CLIAMS:1. An ionic fluid pre-cursor being a reaction product of at least one compound of formula (I) and at least one hydrogen donor and having a softening point less than the melting point or softening point of said compound of formula (I)
MxAy.zH2O
Formula (I)

wherein,
M is independently selected from the group consisting of Na, K, Li, Mg, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Mo, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Sn, Pb, St, Bi, La, Ce, Al, Hg, Cs, Rb, Sr, V, Pd, Zr, Au, Pt, quarternary ammonium, immidazolium, phosphonium, pyridinium and pyrrolidinium,
A is independently selected from the group consisting of Cl, Br, F, I, NO3, SO4, CH3COO, HCOO and C2O4,
z is 0 to 20, and
x and y are integers independently ranging from 1 to 20.

2. The ionic fluid pre-cursor as claimed in claim 1, wherein said precursor is maintained at a temperature of not more than 400C.

3. The ionic fluid pre-cursor as claimed in claim 1, wherein during the preparation or storage of said ionic liquid pre-cursor and its conversion to ionic fluid, acidic fumes are not liberated in the form of compound of formula HxAy.

4. The ionic fluid pre-cursor as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that said ionic fluid pre-cursor is adapted to convert into ionic fluid without precipitation of salt.
5. The ionic fluid pre-cursor as claimed in claim 1, wherein said hydrogen donor is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of toluene-4-sulphonic acid monohydrate, oxalic acid, maleic acid, citric acid and methane sulfonic acid.

6. The ionic fluid pre-cursor as claimed in claim 1, wherein the molar ratio of compound of formula (I) to said hydrogen donor ranges from 1:1 to 1:6.

7. The ionic fluid pre-cursor as claimed in claim 1, wherein said ionic fluid precursor is capable of delivering a clear liquid when deployed as a constituent of a mixture comprising said ionic fluid precursor and at least one liquid medium and maintained at a temperature in the range of 10°C to 40 °C.

8. An ionic fluid comprising:
a) an ionic fluid pre-cursor being a reaction product of at least one compound of formula (I) and at least one hydrogen donor and having a softening point less than the melting point or softening point of said compound of formula (I)
MxAy.zH2O
Formula (I)
wherein,
M is independently selected from the group consisting of Na, K, Li, Mg, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Mo, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Sn, Pb, St, Bi, La, Ce, Al, Hg, Cs, Rb, Sr, V, Pd, Zr, Au, Pt, quarternary ammonium, immidazolium, phosphonium, pyridinium and pyrrolidinium,
A is independently selected from the group consisting of Cl, Br, F, I, NO3, SO4, CH3COO, HCOO and C2O4,
z is 0 to 20, and
x and y are integers independently ranging from 1 to 20; and
b) at least one liquid medium.
9. The ionic fluid as claimed in claim 8, wherein the liquid medium is selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, propan-1-ol, propan-2-ol, 1-butanol, isobutanol, 2-butanol, tert-butanol, dichloromethane, tetrahydrofuran, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, acetone, dimethylformamide, acetonitrile, dimethyl sulfoxide, formic acid, acetic acid, methyl ethyl ketone, dimethyl carbonate, diethyl ketone, acetic anhydride, acetone, tert-butyl methyl ether, diethyl amine, diethylene glycol, N,N-dimethylacetamide, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, ethylene glycol, glycerin, hexamethylphosphor amide, hexamethylphosphorous triamide, isoamyl alcohol, 2-methoxyethanol, 2-methoxyethyl acetate, 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone, nitromethane, propanoic acid, pyridine, hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen chloride and water.

10. The ionic fluid as claimed in claim 8, wherein the molar ratio of compound of formula (I) to said hydrogen donor ranges from 1:1 to 1:6.

11. The ionic fluid as claimed in claim 8, wherein the weight ratio of the ionic fluid precursor to said medium ranges from 1:0.1 to 1:50.

12. A process for the preparation of an ionic fluid precursor having a softening point less than the melting point or softening point of said compound of formula (I); said process comprising mixing at least one compound of formula MxAy.zH2O (I) at a pre-determined proportion with at least one hydrogen donor at a temperature in the range of 0 oC to 40 oC in a mixer to obtain the precursor;
wherein,
M is independently selected from the group consisting of Na, K, Li, Mg, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Mo, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Sn, Pb, St, Bi, La, Ce, Al, Hg, Cs, Rb, Sr, V, Pd, Zr, Au, Pt, quarternary ammonium, immidazolium, phosphonium, pyridinium and pyrrolidinium;
A is independently selected from the group consisting of Cl, Br, F, I, NO3, SO4, CH3COO, HCOO and C2O4;
z is 0 to 20; and
x and y are integers independently ranging from 1 to 20,
wherein said ionic fluid precursor is capable of delivering a clear liquid when deployed as a constituent of a mixture comprising said ionic fluid precursor and at least one liquid medium and maintained at a temperature in the range of 0 °C to 150 °C.
13. The process as claimed in claim 12, wherein the liquid medium is selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, propan-1-ol, propan-2-ol, 1-butanol, isobutanol, 2-butanol, tert-butanol, dichloromethane, tetrahydrofuran, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, acetone, dimethylformamide, acetonitrile, dimethyl sulfoxide, formic acid, acetic acid, methyl ethyl ketone, dimethyl carbonate, diethyl ketone, acetic anhydride, acetone, tert-butyl methyl ether, diethyl amine, diethylene glycol, N,N-dimethylacetamide, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, ethylene glycol, glycerin, hexamethylphosphor amide, hexamethylphosphorous triamide, isoamyl alcohol, 2-methoxyethanol, 2-methoxyethyl acetate, 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone, nitromethane, propanoic acid, pyridine, hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen chloride and water.

