Multifunctional long-alkyl-chain quaternary ammonium azolate based ionic liquidsElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: 1H and 13C NMR spectra, DSC curves and TGA curves. See DOI: 10.1039/c0nj00228c.

A new group of quaternary ammonium ionic liquids with azolate (benzotriazolate, 1,2,4-triazolate, 4-nitroimidazolate, 2-methyl-4-nitroimidazolate) anions was prepared and characterized. The synthetic method employed was easy and quick, and required a polar solvent. The obtained ionic liquids were tested as anti-microbial and anti-fungal plant protection agents. Additionally, the surface-active properties and the phytotoxicity of the quaternary ammonium azolates were also studied. These clearly defined ionic liquids were found to be very effective anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]