Continuous, solvent free, high temperature synthesis of ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide in a microreactor

In this work, feasibility of continuous, solvent free high-temperature synthesis of an imidazolium-based ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide ([BMIM][Br]) in a microreactor is explored. [BMIM][Br] could be produced continuously at 120 0 C. Effects of residence time, reaction temperature and feed molar ratio on space time yield are studied. Maximum space time yield obtained is 506 kgs/lit-day, which is much higher compared to space time yield reported in conventional batch synthesis.