With reference to “ionic liquids”, consider the following statements:
1. All ionic liquids are excellent conductors of electricity and self-ionize like water.
2. They are composed entirely of ions and exist in liquid state at relatively low temperatures.
3. They are highly volatile and contribute significantly to air pollution.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Question

With reference to &ldquo;ionic liquids&rdquo;, consider the following statements:
1. All ionic liquids are excellent conductors of electricity and self-ionize like water.
2. They are composed entirely of ions and exist in liquid state at relatively low temperatures.
3. They are highly volatile and contribute significantly to air pollution.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

Scientists have discovered that rocky super-Earths with volcanic activity and limited water could still support life due to the presence of ionic liquids.

Statement 1 is not correct: Ionic liquids are composed of ions, so they conduct electricity, but they are often moderate to poor conductors, not "excellent" conductors. Also, they do not self-ionize like water; self-ionization is a unique property of water and a few other molecules, not ionic liquids in general.

Statement 2 is correct: Ionic liquids are salts composed entirely of ions and remain liquid at relatively low temperatures (often below 100&deg;C), distinguishing them from ordinary salts which are solid at room temperature.

Statement 3 is not correct: Ionic liquids have extremely low vapor pressure, making them practically non-volatile. This characteristic reduces air pollution risks, unlike volatile organic compounds.

Ionic Liquids

Properties and Characteristics

Website Link

Test Your Knowledge

Student Resources


M Question 1	⏱ 0
With reference to “ionic liquids”, consider the following statements: 1. All ionic liquids are excellent conductors of electricity and self-ionize like water. 2. They are composed entirely of ions and exist in liquid state at relatively low temperatures. 3. They are highly volatile and contribute significantly to air pollution. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3