14. The process as claimed in claim 12, wherein the hydrogen donor is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of toluene-4-sulphonic acid monohydrate, oxalic acid, maleic acid, citric acid and methane sulfonic acid.

15. The process as claimed in claim 12, wherein the molar ratio of compound of formula (I) to said hydrogen donor ranges from 1:1 to 1:6.

16. The process as claimed in claim 12, wherein the mixing is carried out by using at least one device selected from the group consisting of a planetary mixer, a ball mill, a rod mill, a pebble mill, a vibratory pebble mill, a screw mill, a hammer mill, a jet mill, a muller, an agitator, multiplicity of rotors, a single rotor, a single blade mixer, a multi-blade mixer, a vessel with single or multiple agitators, a vessel with at least one baffle, a vessel with at least one baffle and at least one agitator, a vessel with at least one baffle and at least one airjet, a vessel with at least one baffle, at least one agitator and at least one airjet, an ultrasound cavitator and a hydrodynamic cavitator.

17. A process for the preparation of ionic fluid; said process comprising the following steps:
i. mixing at least one compound of formula MxAy.zH2O (I) with at least one hydrogen donor selected from the group consisting of toluene-4-sulphonic acid monohydrate, oxalic acid, maleic acid, citric acid and methane sulfonic acid at a temperature in the range of 0 oC to 40 oC to obtain an ionic fluid precursor;
wherein,
M is independently selected from the group consisting of Na, K, Li, Mg, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Mo, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Sn, P, St, Bi, La, Ce, Al, Hg, Cs, Rb, Sr, V, Pd, Zr, Au, Pt, quarternary ammonium, immidazolium, phosphonium, pyridinium and pyrrolidinium;
A is independently selected from the group consisting of Cl, Br, F, I, NO3, SO4, CH3COO, HCOO and C2O4;
z is 0 to 20; and
x and y are integers independently ranging from 1 to 20, and
ii. incorporating at least one medium selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, propan-1-ol, propan-2-ol, 1-butanol, isobutanol, 2-butanol, tert-butanol, dichloromethane, tetrahydrofuran, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, acetone, dimethylformamide, acetonitrile, dimethyl sulfoxide, formic acid, acetic acid, methyl ethyl ketone, dimethyl carbonate, diethyl ketone, acetic anhydride, acetone, tert-butyl methyl ether, diethyl amine, diethylene glycol, N,N-dimethylacetamide, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, ethylene glycol, glycerin, hexamethylphosphor amide, hexamethylphosphorous triamide, isoamyl alcohol, 2-methoxyethanol, 2-methoxyethyl acetate, 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone, nitromethane, propanoic acid, pyridine, hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen chloride and water to said ionic fluid precursor followed by mixing to obtain an ionic fluid.

18. A process for the preparation of ionic fluid; said process comprising mixing a) at least one compound of formula MxAy.zH2O (I); b) at least one hydrogen donor selected from the group consisting of toluene-4-sulphonic acid monohydrate, oxalic acid, maleic acid, citric acid and methane sulfonic acid; and c) at least one medium selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, propan-1-ol, propan-2-ol, 1-butanol, isobutanol, 2-butanol, tert-butanol, dichloromethane, tetrahydrofuran, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, acetone, dimethylformamide, acetonitrile, dimethyl sulfoxide, formic acid, acetic acid, methyl ethyl ketone, dimethyl carbonate, diethyl ketone, acetic anhydride, acetone, tert-butyl methyl ether, diethyl amine, diethylene glycol, N,N-dimethylacetamide, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, ethylene glycol, glycerin, hexamethylphosphor amide, hexamethylphosphorous triamide, isoamyl alcohol, 2-methoxyethanol, 2-methoxyethyl acetate, 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone, nitromethane, propanoic acid, pyridine, hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen chloride and water at a temperature in the range of 0 to 40 0C to obtain an ionic fluid;
wherein,
M is independently selected from the group consisting of Na, K, Li, Mg, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Mo, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Sn, P, St, Bi, La, Ce, Al, Hg, Cs, Rb, Sr, V, Pd, Zr, Au, Pt, quarternary ammonium, immidazolium, phosphonium, pyridinium and pyrrolidinium;
A is independently selected from the group consisting of Cl, Br, F, I, NO3, SO4, CH3COO, HCOO and C2O4;
z is 0 to 20; and
x and y are integers independently ranging from 1 to 20.

19. The process as claimed in claim 17, wherein the molar ratio of the compound of formula (I) to said hydrogen donor ranges from 1:1 to 1:6.

20. The process as claimed in claim 17, wherein the weight ratio of the ionic fluid precursor to said medium ranges from 1:0.1 to 1:50.

21. The process as claimed in claim 18, wherein the amount of the medium ranges from 1 to 30 % of the total weight of the compound of formula (I) and hydrogen donor.

,TagSPECI:FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
The present disclosure relates to precursors of ionic fluid/liquid and processes for preparation thereof. The present disclosure also relates to a process for the preparation of ionic fluid/liquid.

BACKGROUND
Ionic compositions are the compounds in which ions are held together in a lattice structure by ionic bonds. The ionic compositions have high melting and boiling points and exhibit very low or no vapor pressure. The afore-stated properties render them innocuous from the human health and environment point of view. Ionic compositions find multifarious applications in fields such as synthetic chemistry, electrochemistry, pyrolysis and gasification.

Over the years many methods have been devised for the preparation of ionic liquids. U.S. Patent No. 4764440 disclose low temperature molten compositions, obtained by reacting, for example, trimethylphenylammonium chloride with aluminum trichloride at 45 0C. The resulting ionic composition has a low freezing point (around -75 oC); however, said composition has a drawback of water sensitivity because of the presence of aluminum trichloride.

