The functionality at the C-2 position of the imidazole ring plays a key role in defining the chemical properties of the imidazoles and their corresponding ionic liquids. Imidazoles 1− 6 with different C-2 functionality were synthesized and their corresponding ionic liquids were systematically investigated. Based on their physical properties the six imidazoles can be divided into three groups.(1) The imidazoles 2 and 3 are capable of self-polymerization to ...