The antibacterial activity of a series of ionic liquids containing short-chained 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium cations ([Cnmim+]; n = 2, 4,6 and 8) and bis (trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide anion ([Tf2N]) against E. coli and B. subtilis was measured, for the first time. All ILs used in this work were synthesized and analyzed by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, NMR, and Karl-Fischer titration. Antimicrobial activity was determined by the tube dilution method. The ILs investigated showed antibacterial activity against E. coli and B. subtilis. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were in the ranges of 0.041-6.39 mM and 0.67-12.78 mM, respectively. The antibacterial activity for ionic liquids with longer alkyl chain (n ≥ 4) increased with increasing alkyl chain length. The highest inhibition against E. coli was found for [C8mim][Tf2N] (MIC = 0.041 mM and MBC = 0.67 mM). The mechanism of action of these ionic liquids was bacteriostatic.

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