Another US Patent No. 5731101 discloses a process for forming a low temperature molten ionic liquid composition by mixing metal halides such as aluminum halide, gallium halide, iron halide, copper halide, zinc halide, and indium halide and an alkyl-containing amine hydrohalide salt. Particularly, aluminum trichloride and ferric trichloride are employed as metal halides. The metal halides form anion containing polyatomic chloride bridge in the presence of the alkyl-containing amine hydrohalide salt. However, the process disclosed in US5731101 has a limitation in that it cannot be applied for the preparation of ionic liquids containing metal halides other that the metal halides mentioned above. For instance, a low temperature molten ionic liquid composition containing tin halide or nickel halide cannot be prepared by the process disclosed in US5731101.
Still another US Patent No. 6573405 discloses a method for preparing an ionic compound by reacting a quaternary ammonium compound of the formula R1 R 2R 3R 4N+ X- with a halide of zinc, tin or iron. However, the reaction is carried out at a temperature higher than 100 °C rendering the process energy inefficient.
Yet another US Patent No.7183433 discloses a method of preparing an ionic compound having a freezing point of up to 100° C by reacting amine salt of the formula R 1R 2R 3R 4N+X- with organic compound (II). US7183433 teaches that such types of reactions are generally endothermic and are usually carried out by heating to a temperature of at least 100° C. Particularly, US 7183433 discloses the reaction of choline chloride and organic compounds such as urea, oxalic acid and malonic acid at a temperature of 70oC. The reaction is energy inefficient as it is carried out at a high temperature.

US Patent No.7196221 discloses a method for preparing an ionic compound by reacting a quaternary ammonium compound of formula R 1R 2R 3R 4N+X- with a hydrated metal salt, which is a chloride, nitrate, sulphate or acetate of Li, Mg, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Bi, La Sn or Ce. The reaction for the preparation of ionic compound is carried out at a temperature of 120 oC.

US Patent Publication No. 20090247432 discloses a process for reacting a quaternary ammonium chloride such as choline chloride and a hydrogen donor such as urea. The reaction comprises combining the quaternary ammonium chloride and the hydrogen donor to form a mixture followed by heating the mixture to a temperature greater than 70 °C to obtain an ionic liquid.

The drawback associated with these prior art processes is that they are carried out at a high temperature making them energy inefficient and thus, uneconomical.

Accordingly, there is felt a need for a simple and energy efficient process for the preparation of ionic fluid precursors and ionic fluids. The present disclosure also envisages an ionic fluid precursor which exhibits a softening point less than 1500C and which can be converted to ionic fluid without precipitation of salt.

OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure are discussed herein below:

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide ionic fluid precursors.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a process for the preparation of ionic fluid precursors.

It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a cost-efficient and environment friendly process for the preparation of ionic fluid precursors.

It is still another object of the present disclosure provide to ionic fluid from ionic liquid precursor.

It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide a simple and energy efficient process for the preparation of ionic fluids.

It is a further an object of the present disclosure to ameliorate one or more problems of the prior art or to at least provide a useful alternative.

Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY
The present disclosure provides an ionic fluid pre-cursor being a reaction product of at least one compound of formula (I) and at least one hydrogen donor and having a softening point less than the melting point or softening point of said compound of formula (I)
MxAy.zH2O
Formula (I)

wherein,
M is independently selected from the group consisting of Na, K, Li, Mg, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Mo, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Sn, Pb, St, Bi, La, Ce, Al, Hg, Cs, Rb, Sr, V, Pd, Zr, Au, Pt, quarternary ammonium, immidazolium, phosphonium, pyridinium and pyrrolidinium,
A is independently selected from the group consisting of Cl, Br, F, I, NO3, SO4, CH3COO, HCOO and C2O4,
z is 0 to 20, and
x and y are integers independently ranging from 1 to 20.

Typically, said precursor is maintained at a temperature of not more than 400C.
Typically, during the preparation or storage of said ionic liquid pre-cursor and its conversion to ionic fluid, acidic fumes are not liberated in the form of compound of formula HxAy.
Typically, said ionic fluid pre-cursor is adapted to convert into ionic fluid without precipitation of salt.
Typically, said hydrogen donor is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of toluene-4-sulphonic acid monohydrate, oxalic acid, maleic acid, citric acid and methane sulfonic acid.
Typically, the molar ratio of compound of formula (I) to said hydrogen donor ranges from 1:1 to 1:6.
Typically, said ionic fluid precursor is capable of delivering a clear liquid when deployed as a constituent of a mixture comprising said ionic fluid precursor and at least one liquid medium and maintained at a temperature in the range of 10°C to 40 °C.
In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure there is also provided an ionic fluid comprising:
• an ionic fluid pre-cursor being a reaction product of at least one compound of formula (I) and at least one hydrogen donor and having a softening point less than the melting point or softening point of said compound of formula (I); and
• at least one liquid medium.
Typically, the liquid medium is selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, propan-1-ol, propan-2-ol, 1-butanol, isobutanol, 2-butanol, tert-butanol, dichloromethane, tetrahydrofuran, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, acetone, dimethylformamide, acetonitrile, dimethyl sulfoxide, formic acid, acetic acid, methyl ethyl ketone, dimethyl carbonate, diethyl ketone, acetic anhydride, acetone, tert-butyl methyl ether, diethyl amine, diethylene glycol, N,N-dimethylacetamide, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, ethylene glycol, glycerin, hexamethylphosphor amide, hexamethylphosphorous triamide, isoamyl alcohol, 2-methoxyethanol, 2-methoxyethyl acetate, 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone, nitromethane, propanoic acid, pyridine, hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen chloride and water.
Typically, the molar ratio of compound of formula (I) to said hydrogen donor ranges from 1:1 to 1:6 and the weight ratio of the ionic fluid precursor to said medium ranges from 1:0.1 to 1:50.
In accordance with still another aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a process for the preparation of an ionic fluid precursor having a softening point less than the melting point or softening point of said compound of formula (I); said process comprising mixing at least one compound of formula MxAy.zH2O (I) at a pre-determined proportion with at least one hydrogen donor at a temperature in the range of 0 oC to 40 oC in a mixer to obtain the precursor, wherein said ionic fluid precursor is capable of delivering a clear liquid when deployed as a constituent of a mixture comprising said ionic fluid precursor and at least one liquid medium and maintained at a temperature in the range of 0 °C to 150 °C.
Typically, the mixing is carried out by using at least one device selected from the group consisting of a planetary mixer, a ball mill, a rod mill, a pebble mill, a vibratory pebble mill, a screw mill, a hammer mill, a jet mill, a muller, an agitator, multiplicity of rotors, a single rotor, a single blade mixer, a multi-blade mixer, a vessel with single or multiple agitators, a vessel with at least one baffle, a vessel with at least one baffle and at least one agitator, a vessel with at least one baffle and at least one airjet, a vessel with at least one baffle, at least one agitator and at least one airjet, an ultrasound cavitator and a hydrodynamic cavitator.
In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a process for the preparation of ionic fluid; said process comprising the following steps:
• mixing at least one compound of formula MxAy.zH2O (I) with at least one hydrogen donor at a temperature in the range of 0 oC to 40 oC to obtain an ionic fluid precursor; and
• incorporating at least one medium to said ionic fluid precursor followed by mixing to obtain an ionic fluid.

