The electrochemical deposition of magnesium was investigated in the ionic liquids 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (EMImBF(4)), 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium triflate (BMP TfO), and 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl) amide (BMP Tf2N). The electrochemical window of the imidazolium ionic liquid was insufficient for reduction of magnesium triflate, whereas the BMP systems can be used for the reduction of several magnesium salts. Studies of the reduction of other magnesium salts were carried out in nonaqueous solvents such as propylene carbonate for comparison with the work in ionic liquids. Stripping peaks for magnesium were observed in solutions of phenylmagnesium chloride in BMP Tf2N at elevated temperatures (150 degrees C). (c) 2007 The Electrochemical Society.