Synthesis and anti-microbial activity of hydroxylammonium ionic liquids

Eight hydroxylammonium-based room temperature ionic liquids (ILs) have been synthesized by acid–
base neutralization of ethanolamines with organic acids. The ILs were characterized by infrared and
nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies and elemental analysis. Their anti-microbial activities were
determined using the well-diffusion method. All eight ILs were toxic to Staphylococcus aureus, while 2-
hydroxyethylammonium lactate and 2-hydroxy-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-methylethanaminium acetate showed
high anti-microbial activity against a wide range of human pathogens.