A novel class of ionic liquids and methods for their preparation are disclosed. Specifically, these novel ionic liquids can be derived from anionic surfactants, such as alkyl aryl sulfonates, and mid-chain branched derivatives of alkyl sulfates, alkyl alkoxy sulfates, and alkyl aryl sulfonates. In addition, novel ionic liquids can be derived from other anionic surfactants, such as methyl ester sulfonates (MES), alkyl glycerol ether sulfonates, and alpha olefin sulfonates. Anions may be paired with a variety of cations to achieve various advantageous properties. The present invention also relates to compositions containing these novel ionic liquids and method of using the same.