Alternatively, the process for the preparation of ionic fluid comprises mixing a) at least one compound of formula MxAy.zH2O (I); b) at least one hydrogen donor; and c) at least one medium at a temperature in the range of 0 to 40 0C to obtain an ionic fluid.
Typically, the molar ratio of the compound of formula (I) to said hydrogen donor ranges from1:1 to 1:6 and the weight ratio of the ionic fluid precursor to said medium ranges from 1:0.1 to 1:50.
Typically, the amount of the medium ranges from 1 % to 30 % of the total weight of the compound of formula (I) and hydrogen donor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present disclosure provides an ionic fluid pre-cursor, a reaction product of at least one compound of formula (I) and at least one hydrogen donor. The ionic fluid pre-cursor of the present disclosure is characterized by the following features:
- The ionic fluid pre-cursor has a softening point less than the melting point or softening point of the starting material (compound of formula (I)),

- during the preparation or storage of the ionic liquid pre-cursor and its conversion to ionic fluid, acidic fumes are not liberated in the form of compound of formula HxAy,

- the ionic fluid pre-cursor of the present disclosure is adapted to convert into ionic fluid without precipitation of salt, and

- the ionic fluid pre-cursor is capable of delivering a clear liquid when deployed as a constituent of a mixture containing said ionic fluid precursor and at least one liquid medium and maintained at a temperature in the range of 10°C to 40 °C.
The compound of formula (I) is represented by:
MxAy.zH2O
wherein,
M is independently selected from the group consisting of Na, K, Li, Mg, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Mo, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Sn, Pb, St, Bi, La, Ce, Al, Hg, Cs, Rb, Sr, V, Pd, Zr, Au, Pt, quarternary ammonium, immidazolium, phosphonium, pyridinium and pyrrolidinium,
A is independently selected from the group consisting of Cl, Br, F, I, NO3, SO4, CH3COO, HCOO and C2O4,
z is 0 to 20, and
x and y are integers independently ranging from 1 to 20.
In accordance with the present disclosure the molar ratio of compound of formula (I) to the hydrogen donor is maintained from 1:1 to 1:6. The hydrogen donor employed in accordance with the present disclosure includes but is not limited to toluene-4-sulphonic acid monohydrate, oxalic acid, maleic acid, citric acid and methane sulfonic acid. The ionic fluid pre-cursor of the present disclosure is particularly maintained at a temperature of not more than 400C.

