In this work, we
discussed and compared new acoustic (speed of
sound), transport (viscosity), surface (surface tension and contact
angle on stainless steel and glass), and thermophysical properties
with special regard for compressibilities and isobaric thermal expansion
of 1,3-diethylimidazolium ethyl sulfate ([C2C2im][EtSO4]) with those of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium
ethyl sulfate ([C2C1im][EtSO4]), the reference mineral, synthetic, and biodegradable oils as well
as hydraulic oils for use as hydraulic fluids. The refractive indices,
NMR spectra, and cytotoxicities of [C2C1im][EtSO4] and [C2C2im][EtSO4] were also investigated. [C2C1im][EtSO4] and [C2C2im][EtSO4] have low isothermal compressibility and isobaric thermal expansion
values, which are weakly dependent on the pressure and temperature.
The viscosity, surface tension, and contact angle of [C2C2im][EtSO4] are more similar to that
of commercial hydraulic oils than [C2C1im][EtSO4]. The investigated ILs have a 20 times lower toxicity on
normal fibroblast from human new-born skin than that of bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide-based
ILs. The presented results show that [C2C2im][EtSO4] can potentially be used as a hydraulic fluid in the same
way as [C2C1im][EtSO4].