GENERAL STEPS: Synthesis of 1,2-dimethyl-3-propyl-1H-imidazol-3-ium iodide was carried out according to Scheme 1. A mixture of 1,2-dimethylimidazole (7.78 mL, 100 mmol) and 1-iodopropane (9.74 mL, 50 mmol) was heated and reacted at 120°C under microwave radiation conditions. Upon completion of the reaction, the solvent was removed from the reaction mixture by evaporation under reduced pressure, followed by washing the product with ether (5 x 20 mL) several times to remove excess 1-iodopropane. Afterwards, the solvent was removed and the product was dried under vacuum for 8 h. High purity 1,2-dimethyl-3-propyl-1H-imidazol-3-ium iodide was obtained as a light yellow liquid in 92% yield.