In accordance with another aspect, the present disclosure provides a simple and energy efficient process for the preparation of the ionic fluid precursor. The process involves mixing at least one compound of formula (I) with at least one hydrogen donor. The process of the present disclosure avoids the use of heat to prepare the ionic fluid precursor. Instead, the present disclosure focused on providing a process which involves utilization of physical mixing or mixing uing mechanical means. The mixing step in accordance with the present disclosure is carried out by using at least one device which includes but is not limited to a planetary mixer, a ball mill, a rod mill, a pebble mill, a vibratory pebble mill, a screw mill, a hammer mill, a jet mill, a muller, an agitator, multiplicity of rotors, a single rotor, a single blade mixer, a multi-blade mixer, a vessel with single or multiple agitators, a vessel with at least one baffle, a vessel with at least one baffle and at least one agitator, a vessel with at least one baffle and at least one airjet, a vessel with at least one baffle, at least one agitator and at least one airjet, an ultrasound cavitator and a hydrodynamic cavitator.
In accordance with the present disclosure the process is carried out at a temperature in the range of 0 oC to 40 oC. In another embodiment the process is carried out at a temperature ranging from 0 oC to 30 oC.
The resultant ionic fluid precursor exhibits a melting point less than 1500C, preferably, below 1250C.
The present disclosure also provides an ionic fluid containing the ionic fluid pre-cursor of the present disclosure and at least one liquid medium. The liquid medium includes but is not limited to methanol, ethanol, propan-1-ol, propan-2-ol, 1-butanol, isobutanol, 2-butanol, tert-butanol, dichloromethane, tetrahydrofuran, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, acetone, dimethylformamide, acetonitrile, dimethyl sulfoxide, formic acid, acetic acid, methyl ethyl ketone, dimethyl carbonate, diethyl ketone, acetic anhydride, acetone, tert-butyl methyl ether, diethyl amine, diethylene glycol, N,N-dimethylacetamide, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, ethylene glycol, glycerin, hexamethylphosphor amide, hexamethylphosphorous triamide, isoamyl alcohol, 2-methoxyethanol, 2-methoxyethyl acetate, 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone, nitromethane, propanoic acid, pyridine, hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen chloride and water. In accordance with the present disclosure the weight ratio of the compound of formula (I) to the medium is maintained from 1:0.1 to 1:50.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present disclosure there is also provided a process for the preparation of ionic fluid. The process involves the following steps:
In the first step, at least one compound of formula MxAy.zH2O (I) and at least one hydrogen donor selected from the group consisting of toluene-4-sulphonic acid monohydrate, oxalic acid, maleic acid, citric acid and methane sulfonic acid are mixed at a temperature ranging from 0 to 400C to obtain an ionic fluid precursor. The molar ratio of the compound of formula (I) to said hydrogen donor is maintained from 1:1 to 1:6.
In the next step, at least one medium selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, propan-1-ol, propan-2-ol, 1-butanol, isobutanol, 2-butanol, tert-butanol, dichloromethane, tetrahydrofuran, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, acetone, dimethylformamide, acetonitrile, dimethyl sulfoxide, formic acid, acetic acid, methyl ethyl ketone, dimethyl carbonate, diethyl ketone, acetic anhydride, acetone, tert-butyl methyl ether, diethyl amine, diethylene glycol, N,N-dimethylacetamide, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, ethylene glycol, glycerin, hexamethylphosphor amide, hexamethylphosphorous triamide, isoamyl alcohol, 2-methoxyethanol, 2-methoxyethyl acetate, 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone, nitromethane, propanoic acid, pyridine, hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen chloride and water is incorporated to the ionic fluid precursor followed by mixing to obtain an ionic fluid. The weight ratio of the formula (I) to the medium is maintained from 1:0.1 to 1: 50 to form ionic fluid. The amount of the medium employed ranges from 1 % to 30 % of the total weight of the compound of formula (I) and hydrogen donor.
Alternatively, the process involves mixing at least one compound of formula MxAy.zH2O (I), at least one hydrogen donor and at least one medium together to obtain the ionic fluid. The process is carried out at a temperature ranging from 00C to 400C. The molar ratio of the compound of formula (I) to the hydrogen donor ranges from 1:1 to 1:6, whereas the weight ratio of the compound of formula (I) to the medium ranges from 1:0.1 to 1:50.
The ionic fluid precursors and ionic fluids according to the present disclosure may be utilized for a wide variety of applications in chemical and electrochemical field. The particular applications include solubilizing various chemicals such as fatty acids, greases, oils, metals, metals oxides and complexes, cellulose and various organic solvents. The ionic fluid precursors and ionic fluids also are used in extraction and surface modification.
Ionic fluid precursors and ionic fluids of the present disclosure are also found to be useful as inert media, solvents, co-solvents, catalysts or chemical reagents in the wide range of temperatures. In other applications, fluid precursors and ionic fluids are found to be useful as co-solvent and catalyst where aqueous and non-aqueous polar solvents may be employed. In other application, fluid precursors and ionic fluids are found to be useful in pure form or dissolved form in aqueous media or non-aqueous media as catalyst or co-solvent for chemical reactions.
Ionic fluid precursors and ionic fluids found to be useful as acid catalysts for chemical reactions in both liquid form and immobilized state.
Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the following Examples, but the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
Example 1: Preparation of ionic fluid precursor

1.7 kilograms of p-Toluenesulfonic acid and 0.58 kilograms of sodium chloride were charged into different Hoppers. From the hoppers both the solids were passed through a screw conveyer to a planetary mixer operating at 80 rpm followed by mixing at 30o C to form an ionic fluid precursor which was thick semisolid paste.

Example 2: Preparation of ionic fluid precursor
0.518 kilograms of p-Toluenesulfonic acid and 0.382 kilograms of choline chloride (compound of formula I) were charged into different hoppers. From the hoppers both the solids were passed through a screw conveyer to a planetary mixer, operating at 80 rpm followed by mixing at 0oC to form ionic fluid precursor. The resultant ionic fluid precursor was viscous liquid.

Example 3: Preparation of ionic fluid
2.28 kilograms of ionic fluid precursor as prepared in example 1 was transferred to a stirring vessel. To this 1.7 kg of methanol was added at 30oC followed by mixing to obtain ionic fluid.

Example 4: Preparation of ionic fluid
0.9 kilograms of ionic fluid precursor as prepared in example 2 was transferred to a stirring vessel. To this precursor 0.0518 kilograms of methanol was added at 25oC followed by mixing to obtain ionic fluid.

