Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 3, 2026
Pretreatment of Lignocellulosic Biomass with Low-cost Ionic Liquids
Published on: August 10, 2016
Ionic Liquids for Topical Delivery in Cancer
Ana Rita Dias1,2, João Costa-Rodrigues1,3,4,5, Cátia Teixeira1,2
1Ciências Químicas e das Biomoléculas, Centro de Investigação em Saúde e Ambiente, Escola Superior de Saúde do Porto, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
Abstract:
The unique properties of ionic liquids make them quite appealing for diverse applications, from "green" solvents (1st generation ionic liquids) to finely tuned materials (2nd generation ionic liquids). A decade ago, a 3rd generation of ionic liquids emerged which is focused on their prospective clinical applications, either as drugs per se or as adjuvants in drug formulations. In recent years, research focused on the use of ionic liquids for topical drug delivery has been increasing and holds great promise towards clinical application against skin cancers. This article highlights the growing relevance of ionic liquids in medicinal chemistry and pharmaceutical technology, which is opening new windows of opportunity.
Related Concept Videos
03:10Ionic Radii
00:42Ionic Bonds
When atoms gain or lose electrons to achieve a more stable electron configuration they form ions. Ionic bonds are electrostatic attractions between ions with opposite charges. Ionic compounds are rigid and brittle when solid and may dissociate into their constituent ions in water. Covalent compounds, by contrast, remain intact unless a chemical reaction breaks them.
Opposing Charges Hold Ions Together in Ionic Compounds
Ionic bonds are reversible electrostatic interactions between ions...
02:54Molecular and Ionic Solids
Molecular Solids
Molecular crystalline solids, such as ice, sucrose (table sugar), and iodine, are solids that are composed of neutral molecules as their constituent units. These molecules are held together by weak intermolecular forces such as London dispersion forces, dipole-dipole interactions, or hydrogen bonds, which...
02:55Solubility of Ionic Compounds
02:42Ionic Crystal Structures
Most monatomic ions behave as charged spheres, and their attraction for ions of opposite charge is the same in every direction. Consequently, stable structures for ionic compounds result (1) when ions of one charge are surrounded by as many ions as possible of the opposite...
03:34Ionic Compounds: Formulas and Nomenclature