Chemistry
How Counterions Influence the Stability of Ionic Liquids
Quick fact
Some ionic liquids remain liquid down to -96°C, a staggering contrast to traditional salts that require extreme heat to melt.
Why this is interesting
Think of a salt like table salt—it melts at 800°C. Yet, by swapping one of its ions for a bulky, awkward partner, the same salt becomes a liquid at room temperature. What's the secret?