Examples 5 to 43:
p-Toluenesulfonic acid and different salts in an equivalent molar ratio were charged into different Hoppers (refer the Table 1 below). From the hoppers both the solids were passed through a screw conveyer to planetary mixer to form an ionic fluid precursor at 25 0C.
Table 1:
Hydrogen Donor: Toluene-4-sulphonic acid monohydrate
Example Salt (melting point oC) State of resultant precursor (at oC)
Chlorides
5 Zinc Chloride (292oC) Semi Solid at 70
6 Ferric Chloride (306oC) Semi Solid at 81
7 Cobaltous Chloride (735oC) Semi Solid at 75
8 Cuprous Chloride (426oC) Semi Solid at 67
9 Mangenous Chloride (58oC) Semi Solid at 69
10 Nickel Chloride (140oC) Semi Solid at 60
11 Potassium Chloride (770oC) Semi Solid at 85
12 Stannous Chloride (247oC) Semi Solid at 74
13 Cesium Chloride (645oC) Semi Solid at 65
14 Mercury Chloride (276oC) Semi Solid at 84
Fluorides
15 Sodium Fluoride (993oC) Semi Solid at 105
16 Potassium Fluoride (858oC) Semi Solid at 110
17 Magnesium Fluoride (1261oC) Semi Solid 98
Sulphates
18 Sodium Sulphate (884oC) Semi Solid at 90
19 Zinc Sulphate (100oC) Semi Solid at 90
20 Aluminium Sulphate (86.5oC) Semi Solid at 76
21 Ammonium Ferric Sulphate (41oC) Semi Solid at 30
22 Magnesium Sulphate (150oC) Semi Solid at 20
23 Calcium Sulphate (1450oC) Semi Solid at 71
24 Ferrous Sulphate (70oC) Semi Solid at 56
25 Cupric Sulphate (150oC) Semi Solid at 71
26 Nickel Sulphate (53oC) Semi Solid at 69
27 Potassium Sulphate (1069oC) Semi Solid at 99
Nitrates
28 Sodium Nitrate (308oC) Semi Solid at 72
29 Aluminium Nitrate (73oC) Semi Solid at 38
30 Ammonium Nitrate (170oC) Semi Solid at 71
31 Potassium Nitrate (334oC) Semi Solid at 80
32 Nickel Nitrate (57oC) Semi Solid at 21
Bromides
33 Potassium Bromide (734oC) Semi Solid at 91
34 Cobalt Bromide (678oC) Semi Solid at 56
35 Cetylpyridinum Bromide (70oC) Semi Solid at 61
36 Lithium Bromide (552oC) Semi Solid at 121
Acetates
37 Sodium Acetate (324oC) Semi Solid at 20
38 Zinc Acetate (237oC) Semi Solid at 21
39 Ammonium Acetate (114oC) Semi Solid at 20
40 Cobalt Acetate (140oC) Semi Solid at 49
41 Manganese Acetate (210oC) Semi Solid at 51
42 Lead Acetate (280oC) Semi Solid at 21
Examples 43 to 85
The procedure of example 1 was followed except that oxalic acid was used instead of p-Toluenesulfonic acid (refer the Table 2 below).
Table 2:
Hydrogen Donor: Oxalic Acid
Example Salt (melting point oC) State of resultant precursor (at oC)
Chlorides
43 Sodium Chloride (801oC) Semi Solid at 89
44 Zinc Chloride (292oC) Semi Solid at 24
45 Ferric Chloride (306oC) Semi Solid at 23
46 Cobaltous Chloride (735oC) Semi Solid at 54
47 Cuprous Chloride (426oC) Semi Solid at 89
48 Mangenous Chloride (58oC) Semi Solid at76
49 Nickel Chloride (140oC) Semi Solid at 48
50 Potassium Chloride (770oC) Semi Solid at 79
51 Calcium Chloride (772oC) Semi Solid at 81
52 Stannous Chloride (247oC) Semi Solid at 24
53 Cesium Chloride (645oC) Semi Solid at 51
54 Magnesium Chloride (714oC) Semi Solid at 22
55 Mercury Chloride (276oC) Semi Solid at 99
56 Choline Chloride (302oC) Liquid at 20
Fluorides
57 Sodium Fluoride (993oC) Semi Solid at 79
58 Calcium Fluoride (1418oC) Semi Solid at 101
59 Potassium Fluoride (858oC) Semi Solid at 64
60 Magnesium Fluoride (1261oC) Semi Solid at 109
Sulphates
61 Sodium Sulphate (884oC) Semi Solid at 81
62 Zinc Sulphate (100oC) Semi Solid at 19
63 Aluminium Sulphate (87oC) Semi Solid at 54
64 Ammonium Ferric Sulphate (41oC) Semi Solid at 18
65 Magnesium Sulphate (150oC) Semi Solid at 73
66 Calcium Sulphate (1450oC) Semi Solid at 104
67 Ferrous Sulphate (70oC) Semi Solid at 28
68 Cupric Sulphate (150oC) Semi Solid at 21
69 Nickel Sulphate (53oC) Semi Solid at 36
70 Potassium Sulphate (1069oC) Semi Solid at 68

Nitrates
71 Sodium Nitrate (308oC) Semi Solid at 66
72 Aluminium Nitrate (73oC) Semi Solid at 28
73 Ammonium Nitrate (170oC) Semi Solid at 49
74 Potassium Nitrate (334oC) Semi Solid at 56
75 Nickel Nitrate (57oC) Semi Solid at 54
Bromides
76 Potassium Bromide (734oC) Semi Solid at 79
77 Cobalt Bromide (678oC) Semi Solid at 48
78 Cetylpyridinum Bromide (70oC) Semi Solid at 78
79 Lithium Bromide (552oC) Semi Solid at 22
Acetates
80 Sodium Acetate (324oC) Semi Solid at 21
81 Zinc Acetate (237oC) Semi Solid at 23
82 Ammonium Acetate (114oC) Semi Solid at 24
83 Cobalt Acetate (140oC) Semi Solid at 59
84 Manganese Acetate (210oC) Semi Solid at 74
85 Lead Acetate (280oC) Semi Solid at 49
Examples 86 to 124
The procedure of example 1 was followed except that maleic acid was used instead of p-Toluenesulfonic acid (refer the Table 3 below).

