Here,
we present how replacing the usual inorganic counter ion
with a pharmaceutically active aromatic one can greatly affect the
interfacial as well as bulk properties of ionic liquids (ILs). We
have synthesized a series of novel drug-based ILs, namely, 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium
diclofenate ([C
n
mim][DF];
n
= 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14) abbreviated as DF-ILs, wherein DF
–
is a well-recognized analgesic and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drug. We show strong synergistic interactions between C
n
mim
+
and aromatic DF
–
attributed to reduced electrostatic repulsions and increased hydrophobicity
from their incorporation, reflecting a 300-fold smaller critical aggregation
concentration than that of their Cl
–
analogue [C
n
mim][Cl]. Interfacial properties for such strongly
associating systems are discussed and clearly established to have
remarkably improved properties than those of their Cl
–
analogues. The decreasing polarity of the cybotactic region of pyrene
with increase in the chain length “
n
”
indicates an increased extent of packing of cationic head groups in
the Stern layer. DF
–
ion seems to play a vital role
in the formation of the resulting aggregates, as probed by small angle
neutron scattering and transmission electron microscopy. The thermodynamical
insights of the aggregation process have been studied using isothermal
titration calorimetry and temperature-dependent conductivity experiments.
Unilamellar vesicles are formed at extremely low concentration, and
also it is the first report that puts into picture the formation of
vesicles for [C
6
mim][DF] with such a short chain.