Green dual-action potential of newly synthesized sulfonamide-based ionic liquids: larvicidal activity against Culex pipiens and purification of oil-polluted water

Abstract

The discovery of novel ionic liquids incorporating a sulfonamide moiety has attracted significant attention owing to their unique bioactive properties and versatile applications. The present study focuses on the design, spectroscopic characterization, and evaluation of the petroleum-dispersing and insecticidal activities of seven newly synthesized compounds (4a–e, 5c, and 5e). The synthesized ionic liquid compounds were successfully characterized by spectroscopic methods. Their efficiency in dispersing or collecting thin films of petroleum was evaluated in various water systems. Notably, most of the compounds, especially 4d, demonstrated strong capabilities in removing petroleum films from water. Additionally, the larvicidal activity of the compounds was evaluated against Culex pipiens, one of the most hazardous mosquito vectors. Among them, compounds 4d, 4b, and 5e exhibited significant potency, with LC₅₀ values of 161.03, 207.82, and 229.72 ppm, respectively. These compounds were found to be more effective than 5c, showing 3.07-, 2.38-, and 2.15-fold higher activity. In conclusion, the synthesized compounds demonstrated a dual functionality: efficiently dispersing or collecting oil films from water while also exhibiting larvicidal activity against aquatic Culex pipiens larvae, with compound 4d showing the highest efficacy. Hence, these compounds hold promise for application in both water purification and mosquito control.