic liquid" seems to be something that many people take what other people says for granted, instead of trying to be very specific about it.
 
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