Stability analysis of the superoxide ion generated in trihexyl (tetradecyl) phosphonium bis (trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide ionic liquid

Superoxide ion has been generated in ionic liquid trihexyl (tetradecyl) phosphonium bis (trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide, [PI4, 666][N(Tf)₂]. Cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry techniques were used for the electrochemical generation of 0₂'~, while chemical generation was done by adding K0₂ to DMSO. The long term stability of 0₂'~ was investigated using UV/Vis spectrophotometer. It was found that the quaternary phosphonium cation, [PI 4, 666]⁺ is a reasonably safe cation for the generation of 0₂'~ which indicates the possible use of ILs involving it for further useful applications.