The structure of halogenometallate complexes dissolved in both basic and acidic room-temperature halogenoaluminate(III) ionic liquids, as determined by EXAFS

The salts [MeEtim]2[MCl4]([MeEtim]+= 1-methyl-3-ethylimidazolium; M = Mn, Co, or Ni) are shown by EXAFS to dissolve in basic [MeEtim]Cl–AlCl3 ionic liquids to yield four-co-ordinate [MCl4]2–, and to dissolve in acidic [MeEtim]Cl–AlCl3 ionic liquids to yield six-co-ordinate [M(AlCl4)3]– anions.