Ionic compounds with a freezing point of up to 100.degree. C. are formed
by the reaction of an one amine salt of formula (I)
R.sup.1R.sup.2R.sup.3R.sup.4N.sup.+X.sup.-, such as choline chloride with
an organic compound (II) capable of forming a hydrogen bond with X; such
as urea, wherein the molar ration of I to II is from 1:1.5 to 1:2.5.
R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 may be H, optionally substituted
C.sub.1 to C.sub.5 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.6 to C.sub.10
cycloalkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.6 to C.sub.12 aryl, optionally
substituted C.sub.7 to C.sub.12 alkaryl, or R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 taken
together may represent a C.sub.4 to C.sub.10 optionally substituted
alkylene group, thereby forming with the N atom of formula I a 5 to
11-membered heterocyclic ring and all of R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and
R.sup.4 are not identical, X.sup.- may be NO.sub.3.sup.-, F, Cl.sup.-,
Br.sup.-, I.sup.-, BF.sub.4.sup.-, ClO.sub.4.sup.-, CN.sup.-,
SO.sub.3CF.sub.3.sup.-, or COOCF.sub.3.sup.-. The ionic compounds are
useful as solvents, and electrolytes for example in electroplating,
electrowinning, and electropolishing, and as catalysts.