This work was carried out in collaboration between all authors. Author SB performed all analysesspectroscopic, thermogravimetric and titrimetric analyses and determined the moisture content in ionic liquids. Authors LF and LK synthesized N,N'-dialkylimidazolium dimethyl phosphates and chlorides, as well as measured rates of condensation reactions. Author AZ designed the study, managed the literature searches and wrote the first draft of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Bryophytes are the second largest taxonomic group in the plant kingdom; yet, studies conducted to better understand their chemical composition are rare. The aim of this study was to characterize the chemical composition of bryophytes common in Northern Europe by using elemental, spectral, and non-destructive analytical methods, such as Fourier transform IR spectrometry (FT-IR), solid-phase (13) C-NMR spectrometry, and pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS), for the purpose of investigating their chemotaxonomic relationships on the basis of chemical-composition data. The results of all these analyses showed that bryophytes consist mainly of carbohydrates. Judging by FT-IR spectra, the OH groups in combination of CO groups were the most abundant groups. The (13) C-NMR spectra provided information on the presence of such compounds as phenolics and lipids. It was found that the amount of phenolic compounds in bryophytes is relatively small. This finding definitely confirmed the absence of lignin in the studied bryophytes. Cluster analysis was used to better understand differences in the chemical composition of bryophyte samples and to evaluate possible usage of these methods in the chemotaxonomy of bryophytes.

(2-Hydroxyethyl)ammonium lactates have been prepared by reactions of the corresponding (2-hydroxyethyl) amines with lactic acid and characterized by their 1 H NMR, IR, and mass spectra. They have been quantitatively analyzed by HPLC, and their water contents have been determined by the Karl-Fischer method. The title salts are low-melting solids or viscous liquids, and they belong to the class of polar, hydrophilic ionic liquids. The toxicity and chemical and biological degradation of the synthesized ionic liquids have been evaluated by methods described in European Standards. The measurements showed these ionic liquids to be highly biodegradable and only slightly toxic substances. Condensation reactions of benzaldehyde with ethyl cyanoacetate and with acetophenone have been performed in these materials as solvents. The possibility of simultaneously applying these ionic liquids as both solvents and catalysts for the mentioned reactions has been demonstrated, as well as repeated use of the same ionic liquid for a number of condensation reactions without any purification.

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