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.