This study was carried out for the comparison of thermal properties that determine various conditions and methods, including the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (DTG) and the Boetius heated stage. Series of 1-alkyl-3-methylpyridinium chloride- and bromide-based ionic liquids having alkylic chain lengths ranging from C-2 to C-10 were synthesized, and their thermal characteristics were defined: glass transitions, melting and decomposition. Detailed thermal properties of ionic liquids, obtained in this work, can be useful in a variety of chemical engineering processes that are related with their application. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.