Proof of ion-pair structures in ammonium-based protic ionic liquids using combined NMR and DFT/PCM-based chemical shift calculations.

The self-assembly of triethylammonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, i.e. [(C2H5)3NH][TFSI], in chloroform and aqueous solutions has been investigated using 1H NMR spectroscopy and computational (DFT/PCM prediction) methods. We have examined a number of ion pairs formed between the [(C2H5)3NH]+ cation with different conformations of alkyl substituents as well as various dispositions of the multi-site [TFSI]- anion. Based on the agreement between the calculated (DFT) and observed 1H NMR chemical shifts, [(C2H5)3NH][TFSI] in chloroform formed lipophilic complexes with effective N+-HN or N+-HO hydrogen bonding, whereas hydrophilic complexes with Cα-HO and Cα-HF hydrogen bonding are found in aqueous solutions. This study provides a new insight into the self-aggregation of ammonium PILs incorporating the widely used [TFSI]- anion and demonstrates the importance of solvent effects on chemical shifts. The simulations with explicit and implicit dielectric continuum solvents are found to be the most realistic method, yielding a representative ensemble of structures.