Synthesis and anti-microbial activity of hydroxylammonium ionic liquids

[Display omitted] ► We synthesize eight new room temperature ionic liquids (ILs). ► Synthesis is via acid–base neutralization of ethanolamines with organic acids. ► Characterization is via IR and NMR spectroscopies and elemental analysis. ► All eight ILs are toxic to Staphylococcus aureus. ► Two ILs show high anti-microbial activity against a wide range of human pathogens. Eight hydroxylammonium-based room temperature ionic liquids (ILs) have been synthesized by acid–base neutralization of ethanolamines with organic acids. The ILs were characterized by infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies and elemental analysis. Their anti-microbial activities were determined using the well-diffusion method. All eight ILs were toxic to Staphylococcus aureus, while 2-hydroxyethylammonium lactate and 2-hydroxy-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-methylethanaminium acetate showed high anti-microbial activity against a wide range of human pathogens.