Ionic liquids with trichloride anions for oxidative dissolution of metals and alloys.

Ionic liquids (ILs) with trichloride anions ([Cl3]-) combined with different cations were synthesised by bringing chlorine gas into contact with the corresponding chloride (Cl-) ILs at room temperature. These trichloride ILs safely store chlorine and are useful as oxidising agents for dissolution of various metals and alloys under mild conditions.