Table 3:
Hydrogen Donor: Maleic acid
Example Salt (melting point oC) State of resultant precursor (at oC)
Chlorides
86 Sodium Chloride (801oC) Semi Solid at 99
87 Zinc Chloride (292oC) Semi Solid at 101
88 Ferric Chloride (306oC) Semi Solid at 25
89 Cobaltous Chloride (735oC) Semi Solid at 79
90 Cuprous Chloride (426oC) Semi Solid at 111
91 Mangenous Chloride (58oC) Semi Solid at 116
92 Nickel Chloride (140oC) Semi Solid at 105
93 Potassium Chloride (770oC) Semi Solid at 98
94 Calcium Chloride (772oC) Semi Solid at 101
95 Stannous Chloride (247oC) Semi Solid at 84
96 Magnesium Chloride (714oC) Semi Solid at 93
97 Mercury Chloride (276oC) Semi Solid at 141
98 Choline Chloride (302oC) Liquid at 10
Fluorides
99 Sodium Fluoride (993oC) Semi Solid at 102
100 Potassium Fluoride (858oC) Semi Solid at 108
101 Magnesium Fluoride (1216oC) Semi Solid at 96

Sulphates
102 Sodium Sulphate (884oC) Semi Solid at 134
103 Zinc Sulphate (100oC) Semi Solid at 86
104 Ammonium Ferric Sulphate (47oC) Semi Solid at 50
105 Magnesium Sulphate (150oC) Semi Solid at 98
106 Calcium Sulphate (1450oC) Semi Solid at 100
107 Cupric Sulphate (150oC) Semi Solid at 121
108 Nickel Sulphate (53oC) Semi Solid at 130
109 Potassium Sulphate (1069oC) Semi Solid at 128
Nitrates
110 Sodium Nitrate (308oC) Semi Solid at 121
111 Aluminium Nitrate (73oC) Semi Solid at 76
112 Ammonium Nitrate (170oC) Semi Solid at 74
113 Potassium Nitrate (334oC) Semi Solid at 120
114 Nickel Nitrate (57oC) Semi Solid at 48

Bromides
115 Potassium Bromide (734oC) Semi Solid at 129
116 Cobalt Bromide (678oC) Semi Solid at 48
117 Cetylpyridinum Bromide (70oC) Semi Solid at 39
118 Lithium Bromide (552oC) Semi Solid at 61

Acetates
119 Sodium Acetate (324oC) Semi Solid at 49
120 Zinc Acetate (237oC) Semi Solid at 119
121 Ammonium Acetate (114oC) Semi Solid at 54
122 Cobalt Acetate (140oC) Semi Solid at 59
123 Manganese Acetate (210oC) Semi Solid at 57
124 Lead Acetate (280oC) Semi Solid at 55
Examples 125 to 167
The procedure of example 1 was followed except that citric acid was used instead of p-Toluenesulfonic acid (refer the Table 4 below).
Table 4:
Hydrogen Donor: Citric Acid
Example Salt (melting point oC) State of resultant precursor (at oC)
Chlorides
125 Zinc Chloride (292oC) Semi Solid at 20
126 Sodium Chloride (801oC) Semi Solid at 49
127 Ferric Chloride (306oC) Semi Solid at 23
128 Cobaltous Chloride (735oC) Semi Solid at 69
129 Cuprous Chloride (426oC) Semi Solid at 91
130 Mangenous Chloride (58oC) Semi Solid at 64
131 Nickel Chloride (140oC) Semi Solid at 49
132 Potassium Chloride (770oC) Semi Solid at 51
133 Calcium Chloride (772oC) Semi Solid at 56
134 Stannous Chloride (247oC) Semi Solid at 49
135 Cesium Chloride (645oC) Semi Solid at 29
136 Magnesium Chloride (714oC) Semi Solid at 98
137 Mercury Chloride (276oC) Semi Solid at 54
138 Choline Chloride (302oC) Semi Solid at 35
Fluorides
139 Sodium Fluoride (993oC) Semi Solid at 89
140 Calcium Fluoride (1418oC) Semi Solid at 101
141 Potassium Fluoride (858oC) Semi Solid at 90
142 Magnesium Fluoride (1261oC) Semi Solid at 58
Sulphates
143 Sodium Sulphate (884oC) Semi Solid at 63
144 Zinc Sulphate (100oC) Semi Solid at 72
145 Aluminium Sulphate (87oC) Semi Solid at 93
146 Ammonium Ferric Sulphate (41oC) Semi Solid at 44
147 Magnesium Sulphate (150oC) Semi Solid at 69
148 Calcium Sulphate (1450oC) Semi Solid at 99
149 Ferrous Sulphate (70oC) Semi Solid at 59
150 Cupric Sulphate (150oC) Semi Solid at 73
151 Nickel Sulphate (53oC) Semi Solid at 38
152 Potassium Sulphate (1069oC) Semi Solid at 76

Nitrates
153 Sodium Nitrate (308oC) Semi Solid at 54
154 Aluminium Nitrate (73oC) Semi Solid at 49
155 Ammonium Nitrate (170oC) Semi Solid at 22
156 Potassium Nitrate (334oC) Semi Solid at 73
157 Nickel Nitrate (57oC) Semi Solid at 52
Bromides
158 Potassium Bromide (734oC) Semi Solid at 54
159 Cobalt Bromide (678oC) Semi Solid at 59
160 Cetylpyridinum Bromide (70oC) Semi Solid at 72
161 Lithium Bromide (552oC) Semi Solid at 24
Acetates
162 Sodium Acetate (324oC) Semi Solid at 21
163 Zinc Acetate (237oC) Semi Solid at 59
164 Ammonium Acetate (114oC) Semi Solid at 22
165 Cobalt Acetate (140oC) Semi Solid at 58
166 Manganese Acetate (210oC) Semi Solid at 59
167 Lead Acetate (280oC) Semi Solid at 58
Examples 168 to 206
The procedure of example 1 was followed except that methane sulfonic was used instead of p-Toluenesulfonic acid (refer the Table 5 below).

Table 5:
Hydrogen Donor: Methane sulfonicacid
Example Salt (melting point oC) State of the resultant precursor (at oC)
Chlorides
168 Zinc Chloride (292oC) Semi Solid at 22
169 Sodium Chloride (801oC) Semi Solid at 22
170 Ferric Chloride (306oC) Semi Solid at 22
171 Cobaltous Chloride (735oC) Semi Solid at 22
172 Cuprous Chloride (426oC) Semi Solid at 22
173 Mangenous Chloride (58oC) Semi Solid at 22
174 Nickel Chloride (140oC) Semi Solid at 22
175 Potassium Chloride (770oC) Semi Solid at 22
176 Calcium Chloride (772oC) Semi Solid at 22
177 Stannous Chloride (247oC) Semi Solid at 22
178 Magnesium Chloride (714oC) Semi Solid at 22
179 Mercury Chloride (276oC) Semi Solid at 22
180 Choline Chloride (302oC) Liquid at 0
Fluorides
181 Sodium Fluoride (993oC) Semi Solid at 22
182 Calcium Fluoride (1418oC) Semi Solid at 22
183 Potassium Fluoride (858oC) Semi Solid at 22
184 Magnesium Fluoride (1261oC) Semi Solid at 22

Sulphates
185 Sodium Sulphate (884oC) Semi Solid at 22
186 Zinc Sulphate (100oC) Semi Solid at 22
187 Ammonium Ferric Sulphate (41oC) Semi Solid at 22
188 Magnesium Sulphate (150oC) Semi Solid at 22
189 Calcium Sulphate (1450oC) Semi Solid at 22
190 Cupric Sulphate (150oC) Semi Solid at 22
191 Nickel Sulphate (53oC) Semi Solid at 22
192 Potassium Sulphate (1069oC) Semi Solid at 22
Nitrates
193 Sodium Nitrate (308oC) Semi Solid at 22
194 Aluminium Nitrate (73oC) Semi Solid at 22
195 Ammonium Nitrate (170oC) Semi Solid at 22
196 Potassium Nitrate (334oC) Semi Solid at 22
197 Nickel Nitrate (57oC) Semi Solid at 22
Bromides
198 Potassium Bromide (734oC) Semi Solid at 22
199 Cobalt Bromide (678oC) Semi Solid at 22
200 Cetylpyridinum Bromide (70oC) Semi Solid at 22
201 Lithium Bromide (552oC) Semi Solid at 22

Acetates
202 Sodium Acetate (324oC) Semi Solid at 22
203 Zinc Acetate (237oC) Semi Solid at 22
204 Ammonium Acetate (114oC) Semi Solid at 22
205 Cobalt Acetate (140oC) Semi Solid at 22
206 Lead Acetate (280oC) Semi Solid at 22

Examples 207-408: Preparation of ionic fluid
The procedure of example 3 was followed to prepare ionic fluid from the Ionic fluid precursors of examples 5-206.
Solvents employed for the preparation of ionic fluid are as follows:

Examples 207 to 244- methanol,

Examples 245 to 287 - water,

Examples 288 to 326 –dimethyl formamide

Examples 327 to 369- acetic acid

Examples 370 to 408- ethylene glycol

Example 409: Preparation of ionic fluid

0.9 kilograms of oxalic acid and 1.36 kilograms of zinc chloride were charged into different hoppers. From the hoppers both the solids were passed through a screw mixer and simultaneously 0.09 kilograms of methanol was also introduced to the screw mixer from another vessel to a planetary mixer at 80 rpm to form in-situ ionic fluid at 28 0C.

The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

Technical advancement and economic significance
• The present disclosure provides preparation of ionic fluid pre-cursor at low temperature i.e. 0 to 400C.
• The present disclosure provides preparation of ionic fluid pre-cursor without employing any liquid medium.
• The present disclosure provides preparation of ionic fluid pre-cursor using mechanical means such as mixer, thus energy input is not through heat and hence the process is a low temperature process.
• The present disclosure provides ionic fluid pre-cursor which is not a mere mixture and has different physical characteristic feature from both constituents viz. respective Compound (I) and hydrogen donor compound, and is shelf stable.
• The ionic liquid pre-cursor of the present disclosure is capable of delivering clear liquid at a temperature up to 1500C without assistance of any liquid medium.
• The present disclosure also provides preparation of ionic fluid using very low amount of liquid medium [0.1 wt % w.r.t compound of formula (I)] at a temperature of 0 to 400C without employing heat.
• There is no loss of ionic strength by acid fume liberation during preparation and shelf life of said ionic fluid precursor and also during converting to respective ionic fluid by assistance of liquid medium
• There is no salt formation and hence no requirement of filtration.
• The ionic fluid pre-cursor of the present disclosure is capable of delivering clear ionic fluid without liquid medium at low temperature.
• Liquid medium is optionally added for the benefit of deployment in reactions. e.g. for making the ionic fluid pre-cursor low viscous, breaking the gel nature of the ionic fluid pre-cursor and the like.

Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the invention to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.

The numerical values given for various physical parameters, dimensions and quantities are only approximate values and it is envisaged that the values higher than the numerical value assigned to the physical parameters, dimensions and quantities fall within the scope of the invention and the claims unless there is a statement in the specification to the contrary.

While certain embodiments of the inventions have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Variations or modifications in the process or compound or formulation or combination of this invention, within the scope of the invention, may occur to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the disclosure herein. Such variations or modifications are well within the spirit of this invention. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the invention.